Fact Check: Does bathing daily cause skin problems?

Hyderabad: A Facebook post is being widely shared on social media quoting anonymous research with the claim that bathing every day can cause potential harm to the skin.

Let’s see what the experts say on the age-old debate that has divided many on the subject.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

According to an article on Healthline, “Even expert dermatologists are somewhat divided on the daily showering debate. However, there are a few points that most people seem to agree on. First, daily showering isn’t necessarily essential, but it won’t hurt you. If you feel sticky, grimy, or dirty, there’s nothing wrong with showering every day. When it comes to the question of how often to bathe, pay attention to how your body feels. Let that be your guide.”

Basically, the need to shower depends on the climatic conditions, physical labour and medical condition and can vary from person to person. Overwashing or showering may hurt the skin making it dry and itchy but showers for a minimum time once a day or twice are completely safe.

Considering Indian climatic conditions, culture and lifestyle we reached out to Dr S Vijay Mohan, MD, senior consultant physician, Care Hospitals, and the HoD for the Department of Internal Medicine for more information.

“No, absolutely not. Showering daily doesn’t cause any skin problems,” he said.

Speaking about the germs that need to be washed from the body, he said, “We are all living in an environment full of disease-causing bugs all the time. In fact, viruses and bacteria came to our planet millions of years before humans. They are killing millions of humans even today causing infections. It is only because of our robust in-built and intact immune system that we fight bacterial and viral infections on a 24-hour basis. When the immune system is less active, like in the case of old age, diabetes, HIV and other conditions these bugs take the upper hand, enter our body and cause infections. Our skin, eyes, mouth and other areas are the common entry points for these bugs to enter our body.”

“They are the reason we have bad breath and body odour. Unless we keep our body clean we are at the risk of acquiring infections. This is exactly the reason why our parents and teachers teach us to brush our teeth twice daily and bathe daily. We are also told to wash our hands before eating. In summer months we sweat a lot and invite more of these germs,” he added.

“So, bathing at least once daily keeps these germs at bay to a great extent and is obviously good for health. We never go to any place of worship without taking a bath and they say cleanliness is next to godliness,” the doctor said.