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From winter toes to dry lips
Which home and over-the-counter remedies are indispensable for five common winter complaints?
1. Chilblains and Chilblains
Do alternating baths help? Chilblains and chilblains are red spots and swellings on toes or fingers. The spots and swellings arise because blood vessels narrow and blood can no longer flow properly. Alternating baths stimulate circulation, and some people say that they have less problems with chilblains and chilblains.
Try: a few minutes in a warm foot bath, half a minute in cold water, then warm again, repeat 6-8 times. Exercise also stimulates blood circulation. Protecting your body against the cold, for example by wearing gloves, also reduces the risk of complaints.
Which remedies?
As a pain reliever, paracetamol is the best option, because it has relatively few side effects. If acetaminophen doesn’t work, aspirin is an alternative, also available over the counter. In addition to analgesic and anti-inflammatory, this also works as a blood thinning agent. Note: aspirin has an upset stomach as a side effect, which is why a stomach protector is often needed. Aspirin affects the effect of other medicines, such as blood thinners, diuretics and antidepressants. If you want to use aspirin, always consult your doctor. There are various ointments available without a prescription for the itching and pain, such as creams with echinacea or marigold.
2. Dry skin
Does lukewarm showers help? Yes, in fact: a lukewarm shower is very important to keep the skin healthy. When showering too hot (at 38 degrees or higher), the layer of sebum washes away that keeps the skin supple and soft. It is also wise to choose shower products that are pH skin neutral. This means that the pH value, i.e. how acidic the product is, is equal to the pH value of the skin. If the pH level gets out of balance, it affects bacteria that keep out harmful bacteria. Healthy skin has a pH of about 5.5.
Which remedies?
Dermatologists also recommend: using baby oil after showering, applying an ointment or cream containing cetomacrogol, and using petroleum jelly (or a cream containing petroleum jelly) for very dry areas.
3. Runny Nose
Which is better: sniff or fetch? Pick up the nose. With snouts you squeeze mucus, which contains viruses and bacteria, into the sinuses. This increases the risk of inflammation. If you turn your nose up, you actually squeeze mucus out of the sinuses. Prefer to sniff? Doctors recommend the following technique: use a clean paper handkerchief, close one nostril, do not apply too much pressure, and gently blow the other nostril. Repeat on the other side.
Which remedies?
Breathing is a crime when you have a runny nose. Products with sodium chloride (table salt) make mucus thinner, so that the mucus is gone faster and you can breathe more easily. Nasal drops, nasal spray and nasal rinse with sodium chloride are available over the counter. Always check the pharmacy label or the package insert before use and dosage.
4. Sore Throat
Does a scarf help? Usually a virus is the cause of sore throat, sometimes a bacteria. It has not been scientifically proven that wearing a scarf stops viruses or bacteria. It has also not been proven that complaints are over faster if you keep the throat warm. But such a soft scarf can of course feel comfortable.
Which remedies?
You can (temporarily) relieve the pain by drinking cold water regularly or by gargling with salt water. Sucking on something can also ease the pain. It is not necessary to buy special lozenges, they do not work better than, for example, licorice or sweets. As a pain reliever, paracetamol is the best option. Some people say they recover from a homeopathic remedy such as Echinaforce or from Hot Coldrex, a lemon drink with paracetamol and vitamin C. However, such remedies have not been proven effective.
5. Dry Lips
Lubricating too much, is that possible? New. In the late 1960s, American allergist Dr. TG Randolph that skin can become addicted to creams and lip balm. Too many mineral oils would prevent the skin from keeping itself healthy. But according to most current dermatologists, you can use as much as you want.
Which remedies?
Lip balm is indispensable for many people – and not just women – during the winter months. The ideal lip balm is mainly a matter of taste. Experiment to discover which feels most comfortable. There are also lip balms with UV filters to protect against the sun.
Sources):
- Plus Magazine