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Dry, Cracked Skin in Winter? Causes, Relief Tips, and When to See an Allergist in Exton, PA

by | Nov 19, 2025 | Uncategorized

By Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center – Serving Exton, Downingtown, West Chester & Chester County, PA

Winter in Pennsylvania brings cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating — the perfect recipe for dry, cracked, itchy skin. For many children and adults, winter skin isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to burning, bleeding, eczema flare-ups, and even infections.

At Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center in Exton, PA, we help families across Chester County manage winter skin problems tied to eczema, allergies, and sensitive skin. Here’s what you need to know this season.

❄️ Why Winter Causes Cracked Skin

Cold weather triggers several changes that make skin more vulnerable:

1. Low Humidity Outdoors

Dry winter air pulls moisture from the skin, breaking down the natural barrier that keeps your skin soft.

2. Indoor Heating

Forced heat — common in Chester County homes — further dries the air and strips moisture from exposed areas like the hands, face, lips, and knuckles.

3. Frequent Handwashing

Kids and adults wash more often during cold months, which can worsen dryness and cracking.

4. Eczema Flares (Atopic Dermatitis)

Many patients with eczema experience significantly worse symptoms in winter.

🧴 Common Areas Affected

Winter dryness can cause cracking and irritation on:

  • Hands & knuckles
  • Lips
  • Ankles & feet
  • Elbows
  • Around the nose
  • Behind the knees (common in children)

🌟 How to Treat Dry, Cracked Winter Skin

1. Use Thick Moisturizers Twice Daily

Look for creams or ointments that lock in moisture:

  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • Aquaphor
  • Vanicream
  • Vaseline petroleum jelly (great overnight)

2. Avoid Fragranced Products

Switch to fragrance-free soaps and detergents to reduce irritation.

3. Lukewarm Showers Only

Hot water may feel great… but it dries skin quickly.

4. Consider OTC Treatments

  • Hydrocortisone 1% cream for mild eczema patches
  • Barrier repair creams (with ceramides, hyaluronic acid)

5. Humidifier at Home

Adding moisture to the air helps restore moisture to the skin.

🩺 When Cracked Skin Might Be More Than Just Dryness

Persistent or severe cracking may indicate:

  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Eczema flare-ups
  • Food allergy triggers in children
  • Environmental allergies
  • Skin infections

If your child or you have chronic dryness, bleeding, painful hands, or recurrent rashes every winter, it’s time for a professional evaluation.

🌿 How Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center Can Help

Located at 310 Exton Cmns, Exton, PA 19341, we help children, teens, and adults across Chester County identify the root cause of winter skin problems.

We offer:

  • Full skin & allergy evaluation
  • Eczema management plans
  • Patch testing (when needed)
  • Medication options for persistent itching & cracking
  • Preventive strategies for long-term skin health

You don’t have to struggle through another painful winter.

📞 Call or text us at 484-897-7143
🌐 Visit KeystoneAllergy.com