Bathing daily with sponge harmful to skin, say dermatologists

Bathing daily with sponge harmful to skin, say dermatologists

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Skin health experts have cautioned against the excessive use of bath sponges, warning that bathing with them more than two or three times a week could expose individuals to serious skin damage and infections.

According to the dermatologists, sponges, particularly loofahs and synthetic mesh types, could harbour harmful bacteria, fungi, and mould if not properly maintained, potentially leading to skin conditions such as rashes, irritation, and, in severe cases, bacterial infections.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the skin specialists explained that constant scrubbing with sponges, especially rough ones, could wear down that barrier, making the skin prone to dryness, sensitivity, and microbial infections.

A consultant dermatologist and venereologist, Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, expressed concern over the excessive use of bath sponges by Nigerians, warning that frequent scrubbing could damage the skin barrier and expose users to a range of skin conditions.

Ighorodje, who works with the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, said while bath sponges are a common hygiene tool across the country, many users are unaware that they serve as physical exfoliators, a process that, when overdone, could have harmful consequences.

The physician warned that a compromised skin barrier could trigger flare-ups, especially in people with sensitive or atopic skin, and heighten the risk of skin infections and contact dermatitis.

She stated, “Bath sponges exfoliate the skin physically. Though exfoliation is beneficial, it should be limited to once or twice weekly. Over-exfoliating can lead to a broken skin barrier.

“It also increases the absorption of harmful substances, such as toxic components found in skin-bleaching products.”

According to the dermatologist, even individuals without a history of sensitive skin can develop allergic reactions if their skin barrier is weakened.

“The damaged barrier allows allergens to penetrate more easily, potentially leading to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis,” she noted.

She further revealed that overuse of bath sponges, particularly among those who bleach their skin, can worsen dryness and provoke acne breakouts.

Speaking on environmental influences, Ighorodje acknowledged that Nigeria’s tropical climate, marked by intense heat and humidity, makes sponge use a practical option for maintaining hygiene.

She, however, stressed that moderation is key.

The skin specialist advised individuals with sensitive skin conditions such as atopic eczema, urticaria, or signs of a compromised skin barrier to discontinue sponge use altogether to reduce flare-ups.

Ighorodje, a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and an OMI Fellow, cautioned Nigerians to pay attention to their skin type and reduce exposure to harmful skin products.

She added, “In fact, because of our tropical climate, characterised by heat, humidity, and increased sweating, the use of bath sponges can be beneficial for maintaining hygiene. It is not inappropriate or unacceptable to use a bath sponge.

“However, I generally recommend using it two to three times a week.

“For individuals with sensitive skin, atopic eczema, urticaria or any presentation of signs of a compromised skin barrier, I discontinue it totally for these persons. This helps them have less flares and symptoms.”

Corroborating her, another dermatologist, Dr. Ifeanyi Umeh, stated that most people are unaware that sponges need to be cleaned regularly and replaced at least every two to four weeks, noting that many households reuse them for months without proper hygiene.

He cautioned against aggressive or daily exfoliation, adding, “You don’t need to scrub your skin every day. For most people, two to three times a week is enough. Over-exfoliation can do more harm than good.

Beyond skin irritation, the skin expert said dirty sponges can become breeding grounds for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, and Candida, pathogens known to cause a variety of skin diseases.

“People think the harder they scrub, the cleaner their skin becomes. But what they don’t realise is that constant friction from bath sponges, especially the rough loofah types, can gradually strip away the skin’s natural oils and protective barrier. This makes the skin more vulnerable to dryness, eczema, and infections.

“Worse still, many Nigerians don’t wash or dry their sponges properly, and they end up reusing them for weeks or even months. These sponges then become breeding grounds for harmful organisms like Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. It’s a hygiene issue that needs more public attention.”

He urged Nigerians to adopt better hygiene practices, including proper sponge care, opting for softer alternatives like washcloths, and moisturising after baths to maintain healthy skin.

The dermatologist also called for greater public awareness on the safe use of bathing tools, especially in urban areas where skin-related consultations had surged in recent months.

End.

 

 

Why lonely people may die of cardiovascular diseases – Physicians

Sodiq Ojuroungbe

Public health physicians have revealed that people who live alone or experience prolonged social isolation face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, depression, sleep disorders, and a range of other poor health outcomes.

The experts explained that loneliness triggers the release of excess stress hormones in the body, which in turn elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, all critical factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes and heart problems.

The World Health Organisation on Monday said that no fewer than 871,000 people die worldwide annually from loneliness.

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According to the WHO commission, one in six people worldwide is affected by loneliness, which, along with social isolation, can lead to physical illness.

It is said that loneliness increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.

The WHO disclosed that lonely teenagers are 22 per cent more likely to achieve lower grades than their peers, while lonely adults face greater challenges in finding or keeping a job.

Speaking on the danger of being alone, the health experts in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise stressed that loneliness not only affects mental health but also weakens the immune system.

They noted that lonely people tend to produce fewer antibodies, making them more vulnerable to infections and possibly cancer.

A professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Tanimola Akande, said loneliness can complicate mental illnesses, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

According to him, inactivity caused by loneliness tends to make the individual hypertensive and not burn carbohydrates from food and, therefore, tend to be obese with the complications that arise from this.

The public health professor noted that loneliness can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

He explained, “Loneliness means such a person stays long without interacting with other people, and this gives room for inactivity, little or no social interactions, and gives room for diseases that particularly affect the mental health of such individuals.

“Loneliness can lead to diseases like cardiovascular (heart disease and stroke), diabetes and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, and dementia.

“A lonely person is often inactive and has too much time for deep negative or unproductive thoughts. Loneliness may also be a symptom of a disease like depression, where the individual does not want to mix with others.”

On his part, a public health physician, Dr. Timothy Olusegun, said lonely people release more cortisol, adding that too much of the hormone causes inflammation and diseases.

The public health physician noted that social isolation and loneliness can increase the likelihood of mortality by up to 30 per cent.

He stressed that people who are isolated and lonely reportedly engage in activities that can worsen their health.

He added, “This is a serious health concern because loneliness affects everything; every aspect of health and well-being.

“When people are isolated and lonely, they tend to eat more, they don’t work out, and they get worse sleep. Their health-related behaviours become worse.

“Studies have also found that people who feel lonelier may engage in more unhealthy behaviours compared with people who feel more socially connected.

“Adults who are lonely are at a 40 per cent increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments.”

The expert also warned that lonely people may suffer chronic inflammation, which can lead to health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

He added, “Inflammation is part of how our immune systems kick into action to protect us against harm or disease, or heal.

“Chronic inflammation is this process gone awry. The body continues to send distress signals even though there’s no injury or danger. This type of chronic inflammation causes chronic health problems.”

According to the WHO report, one in three older people and one in four adolescents are estimated to be socially isolated.

The report emphasised the importance of creating spaces in life where people can interact face-to-face without technological distractions.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that loneliness can alter immune system cells in a way that increases susceptibility to illness.

The study, led by a professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, John T. Cacioppo, and colleagues from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of California-Davis, found that older adults who experience extreme loneliness are at 14 per cent greater risk for premature death.

The researchers analysed the gene expression in leukocytes – white blood cells in the immune system that help stave off infection – of 141 adults aged 50-68 who were part of the Chicago Health, Ageing, and Social Relations Study.

The team of researchers found that individuals who were lonely demonstrated greater CTRA gene expression in their white blood cells than non-lonely individuals.

They also found that loneliness predicted CTRA gene expression measured at least 1 year later, while CTRA gene expression predicted loneliness measured a year or more later. This indicates that leukocyte gene expression and loneliness work together to exacerbate each other over time.

The researchers also analysed the gene expression in leukocytes of rhesus macaque monkeys, which they note are a highly social species. The monkeys were from the California National Primate Research Centre – a centre deemed high in perceived social isolation.

Not only did lonely monkeys demonstrate greater CTRA gene expression in their white blood cells, but they also had higher levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is involved in the “fight-or-flight” response to stress.