New Warning: Hot Showers Pose Risks Beyond Skin and Hair Damage, Scientists Say
Your skin may become irritated and itchy under dry, windy, winter conditions. A hot, steamy shower sounds good, right? However, specialists claim that in addition to drying out your skin, it could also increase the risk of death. Here’s What You Need to Know
Dry, windy, and wintry conditions may irritate and itch the skin. You may believe that standing in a hot shower can help moisturize your skin. However, hot showers might have the opposite effect.
A recent study claims that daily hot-water washing could strip our skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to split ends, brittle hair, and dry, itchy skin.
“Conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can significantly worsen after hot showers,” the paper cautions.
It shows how extreme heat can worsen inflammation and irritation, resulting in more severe outbreaks and pain.
Moreover, extremely hot water might put additional pressure on the heart. According to the report, this is especially dangerous for those who already have cardiac issues since they might black out and go undetected in the shower or bathtub.
According to the research: “The heat from a hot shower causes blood vessels to dilate, requiring the heart to pump harder to maintain blood flow.”
This extra pressure may be troublesome for those who already have cardiac issues, possibly increasing cardiovascular stress.
For those with specific cardiac disorders, a drop in blood pressure might produce dizziness or lightheadedness, increasing the risk of falls or other shower accidents.
The combination of cardiac strain and abrupt reductions in blood pressure considerably raises the risk of fainting.
This is particularly risky in the shower, when slips and falls may cause severe injury.
A recent study suggests that having a hot shower just before bed may make it more difficult to fall asleep. According to the research: “Although a hot shower can initially feel relaxing, the resultant increase in body temperature can interfere with the body’s natural cooling process, necessary for sleep.”
“Cooling down signals to the body that it’s time to sleep, and a hot shower before bed can delay this process, making it harder to fall asleep.”
In addition, the vapors from a hot shower might exacerbate asthma attacks and infiltrate our lungs with viruses from moldy tiles.
It makes the point that if shower heads aren’t maintained clean, they provide an ideal breeding ground for dangerous germs and fungus.
Ultimately, the research finds that hot showers put millions “at risk of skin and heart problems.”
“The comfort and immediate satisfaction derived from a steaming shower, may in fact, act as a double-edged sword, potentially affecting both skin and cardiovascular health in the long term.”
Eleanor Potter, the head of strategic sourcing at Plumbworld, which sponsored the research, stated, “Moderation and awareness are key.”
“Opting for shorter, lukewarm showers can help minimize these risks.”
Image Credit: iStock
