[Fan Letters].Wang Xiaoming (pseudonym), as an authentic northerner, has always felt that it is best to take a bath once a few days in winter. But his wife, a southerner, has a different view of bathing, and insists on washing twice a day, even in winter. This difference became a minor contradiction in their marriage.
At first, Wang Xiaoming didn't pay much attention to this problem, he thought it was just a difference in living habits. But gradually, he found that his wife always said that ** began to feel unusually itchy, especially in winter. At first, he thought it might be an allergy to some toiletries, so he went to the hospital and bought some anti-allergy medications, hoping to alleviate the symptoms.
The situation has not improved, but has become more serious. His wife's ** began to appear red, swollen and itchy, and he began to wonder if his wife's frequent bathing was causing the problem. But the wife disagreed, insisting that it was necessary to take a bath every day, and the more itchy it was, the more frequent it was. This disagreement gradually escalated into a conflict between them, and the cold war between the husband and wife gradually heated up.
Wang Xiaoming felt very helpless, he really couldn't understand why, as the wife of a southerner, could insist on such a frequent bathing habit in the cold winter, while he, as a northerner, was fine if he didn't wash for a few days. I want to ask, is it because of frequent bathing that causes **itching?
[Doctor's reply].Winter is a cold and dry season, and during this season, the frequency of bathing may need to be adjusted for different groups of people. In this article, we will discuss the best frequency of bathing in winter and which groups of people can be "lazy" and healthier during this season.
Infants and young children
Infants and young children are very delicate and easily affected by the external environment. Babies under 1 year old are recommended to take a bath twice a week before they can crawl. The best frequency is not more than 1 time every other day. This is because frequent bathing may deprive infants and young children of their natural protective barrier, leading to dryness and allergic reactions. When the amount of activity of infants and young children increases, seasonal and environmental changes, such as hot weather in summer, the frequency of bathing can be appropriately increased. For infants and toddlers, moderate cleanliness is key, not too often.
Older adults
Older people tend to be drier and less able to heal themselves due to lower metabolic activity. In cold and dry areas, as well as in the elderly who are less active, the frequency of bathing can be appropriately extended to 1 to 2 times a week. Bathing too often can lead to drier baths and even trigger problems. Older people need more moisturizing care, use mild detergents, and make sure to apply moisturizing lotions promptly after bathing to keep them healthy and comfortable.
People with ** problems
For those who suffer from dryness, pruritus, lipodeficiency conditions such as ichthyosis, sensitivity, or various types of dermatitis, the frequency of bathing needs to be more cautious. Bathing too often can trigger or exacerbate these problems. For these people, it is advisable to base on personal comfort and not to deliberately pursue daily bathing. Using gentle, non-irritating detergents, avoiding rinsing with hot water, and applying medication or moisturizing lotions as soon as possible after bathing can all help maintain your health.
Why is it easy to feel itchy after taking a bath in winter?
Low humidity: The air is usually drier in winter, and indoor heating can further reduce the humidity in the air. When you're done bathing in a low-humidity environment, the water can easily evaporate from it, causing it to become drier.
Hot baths: Especially in cold weather, people tend to prefer hot baths. A hot bath strips you of the natural oils that help keep you moist and barrier functional. When these oils are lost, dryness and itching are more likely to occur.
Use soaps and bath products: Some soaps and bath products contain chemical ingredients that may have an irritating effect on **, causing an itchy sensation. In particular, some soaps and body washes may contain fragrances and additives that may be detrimental to sensitivity**.
Long soaking: During the cold weather of winter, people may tend to soak in a warm bathtub for a long time. Soaking for too long can make it easier to lose moisture, leading to dryness and itchiness.
Diseases: Some diseases, such as eczema and pruritus, may worsen during the winter months. The evaporation of water after bathing can irritate these conditions, leading to a more severe itching sensation.
To alleviate the itching sensation after bathing in winter, you can take the following measures:
Use warm water instead of hot water to reduce oil loss.
Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and bath products.
Apply a moisturizing lotion immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
Avoid soaking for too long and control the bath time.
Use a humidifier indoors to increase the humidity in the air.
If you have a severe**problem or an itching sensation that does not relieve, consult a doctor or **specialist** for professional advice and**.
The problem of itching after bathing in winter can usually be alleviated with proper care and moisturizing. Depending on the individual's circumstances and needs, there are different approaches that can be taken to maintain the health of the individual.
Why is it not recommended to take a bath in case of fever:
The flu has recently triggered an increase in the number of people with fever symptoms, and for those who are suffering from a high fever and are visibly unwell, bathing may not be a wise choice. This is because in this case, the human body is usually tired, and the process of bathing introduces some additional risk factors.
High fever does not go away: A high fever is a natural response of the body to fight infection, and raising the body temperature can help kill pathogens. If you have a high fever, bathing may cause your body temperature to rise even further, making your body feel more unwell. At this point, you should focus on cooling measures, such as taking fever-reducing medications, rather than bathing.
Stuffy bathroom environment: Bathrooms are often closed, hot, and humid when bathing, which can worsen symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, especially during periods of high fever. Additionally, flu symptoms may include a sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue, which can become more unbearable in a stuffy environment.
Unintentional injury: When the human body is in a state of high fever, the function of nerves and muscles may be affected to some extent, which increases the risk of accidental injury in the bathroom. Slipping, fainting, or weakness due to an increase in body temperature can result in unnecessary injury. If your body temperature has returned to normal and you feel better, consider taking a short bath with warm water.
The frequency of bathing in winter should be determined according to the characteristics and needs of the individual. The condition, age, and environment of different groups of people can all affect the optimal frequency of bathing. The most important thing is to keep it moist and comfortable, and avoid the dryness and discomfort that can be triggered by frequent bathing. If you have any questions or special needs, it is advisable to consult a doctor or specialist for personalized advice. In winter, being lazy is sometimes better for your health.
Healthy Wintering Program