Winter weather can be rough on your skin. Cold air outside, dry heat inside, frequent handwashing, and hot showers can all lead to dryness, itching, and flares of eczema or dermatitis. For many people, winter skin irritation is uncomfortable but manageable but sometimes a rash or skin change can signal infection, an allergic reaction, or another condition that needs medical attention.
Table of Contents
This guide explains the most common winter skin issues, what you can do at home, and when to visit urgent care.
Why Skin Gets Worse in Winter
Winter conditions can weaken your skin barrier and make it harder for your skin to hold moisture. Common winter triggers include:
- Cold, windy outdoor air
- Low humidity indoors
- Hot showers
- Harsh soaps or sanitizers
- Wearing wool or irritating fabrics
- Increased handwashing
Common Winter Skin Issues
Dry Skin (Xerosis)
Dry skin may look flaky or “ashy” and may feel tight or itchy. It’s common on hands, legs, and face.
Eczema Flares
Eczema often causes red, itchy patches that may crack or become inflamed. Winter dryness can trigger flares even for people who are usually well-controlled.
Contact Dermatitis
This happens when skin reacts to an irritant or allergen (soap, detergent, fragrance, sanitizer, metals, or certain fabrics). It can look like a rash, irritation, or bumps.
Cracked Skin and Fissures
Hands and heels may crack from dryness. Deep cracks can be painful and may bleed and they can increase the risk of infection
What Helps Winter Skin at Home
Many winter skin issues improve with consistent skin care habits.
Helpful steps include:
- Use a fragrance-free moisturizer daily (especially after bathing)
- Apply thick ointments or creams instead of lotions
- Take shorter showers with lukewarm water
- Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps
- Wear gloves in cold weather
- Use a humidifier indoors
- Protect hands by moisturizing after washing
When a Rash Could Be Something More Serious
While many winter skin issues are harmless, some symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Seek medical care if you notice:
- Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
- Pus, drainage, or crusting
- Fever
- Severe pain or rapidly spreading rash
- Rash on the face with swelling
- Hives with breathing trouble or lip/tongue swelling
- A rash that won’t improve with basic care
These signs may indicate infection, an allergic reaction, or another condition that needs treatment.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Skin Symptoms
Urgent care can help if your skin symptoms are worsening or interfering with daily life. You may want to be seen if:
- Your rash is spreading or extremely itchy
- You suspect an infection
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
- Your eczema flare is severe
- You have painful cracked skin that’s not healing
How AFC Supports You
AFC Urgent Care can evaluate rashes, skin irritation, and possible infections. If you need prescription treatment, guidance on symptom relief, or follow-up recommendations, our providers can help you understand what’s going on and what to do next.
What to Remember About Winter Skin Problems
Winter can trigger dryness, rashes, and eczema flares but you don’t have to suffer through it. Good skin care can help prevent irritation, and urgent care can help if symptoms worsen or show signs of infection.
Visit AFC Urgent Care for rash evaluation and treatment. Walk-ins welcome, or schedule an appointment online.
