Little Itch is a delightfully irritating character in the Little Lulu comics. But the little itch you get from dry skin in the winter is anything but delightful — and it can turn into a full-blown dermatological crisis.
One survey found that 60% of Americans say their skin is downright unhealthy in the winter.
Dry indoor air can cause moisture to evaporate from your skin. The top layer should be 20% to 35% water, and never below 10%, according to Harvard Medical School. And if it's too dry, you can develop itchy, flaky skin and wrinkles. And that can worsen skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea.
But that's not all that dry air can do to your health. It can also trigger ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and nosebleeds.
Some people also report earaches, headaches, dry mouth, and itchy eyes. And chronic dehydration can even lead to constipation.
One study even found that people who work in an office with a good level of relative humidity — around 30% to 60% — were 25% less stressed than those who worked in an office that was measurably drier. Around 45% humidity seemed optimal for stress relief.
What can you do?
• Consider investing in a HEPA filter humidifier for your home, office, or bedroom; use filtered water and clean the reservoir frequently.
• Apply unscented lotion to your whole body after showering or bathing, and avoid excessively hot water.
• Drink plenty of water — even before you feel thirsty.
And for more great wintertime health tips, check out "Winter Immunity Kit: Dr. Oz's Tips to Stay Healthy This Season!" on YouTube.