by Barbara Shine

Created on: February 06, 2007   Last Updated: January 03, 2008

Some of us take great delight in the crisp, invigorating air of winter. Others, though, are more inclined to create cocoons of warmth indoors and wait out the cold weather.
When we hunker down in the house and hike up the heat, we open ourselves to several problems that dry air can cause or worsen. Since our bodies normally contain a great deal of moisture, we feel best when we can maintain a steady level of moisture inside and out.

Dry air in the home can irritate the throat and nasal passages. People with dry, irritated membranes take longer to get over a cold because it is harder to clear secretions from their breathing passages. Dry winter air may also make the skin dry and flaky. Some people will develop chapped lips and nosebleeds. Humidifiers in the home either portable devices or the kind that attaches to a furnace can help to relieve many of these problems. Please note, though, that humidifiers require continual maintenance to ensure that they stay clean and do not introduce mold spores into the air of your home.
Other simple steps can reduce the effects of dry air:
Keep your entire body well hydrated by drinking more than your usual quantity of fluids water, juices, soups and broths, and other drinks without caffeine. (Coffee, colas, and other beverages with caffeine actually reduce the body's fluid level.)
Try a saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist. This low-cost, over-the-counter product, when used frequently during the day, can also help to prevent sinus congestion, headaches, and sore throat.
Although a steamy shower feels great on a cold morning, the hot water dries out the skin more quickly. Try taking brief, warm showers instead of long, hot showers or baths. If your skin is extremely dry, you might do better by bathing less often perhaps every other day during cold weather.
Use only a mild soap or shower gel, and gently pat your skin almost dry. While your skin is still moist, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion. (This advice applies to both men and women!) Thicker moisturizers offer more protection in winter.
Apply moisturizer under makeup and after washing your hands throughout the day. For extra protection, women can buy cosmetics that contain moisturizers.
Use lip balm or petroleum jelly frequently to prevent chapped lips or ease the pain if lips are already sore.
Most health problems related to dry winter air are annoying but not serious. It's important to be aware of your symptoms, though, and consult your doctor if simple self-care methods do not relieve breathing or skin problems.

Sources: Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) and University of Alabama, Birmingham (www.health.uab.edu)

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