If your eczema seems to flare at certain times of the month, during pregnancy, postpartum, or around menopause, you’re not imagining it. Hormonal eczema is real, and for many people, hormone shifts play a major part in how their skin behaves.
While eczema always involves a compromised skin barrier, hormonal changes can act as a trigger, making symptoms feel more intense or unpredictable.
Let’s break down what hormonal eczema looks like, why it happens, and how gentle skincare can help support your skin during these shifts.
What Is Hormonal Eczema?
Hormonal eczema isn’t a separate medical diagnosis, but a term often used when eczema flares are closely linked to hormonal changes in the body.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol influence:
· Skin hydration
· Oil production
· Inflammation
· Skin barrier strength
When these hormones fluctuate, the skin barrier can weaken making eczema symptoms more noticeable.
What Does Hormonal Eczema Look Like?
Hormonal eczema can look similar to other types of eczema, but timing and patterns often stand out.
Common signs include:
· Sudden flare-ups that coincide with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, or menopause
· Dry, inflamed patches that feel more sensitive than usual
· Increased itching, especially at night
· Redness or darkened patches, depending on skin tone
· Eczema appearing in new areas, even if your routine hasn’t changed
Many people notice their skin feels extra reactive, even to products they’ve used safely before.
Where Hormonal Eczema Commonly Appears
Hormonal eczema often shows up on:
· The face and neck
· The hands
· The inner elbows and knees
· The chest
Because hormones affect oil and moisture balance, these areas may struggle to stay hydrated during hormonal shifts.
Why Hormones Affect Eczema
Estrogen helps maintain skin hydration and barrier strength. When estrogen drops, such as before a menstrual cycle or during menopause, the skin may:
· Lose moisture faster
· Become thinner or more fragile
· React more strongly to irritants
At the same time, increased stress hormones like cortisol can increase inflammation, making flare-ups harder to calm.
How to Support Skin During Hormonal Eczema Flares
You can’t always control hormone changes, but you can support your skin barrier and reduce irritation.
Focus on barrier repair
Using moisturizers rich in oils and butters helps seal in moisture when the skin is more vulnerable like our All Over Butter Eczema Therapy and Ultimate Hydration.
Keep routines simple
Hormonal eczema often responds best to fewer products and consistent care.
Avoid fragrance
Fragrance can be especially irritating when skin is already inflamed due to hormonal shifts.
At Chatham Natural Skin Care, our products are designed to support sensitive, eczema-prone skin, especially during times when the barrier needs extra care.
All Over Butter Eczema Therapy
Ideal during flare-ups, this moisture-sealing butter helps lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier when hormones make skin more reactive.
Ultimate Hydration
Formulated with ceramide-rich oils like sunflower and grapeseed oil, Ultimate Hydration supports daily moisture needs without overwhelming sensitive skin, perfect for hormonal transitions.
Eczema Relief Oatmeal Soap
Gentle cleansing matters. This soap helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it easier to maintain balance during hormonal changes.
Hormonal eczema can feel frustrating because it’s not always predictable, but it’s not a failure on your part. Your skin is responding to changes happening inside your body.
Gentle care, consistency, and barrier support go a long way.
You’re not alone. Your skin deserves patience during every season of life.