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Doctor issues warning as cold snap could leave children with dry, sore skin

Doctor issues warning as cold snap could leave children with dry, sore skin

Searches for dry skin are soaring as freezing weather hits the UK, and children are especially affected. A doctor explains why and how to help.

young girl applying lotion to her hands

MadeForMums

Published: January 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM

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The sudden shift from a mild December to a freezing January is being felt by families across the UK, and many parents are noticing the impact on their children’s skin. Dry, itchy patches, cracked hands and sore cheeks are becoming a daily battle, particularly for younger children whose skin is more delicate to begin with.

Google search data shows the issue is peaking right now, with searches for dry skin hitting their highest levels in the past 12 months. Over the last 30 days alone, there has been a reported 1500% increase in UK searches for “best moisturiser for extremely dry skin”, highlighting just how many households are dealing with winter skin struggles.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, doctor at Superdrug Online Doctor, says cold weather can significantly affect families' skin, especially when combined with frequent hand washing, indoor heating and winter illnesses. Understanding what causes dryness can help parents protect their child’s skin before it becomes painful or inflamed.

Why does children’s skin get dry in winter?

More hand washing at school and nursery

Winter is peak season for coughs, colds, flu and COVID-19, meaning children are washing their hands more often at school and nursery. While this is essential for reducing the spread of bugs, frequent hand washing strips away natural oils that protect the skin barrier. In cold weather, this can quickly lead to dry, cracked and sore hands, especially for children who already have sensitive skin.

Dry air from indoor heating

Cold outdoor temperatures usually mean warm indoor spaces, with central heating running for much of the day. This dries out the air inside homes and classrooms, reducing moisture in the skin and weakening its protective barrier, which can mean increased dryness, irritation and flare-ups of existing skin conditions.

Common childhood skin conditions

Winter can be particularly difficult for children with underlying skin conditions, many of which are common in early childhood.

Eczema: Cold air and indoor heating increase dryness, while school uniforms and winter clothing can irritate the skin. This often leads to itching, redness and flare-ups.
Psoriasis: Symptoms can worsen in winter due to dry air and reduced sunlight, resulting in increased scaling and plaques.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis: Often seen on the scalp or face, this condition can flare in winter as cold, dry air disrupts the skin barrier, causing redness and flaking.
Contact dermatitis: More common in colder months due to frequent hand washing, harsher soaps and cold air weakening the skin barrier.
Chilblains: Caused by exposure to cold, damp conditions, chilblains usually affect fingers and toes and can lead to redness, swelling, itching and pain. In more severe cases, skin can also become dry and sore.
Raynaud’s: This condition affects blood flow to fingers and toes, causing them to change colour in response to cold. Repeated episodes can leave the skin dry, sensitive and prone to cracking.

How parents can protect their child’s skin this winter

Use a richer moisturiser every day

Children’s skin often needs extra support in winter. Swapping lightweight lotions for a thicker, fragrance-free cream or oily emollient can help protect the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss caused by cold air and heating.

Avoid very hot baths

A hot bath might seem comforting after a cold day, but hot water strips natural oils from the skin and can make dryness worse. Lukewarm baths are gentler on children’s skin and help reduce irritation.

Moisturise straight after washing

Applying moisturiser within minutes of bathing or hand washing helps lock in hydration. Keeping hand cream by sinks or in school bags can make this easier for older children.

Choose gentle, soap-free products

Harsh soaps and heavily fragranced products can damage the skin barrier and trigger flare-ups. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers are usually better suited to children’s sensitive skin.

Protect skin from cold weather

Covering hands, faces and lips with gloves, scarves and barrier balms can help shield skin from icy winds during school runs and outdoor play.

Improve indoor air moisture

Using a humidifier can help add moisture back into dry indoor air, which may improve skin hydration. Parents should keep humidity between 40 and 50%, ventilate rooms regularly and avoid continuous use in poorly ventilated spaces.

Do not skip sunscreen

UV rays still affect the skin in winter and can worsen certain skin conditions. Applying SPF to exposed areas, such as the face, remains important for children even on cloudy days.

Seek medical advice if symptoms persist

If a child’s skin remains very dry, itchy or painful despite regular moisturising, or if symptoms are getting worse, it may point to an underlying condition. Dr Ashrafi advises seeking medical advice if flare-ups are persistent or severe, as prescription treatments or targeted care may be needed.

With cold weather continuing, taking a proactive approach now could help keep children’s skin comfortable, healthy and irritation-free for the rest of winter.

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MadeForMums