The weather outside may be frightful, but the air inside could easily be worse. Allergies are a common problem during the winter because our homes have less natural moisture. Combining this with dust mites (the most common household allergen) can cause allergies to flare up even more. Sometimes these symptoms can be caused by poor indoor air quality, which worsens in the winter as we spend more time indoors with limited ventilation.
Add moisture to your indoor air with a humidifier.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help prevent dry skin and chapped lips, especially in winter when heating systems tend to dry out the air. A humidifier is also great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma as it adds moisture to help ease symptoms of these conditions.
Allergens
Dust mites, mold spores, pollen, animal dander, and mold are all common allergens that can be found in your home. Other sources of indoor allergens include secondhand smoke (if you live with someone who smokes), pets, and even the air conditioner or heater!
These irritants can cause the following symptoms:
- Dryness of the nose and throat
- Static electricity on your body (feel like you’re wearing wool socks)
- Chapped lips, skin, and sinus issues such as sneezing and congestion.
Cold air sucks out the skin’s moisture, which is why hands can look older in winter. Taking hot showers can worsen dry, itchy skin by removing the natural layer of oil that preserves and protects the skin’s moisture.
Your lips also take a beating in the winter. The cold wind outside and the dry air inside can leave you with dry, chapped lips.
Here are some tips to add moisture to your home:
- After you shower, leave the shower doors open to release the moist heat.
- Leave bath water in the tub.
- Place a bowl of water on top of the radiator.
- Place bowls of water around your house.
- Boil water on your stove.
Stay warm and healthy this winter!
