Over 1.3 million women enter menopause yearly. That means each day, approximately 6,000 women in the United States reach menopause, according to the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR).
The transition into a period without a period usually occurs when women are in their late 40s or 50s and is “characterized by a significant decrease in the hormone estrogen,” the SWHR says. This midlife milestone comes with many changes, which can be especially noticeable when it comes to hair and skin. Not to mention, it can prompt painful conditions like eczema.
In a study presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology by lead study author Dr. Shoshana Marmon, assistant professor of dermatology at New York Medical College in Valhalla, researchers found that menopause is a critical factor in skin health and disease progression.
The study’s authors also concluded that “the rate of acne among postmenopausal women was lower than age-matched controls. Eczema was among the most common dermatoses in peri- and postmenopausal women, according to three studies.”
Ahead, Flow Space spoke with experts who shared their professional insights on how menopause impacts eczema, in addition to tips and the best treatments for managing the condition.
Why Menopause Makes Some Women More Prone to Eczema
Dr. David Johnson, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder red light therapy company RedLiteX, explains that when women become menopausal, their bodies experience a series of changes.
“The biggest of those changes is a reduction in estrogen, a hormone that keeps their skin moist and smooth,” he says. “When their estrogen levels fall, their skin becomes more sensitive and dry, something that can make eczema worse. I have seen a number of women have flare-ups at this stage because their skin can no longer protect themselves as it once did.”
How to Tell If Your skin Issues Are Actually Eczema
It can be tough to determine if you’re experiencing eczema or something else, but there are a few tell-tale signs to pinpoint the condition.
“Eczema will usually appear as red dry spots that itch a lot,” Johnson explains. “Sometimes they thicken or even crack. If your skin feels rough and scaly, that’s a good indication that it could be eczema.” It’s important to note that other conditions, like psoriasis or allergies, can do that, too.
“It’s important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions like psoriasis or fungal infections,” says Dr. Heather Smith, a natural skin care expert and internal medicine physician.
The Best Ways to Navigate Treating Menopausal Eczema
Use Medicated Creams
Experts recommend a number of eczema solutions. The most common treatment is using corticosteroid cream to calm inflammation and redness. “It’s also important to hydrate your skin with rich moisturizers that help lock in moisture and prevent dryness,” Johnson explains.
“Treatment includes barrier-repairing moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines and, in some cases, prescription immune-modulating creams,” Smith says. “Also, avoiding triggers and managing stress are also key.”
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is another treatment experts recommend to help manage eczema symptoms. It uses wavelengths of UV light, like narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), which helps suppress overactive immune cells in the skin that contribute to eczema flare-ups and reduce inflammation and itching.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Smith explains that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help improve overall skin health by increasing collagen and moisture levels. “For some women, this may reduce eczema flare-ups, though results vary and should be discussed with a physician,” Smith adds.
Seek Gentle Ingredients
Smith suggests seeking ingredients that support the skin barrier and calm inflammation — like colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, glycerin, shea butter and natural oils like squalane. “Avoid drying alcohols and heavily fragranced products.”