Eczema Awareness Week 2026: 10 Expert Tips for Winter Eczema
Eczema Awareness Week 2026 runs from 12–19 September, with this year's theme highlighting the hidden burden of living with eczema: “It’s not just skin.” Eczema Association
For people living with eczema, the condition can affect much more than the appearance of their skin. Persistent itching, discomfort and flare-ups can have an impact on sleep, daily routines and overall quality of life.
As autumn and winter approach, colder temperatures, changes in temperature and dry conditions can be particularly challenging for eczema-prone skin. Some people find that their symptoms become worse during the colder months, particularly on exposed areas such as the hands and face.
To mark Eczema Awareness Week 2026, renowned chemist Bruce Green shares 10 practical tips for caring for eczema-prone skin and preparing for the colder months.
Timing is Everything
“Try to treat your dry or itchy skin early, as it can make your treatment that much more effective. Apply a topical product like SOS Serum at the first signs of itchiness or skin tightness. Ensure you are moisturising twice a day to keep the skin moist”
Manage Your Triggers
“Common triggers could be soap, laundry products, house dust mites, animal fur, pollens, moulds, temperature and climate, food/diet, alcohol and stress. Keep a record of how your eczema responds to cutting out certain foods such as dairy. Learn to identify why you get a flare up and find ways to avoid situations where you tend to scratch.”
Hydrate
“Ensure that skin is kept hydrated on a regular basis. At least 8 glasses of water per day is preferable. Those eight glasses can include cups of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or your other favourite warm winter beverage.”
Eczema-Proof Your Home
“Keep your home well ventilated & your bedroom cool. A damp environment encourages mould and provides a good home for house dust mites.”
Laundry & Clothing
Avoid fabric softener - the fewer residues that are left on freshly cleaned clothes the better. Wear comfortable clothes which won’t irritate - cotton clothing keeps skin cool and allows it to breathe.
Washing
“Avoid soap and bubble bath as they dry the skin & many contain detergents which remove natural oil from the skin. Bathe or shower in tepid (not hot) water. Avoid soaking in baths for long periods as hot water may remove the natural oils from the skin. After a bath or shower, apply your cream or serum just before your skin is dry, as this will help the product to be absorbed better.”
Protect your hands
“Wear rubber gloves when washing up or cleaning. When outside in the cold weather, choose leather or cotton gloves to protect your hands from the cold air.”
Take a Vitamin D Supplement
“Taking vitamin D supplements in the winter may improve eczema flare-ups, according to a recent study which found a reduction in winter eczema symptoms.”
Dietary changes
“Some foods, such as eggs and cows' milk, can trigger eczema symptoms. Try to cut these from your diet if topical treatments alone are not working. However, remember that you should not make significant changes to your diet without first speaking to a GP first.”
Know When To See A Professional
“When you can't break the itch and scratch routine, I would recommend seeing a healthcare professional. Some warning signs to look out for: persistent itch, trouble sleeping, or redness and inflammation with yellow crusting, as this could be a sign of infection.”
Can SOS Serum help soothe eczema-prone skin?
For those looking for additional support for dry, uncomfortable or eczema-prone skin, SOS Serum is an oil-free skincare serum formulated to provide a cooling and moisturising sensation.
Its formula combines Wasabi and Burdock Leaf Extracts with refined Peppermint Extract to provide a cooling, soothing feel when applied to the skin.
SOS Serum can form part of a wider skincare routine for people who experience dry or uncomfortable skin.
This year to acknowledge National Eczema Week & to help support your skin, we are offering 15% off our entire range using code ‘Serum15’ until 21st September 2026 at 23.59.