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Cold Weather and Worsening Health Conditions

November 27, 2023
By WeatherBug Meteorologist, Molly Robinson
With winter weather comes an increase in cold and flu illnesses. However, those illnesses are not the only ones to worry about this winter season. Mental health issues, skin conditions, joint pain and respiratory conditions all can have adverse effects with winter weather. Here’s some health conditions that worsen when the temperatures drop.

Mental Health Issues

Depression and anxiety are two common and major mental health conditions that can worsen with changing seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is one type of depression that occurs commonly in the winter months due to the lack of daylight. Some people with anxiety may have added fears about driving in winter weather and avoid taking part of normal day to day activities. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation that are added stressors to those with mental health conditions. 

The best way to combat these feelings is to stick to a routine that involves getting natural light. This can include going for a short walk, shopping, sitting by a window and reading, and even using light therapy. Also, stay in touch with family and friends, even virtually, to help limit feelings of loneliness. If you know your mental health triggers, avoid falling into old habits that include those triggers. 

Skin Conditions

Colder temperatures and lower humidity play a significant role in how your skin functions. Those who are immunocompromised can have more adverse effects on the skin. This can include diabetic neuropathy in diabetic patients, which can lead to numbness. That feeling of numbness could lead to infections being unnoticeable if a cut was sliced on a numb extremity. Those with psoriasis and eczema can experience a breakout due to the changing humidity and temperatures.

To help limit some of these breakouts and dry skin in general, be sure to hydrate both your body and skin. This means getting plenty of water as well as applying lotion to the skin. 

Respiratory Conditions

Colder temperatures or humidity can affect the respiratory system just as easily as your skin. Some people find that their asthma worsens in the winter season due to the buildup of mucus. Coughing, shortness of breath, and muscle pain are other symptoms that can be a nuisance in day to day life thanks to the cold weather. Similarly to skin conditions, staying hydrated with water will help limit the intensity of some of these symptoms. Also nasal sprays can help limit the amount of mucus buildup.

Joint Pain

Aching joints and arthritis flare-ups are other conditions that can occur with winter weather. While no official link, colder temperatures can sometimes lead to these flare-ups. With inflammation in the joints, there’s decreased motivation to be active and move. This can also lead to a decline in mental health due to the lack of movement and natural light. Sticking to a schedule of 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 times a week can help not only your joints but your mental health as well. Some people see benefits from an anti-inflammatory diet, which tends to cut out processed foods and limit alcohol intake.

Ultimately, you can make it through this winter season by staying hydrated, sticking to a schedule that includes physical activity, and listening to your body. If concerns still arise, be sure to contact your physician for proper next steps to help you on your health journey.


Source: Northwestern Medicine
Image by Dmitriy Gutarev from Pixabay