The Sunday News
Tinomuda Chakanyuka, Senior Reporter
BATHING every day could increase people’s risk of infections, American experts have warned.
According to a study that was done by infectious-disease expert Dr Elaine Larson from Columbia University, showering excessively can reduce skin hydration, causing it to become dry and cracked, which allows germs to enter.
Dr Larson told international media last week that most people bath in the belief it will reduce their risk of illness, however, it actually does little more than remove body odour.
Dr C Brandon Mitchell, assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University, backed her opinion.
She added that washing strips the skin of its natural oils, which can disrupt ‘good’ bacteria that supports people’s immune systems.
According to Dr Mitchell, bathing just once or twice a week is sufficient for most, adding: ‘A daily shower isn’t necessary.’
Dr Mitchell said “Your body is naturally a well-oiled machine. I think most people over-bath.”
He urged people who wish to shower daily to only do so if their skin feels healthy and hydrated.
However , dermatologists in Zimbabwe differed with the study.
Harare based dermatologist Dr Donald Mutangadura said the claim by the two American experts may not be entirely true.
“I don’t think it is very true,” he said.
Added Dr Mutangadura, “Bathing more than once a day is what may cause problems.”
Dr Mutangadura said the theory by American experts applies to certain climatic conditions.
“It goes down to a number of factors such as humidity and rate of perspiration. The climatic conditions we have here would require that one bath at least once a day,” he said.
Another local expert Ms Katie Rose backed Dr Mutangadura’s opinion.
“I wouldn’t say bathing everyday increases the chance of infection,” she said.
“Here in Africa where temperatures are high people tend to sweat more and thus need to bath at least once a day.
“The theory may only apply in Europe and America where temperatures are often low,” added Ms Rose, a reflexologist based in Harare.
Dr Mwatsveruka Munhutu, another local dermatologist agreed the study was only relevant to the west.
“I don’t think it’s relatable to our setting. Our climate is different and people have to bath at least once a day,” she said.
Dr Munhutu however agreed that excessive bathing could be risky for people.
She encouraged people to take less time in the shower.
“If you shower excessively, that could lead to dry skin and skin irritation. People who spend lengthy period in the shower, say 20 minutes need to ensure their skin is well moisturized after,” she said.
In his argument, Dr Mitchell recommended that people do not lather their entire bodies with soap but just focus on smelly areas, such as their armpits or feet.
He added that those with dry hair only need to wash it every few weeks, while people with scalp issues, like dandruff, may benefit from shampooing a couple of times a week.
Dr Larson said 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.
