From Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center – 310 Exton Cmns, Exton, PA 19341
Call or Text: 484-897-7143
Winter in Chester County brings cold winds, dry indoor heat, and frequent handwashing — all of which can cause or worsen contact allergies. Many patients mistake winter rashes for “dry skin,” but true contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that needs proper diagnosis and treatment.
At Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center in Exton, PA, we help children and adults understand why winter brings more skin symptoms — and how to prevent them.
Why Winter Makes Contact Allergies Worse
Winter creates the perfect storm for irritated skin:
- Lower humidity damages the skin barrier
- Heat from furnaces dries the skin further
- People use more lotions, soaps, and sanitizers with fragrance
- Wool and winter fabrics can rub and irritate the skin
- Hands and cheeks are exposed to cold, triggering inflammation
As the skin barrier weakens, allergens can enter more easily — causing redness, itching, burning, and rash.
Common Winter Contact Allergies to Watch For
1. Fragrance Allergy (Lotions, Creams, Soaps)
Winter leads to more moisturizer use, but:
- “Scented,” “refreshing,” or “holiday-scent” products
- Body butters
- Perfumed hand creams
are major triggers of allergic contact dermatitis.
Tip: Choose fragrance-free products labeled non-irritating or sensitive skin.
2. Nickel Allergy (Zippers, Jewelry, Winter Accessories)
Sweaters, zippers, coat buttons, belt buckles, and jewelry can:
- Rub against dry winter skin
- Cause itching and rash around wrists, neck, chest, or waistline
Nickel allergy is extremely common and can flare more in cold months.
3. Wool Allergy or Wool Irritation
Itching around the neck or arms after wearing:
- Wool sweaters
- Scarves
- Hats
may be:
- Wool fiber irritation, or
- True lanolin allergy
Either way, avoid wool on bare skin.
4. Preservative Allergies in Lotions & Cleansers
Look out for ingredients such as:
- Methylisothiazolinone (MI)
- Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde releasers
These are in:
- Hand soaps
- Baby wipes
- Lotions
- Laundry detergents
- Sanitizers
Winter = using more of these = more reactions.
5. Rubber/Glove Allergy (Latex or Chemical Accelerators)
Thicker winter gloves + increased glove use =
More exposure to rubber additives like:
- Thiurams
- Carbamates
- Mercaptobenzothiazole
Common signs:
- Itching
- Burning
- Rash on hands or wrists
6. Lanolin Allergy (Common in “Winter Healing Creams”)
Many thick winter ointments contain lanolin, a major contact allergen especially in those with eczema.
Symptoms often appear on:
- Hands
- Arms
- Legs
- Cheeks
How to Prevent Winter Contact Allergies
Use fragrance-free moisturizers
Look for:
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Sensitive skin
Products like CeraVe®, Vanicream®, or plain petrolatum are excellent for winter.
Avoid wool on bare skin
Layer with cotton underneath sweaters and scarves.
Switch to gentle cleansers
Avoid antibacterial or heavily scented soaps.
Moisturize right after showering
This locks in hydration and repairs the skin barrier.
Use gloves when cleaning or washing dishes
Protects from detergents and harsh chemicals.
When to See an Allergist for Contact Dermatitis
You should seek evaluation if you notice:
- Reactions worsening every winter
- Rash that comes and goes with certain products
- Itching that lasts > 2 weeks
- Eyelid, hand, or facial dermatitis (common signs of contact allergy)
- Uncertain triggers
At Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center, we perform patch testing to identify:
- Fragrances
- Metals
- Preservatives
- Fabrics
- Topical ingredients
- Rubber/glove chemicals
This helps you avoid the exact allergen causing your winter rash.
Local Allergy Care in Exton & Chester County
Keystone Allergy & Asthma Center provides expert care for winter skin allergies, eczema, and contact dermatitis for patients in:
- Exton
- Downingtown
- West Chester
- Malvern
- Chester Springs
- Lionville
- Paoli
- All surrounding Chester County communities
Need Help With Winter Skin Allergies?
We’re here for you year-round — especially during flare-up season.
310 Exton Cmns, Exton, PA 19341 Call or Text: 484-897-7143
keystoneallergy.com