Daily sponge bathing harms skin, experts warn

Health Experts Warn Against Overuse of Bath Sponges

Health professionals have raised concerns about the excessive use of bath sponges, emphasizing that using them more than two or three times a week can lead to significant skin damage and infections. Dermatologists highlight that sponges, especially loofahs and synthetic mesh types, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, fungi, and mold if not properly maintained. This can result in various skin conditions such as rashes, irritation, and even severe bacterial infections.

According to experts, frequent scrubbing with rough sponges can weaken the skin's natural barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness, sensitivity, and microbial infections. Dr. Edesiri Ighorodje, a consultant dermatologist and venereologist, expressed concern over the widespread use of bath sponges among Nigerians. She explained that while these tools are common, many users are unaware of their role as physical exfoliators. Overexfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier, increasing the risk of flare-ups, especially for individuals with sensitive or atopic skin.

Ighorodje noted that a weakened skin barrier allows allergens to penetrate more easily, potentially leading to allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. She also warned that overuse of sponges, particularly among those who bleach their skin, can worsen dryness and trigger acne breakouts. While the tropical climate in Nigeria makes sponge use practical for hygiene, she stressed the importance of moderation.

For individuals with sensitive skin conditions such as atopic eczema, urticaria, or signs of a compromised skin barrier, Ighorodje advises discontinuing sponge use altogether to reduce flare-ups. She recommends using bath sponges no more than two to three times a week and emphasizes the need for proper hygiene practices.

Another dermatologist, Dr. Ifeanyi Umeh, echoed similar concerns, highlighting that many people neglect to clean or replace their sponges regularly. He warned against aggressive or daily exfoliation, stating that two to three times a week is sufficient for most people. Over-exfoliation can strip away the skin’s natural oils and protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to dryness, eczema, and infections.

Dirty sponges can harbor pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, and Candida, which are known to cause various skin diseases. Umeh urged individuals to adopt better hygiene practices, including proper sponge care, opting for softer alternatives like washcloths, and moisturizing after baths to maintain healthy skin. He also called for greater public awareness on the safe use of bathing tools, especially in urban areas where skin-related consultations have increased.

The Impact of Loneliness on Health

Public health physicians have revealed that individuals who live alone or experience prolonged social isolation face a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, depression, sleep disorders, and other poor health outcomes. Experts explain that loneliness triggers the release of excess stress hormones, which can elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels—factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases like diabetes and heart problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that approximately 871,000 people die worldwide annually due to loneliness. According to the WHO commission, one in six people globally is affected by loneliness, which, along with social isolation, can lead to physical illness. Loneliness increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and suicide.

Lonely teenagers are 22% more likely to achieve lower grades than their peers, while lonely adults face challenges in finding or keeping jobs. Health experts emphasize that loneliness not only affects mental health but also weakens the immune system. Lonely individuals tend to produce fewer antibodies, making them more vulnerable to infections and possibly cancer.

Professor Tanimola Akande, a public health professor at the University of Ilorin, stated that loneliness can complicate mental illnesses, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Inactivity caused by loneliness can lead to hypertension and obesity, which come with their own set of complications.

Loneliness can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle, with individuals staying inactive and engaging in negative thoughts. This can result in diseases like cardiovascular issues, diabetes, mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, drug addiction, suicidal tendencies, and dementia.

Dr. Timothy Olusegun, a public health physician, noted that lonely people release more cortisol, a hormone that causes inflammation and diseases. He emphasized that social isolation and loneliness can increase the likelihood of mortality by up to 30%. Lonely individuals often engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and worse sleep, which further deteriorate their health.

Studies have shown that lonely adults face a 40% increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive impairments. Chronic inflammation, a result of prolonged loneliness, can lead to health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

The WHO report highlights the importance of creating spaces for face-to-face interactions without technological distractions. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that loneliness can alter immune system cells, increasing susceptibility to illness. Researchers found that lonely individuals demonstrated greater CTRA gene expression in their white blood cells, indicating a link between loneliness and immune system changes.

In addition, studies on rhesus macaque monkeys showed that socially isolated monkeys had higher levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in the "fight-or-flight" response to stress. These findings underscore the serious health implications of loneliness and the need for greater public awareness and intervention.