Bathing every day increases risk of infections, experts warn

david nganga

April 18, 2018 5:34 PM

A daily shower isn’t necessary

Taking a shower every day could increase peoples risk of infections, experts have warned.

While most people tend to bathe for aesthetic reasons, experts argue that it does little more than remove body odour.

“People think they’re showering for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically, that’s not the case," says Dr Elaine Larson, an infectious-disease expert from Columbia University.

She adds that frequent bathing when your skin is already dry may increase the odds of coming down with something.

"Too much all-over bathing may even raise your risk for some health issues. Dry, cracked skin opens up gaps for infection-causing germs to slip through."

Over bathing

Dr. C. Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University, is of the same opinion saying most people over-bathe.

"Washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, and may also disrupt the skin’s population of immune system-supporting bacteria."

He says bathing just once or twice a week is usually sufficient for most, adding: 'A daily shower isn’t necessary.'

In similar fashion, the skin professional recommends people do not lather their entire bodies with soap but just focus on smelly areas, such as their armpits or feet.

On the other hand, Dr Larson says people should focus on washing their hands frequently, as well as cleaning their clothes, which collect dead skin cells, to reduce their risk of illness.

david nganga