Show I Chapped Lips and Itchy i Skin Means Winter Weather j The Human Side Sida By Connie Y King PA Redwood Health t 1 tc c Center t co Winter weather is back upon us usand usand and some of us are noticing the dry- dry ness Heated air dries the body leading leading leading lead lead- ing to itchy skin chapped lips a scratchy throat and a parched nose that bleeds easily An overly dry body is not only uncomfortable but open to infection since dry membranes membranes membranes mem mem- branes in the nose and throat increase susceptibility to colds and other respiratory infections The following following following fol fol- fol- fol lowing are some effective ways to keep your body from drying out when the heat beat is on Moisten the air with a humidifier er a and lower the thermostat to 68 72 degrees Since moist air feels several degrees warmer wanner than dry air you may hardly notice the lower temperature Protect skin with u your a izer Tests of moisturizers by Consumer Reports found virtually no relationship between price and effectiveness Simply choose an inexpensive brand that feels and smells good and apply it regularly I It is easier to prevent dry skin in the first place than to restore moisture that has bas already been lost Bathing particularly in hot water tends to wash away the natural al oils that help keep moisture in the t skin from evaporating Protect your skin by taking short lukewarm i showers rather than long hot baths Soap can also worsen dry skin by stripping skin oils Try a bar or liquid liquid liquid i soap that contains moisturizer or extra oil Applying moisturizer J while the skin is still moist may help retain moisture also For really dry hands and feet Bag Balm works j great Chapped lips can be helped by j sealing moisture in with a lipstick j balm or ordinary petroleum jelly Used regularly just about all lip j balms are moderately effective at preserving moisture and relieving chapping To prevent winter nosebleeds moisturize nasal membranes by rubbing rubbing rub rub- bing a small amount of petroleum jelly inside the nose particularly on the dividing wall You can also moisturize nasal passages with a asaline asaline asaline saline spray such as Ocean or Breathe Free Keeping your fluid intake up also helps to moisturize from the inside out If there is severe drying or medical medical medical med med- ical problems related to the dryness dryness dryness dry- dry ness stop by one of the Health Centers for an assessment is open 9 am to 1 pm Monday thru Friday At Redwood hours are Monday and Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm and the rest of the week from 9 am to 1 pm |