It’s no secret that itchy, dry skin is a problem in the winter, thanks to low humidity levels both indoors and outdoors. But dry air can also wreak havoc on your respiratory system, your ability to fight off colds and flu and even your mental health. Here’s what you can do about it.

Effects of Dry Air

The air is drier in the winter because cold air naturally contains less moisture. When cold air is pulled indoors and heated, it dries even further.

For the highest comfort, experts recommend that home humidity levels be kept around 30% to 50% in the winter. Humidity levels below 30% are too dry, possibly leading to health problems. These include:

• Respiratory issues. Cold, dry air can make asthma symptoms worse. Even bronchitis and sinusitis infection symptoms can be more severe in low humidity. Dry air can also hinder your ability to fight off colds and flu because it weakens your nasal mucus, which normally helps stop viruses from entering your body.
  
  
• Chapped lips. Your lips can become dry, cracked and painful. Chapped lips can sometimes become infected because germs can enter through the cracks.
  
  
• Dry skin. In addition to being rough and itchy, dry skin may be less effective at keeping out harmful germs and toxins.
  
  
• Itchy, watery eyes. When your eyes dry out, you’re more vulnerable to eye infections. You may also experience blurred vision.
  
  
• Sore throat. If you wake up in the morning with a dry, irritated throat, dry air may be the culprit. It can cause throat pain and inflammation.
  
  
• Nosebleeds. In dry air, the mucous membranes in your nose become cracked, crusty and more likely to rupture, causing nosebleeds.
  
  
• Increased stress levels. A 2019 study of office workers found that those working in lower humidity environments experienced heart rate levels indicating stress. They also reported poorer sleep.

How a Humidifier Can Help

You can measure the humidity in your home with a gauge called a humidistat. Humidistats are available in hardware stores or online, and they are often packaged with thermometers.

Humidifiers are useful for keeping humidity levels at a healthy level during winter when home heating systems are in constant use. Humidifiers can be built into a central heating system, where the furnace ducts can spread moist air throughout your home.

If you have a closed heating system such as electric baseboards, you can install a central humidifier with its own fan and duct for spreading humidified air.

Portable humidifiers are also available. Options include tabletop units for single rooms, as well as larger console models for central locations.

While humidifiers are recommended for houses that must be heated for a good portion of the year, there are safety concerns to keep in mind.

Whether portable or installed in central heating systems, all humidifiers must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly. Otherwise, they tend to become contaminated with mold and bacterial growth that may be blown through the house.

But if handled properly, a humidifier can help alleviate the negative health effects that come with dry air, helping you to feel better throughout the winter.

Stop the humidifier and call your healthcare provider if you develop any respiratory symptoms that you feel are related to the use of a humidifier.

Looking for a Provider?

If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has many providers ready to take care of you and your family. Many of our offices are accepting new patients – and more than likely, we have a location in your community.

Visit aultman.org/NewDoc to find a provider in your area who is accepting new patients, or call the new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 for assistance with scheduling your appointment.

Sources:
Healthline
The StayWell Company, LLC