Can Colds Cause Dry Skin? by Julie Fenoglio

Well everyone I work with has cold this time of year. It seems that just about everyone gets a cold during the winter. Not feeling well is bad enough, but the effects of a cold are sometimes seen for weeks afterwards on our skin. Even though a runny nose and cough are part of your natural immune response to a cold, if you’re not replenishing your fluids by drinking plenty of water and juices and guarding against unnecessary moisture loss, you may become dehydrated. Unfortunately, the first visible sign of dehydration will probably be dry skin.

How can you avoid getting dry skin when you get the sniffles? First, you should understand what your body is going through.

Why does your body secrete excess fluids when you have a cold? Body fluids have two functions: it provides a vehicle to expel the bacteria or virus and it coats (mucous) the membranes of the nasal passages, airways and lungs to prevent further absorption of the virus or bacteria that may cause further illness. Although we may perceive the excess fluid as the problem, it is actually the body’s solution to getting better. This excessive moisture loss also causes dry skin. How do you prevent dry skin when you have a cold?

The first step, is to get rid of the cold as soon as possible. Most of the time, that means letting the illness run its course. If you want to avoid the dry skin, it means letting the cold run its course without using cold remedies. Many cold remedies actually inhibit the production of the excess fluids and without this natural immune system response, it will take longer to get better. So, if you can cope with the cold symptoms, chances are you’ll get rid of your cold faster â€" which is not only better for you and more convenient, you will be less likely to develop dry skin.

Second, make sure you drink plenty of water, at least 8-8oz. glasses every day, so you replace lost fluids.

If a cold hits you this winter season, double up on both drinking water and other fluids and a good dry skin lotion like Eucerin. You may get rid of your cold faster, and prevent dry skin. Give it a try!

About the Author

If you are having problems with your skin CLICK HERE for a copy of my FREE 7 day report on Quick and Easy Tips for Younger, Healthier Skin.

Julie Fenoglio is a Registered Nurse and skin care consultant who loves to give away freebies, tips, and reports to help others learn practical and helpful information about skin care.