As the temperature drops, many people with eczema may notice that their symptoms flare up or worsen. If you're struggling with dry, cracked, irritated skin and constant discomfort during the colder months - or just find yourself more aware of your skin's condition this time of year - it might be time to talk to a dermatology professional about eczema and potential management options for you.
Atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition, is the most common type of eczema, affecting approximately 9.6 million children and 16.5 million adults in the United States. The disease appears as a red, intensely itchy rash that can occur anywhere on the body.
Eczema symptoms and severity may rapidly change or vary based on geographic location and environment. The shift to winter brings cold, dry air, harsh winds, and indoor heating that can further strip moisture from the skin, triggering flare-ups.
A resident of Idaho, 17-year-old high-school student Scottie is no stranger to cold winters. He also knows firsthand what it's like living with eczema; in fact, he's been struggling with the disease for as long as he can remember.
"My symptoms first started as young as 7 years old, with what I would describe as an intensely itchy rash," Scottie recalls. "For me, my eczema would flare up the worst around my elbows. My skin would become so dry and itchy, creating what looked like cracks in my skin," said Scottie. "Despite applying multiple moisturizers or steroid treatments, nothing seemed to work."
Seeking a new path to relief, Scottie participated in a clinical trial for ZORYVE® (roflumilast) cream 0.15%, a once-daily, steroid-free topical treatment approved for individuals with mild to moderate eczema ages 6 years and up.
"As someone who has struggled with understanding their eczema, I am passionate about sharing my experiences and helping others in the community. So, when my mom discovered a clinical trial for a new steroid-free treatment option, I decided I would give it a try," he explains. "I know everyone is different, but for me, I noticed my skin was less itchy within days of applying the cream. I also found my skin to be clearer by the end of the study in just 4 weeks."
In clinical trials of over 1,300 people with eczema including over 880 people using ZORYVE cream 0.15%, and approximately 450 people who used a vehicle (a cream without the active drug), 31% of people using ZORYVE cream had Clear or Almost Clear skin* at 4 weeks, compared to 14% of people using the inactive cream. In addition, ZORYVE cream was also shown to improve itch in 32% of 542 people using ZORYVE cream compared to 17% of 271 people using the inactive cream.
The most common side effects of ZORYVE include headache, nausea, application site pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Prior to discovering this new treatment option, Scottie's condition was always at the forefront of his mind.
"Often I was embarrassed for how my skin looked, finding ways to hide my condition under long-sleeve clothes," said Scottie. "Since starting treatment and being able to better manage my condition, I have found a new sense of confidence and relief of not having to worry about my everyday habits."
If you're struggling with atopic dermatitis or any other skin concerns this winter, make an appointment with a dermatologist who will work with you to find the care you need.
*People who had Clear or Almost Clear skin and a 2-point improvement on a 5-point severity scale.