Not only can wearing damp helmets and raincoats cause skin infections, hair loss, and dermatitis, but they can also lead to serious respiratory illnesses.
Currently, Hanoi and many northern provinces are facing a tropical depression, resulting in prolonged heavy rain. This brings concerns about seasonal illnesses. Among these, the use of damp helmets and smelly raincoats is unavoidable during consecutive rainy days, leading to various health issues.
Pharmacist Khuê Vũ (working in Hanoi) shared that using damp helmets and smelly raincoats creates conditions for bacteria and mold to thrive, easily leading to dermatological diseases. Below are some specific health consequences if you have to use damp helmets and smelly raincoats for an extended period.
Heavy rain and tropical depressions raise concerns about seasonal illnesses – (Illustrative image).
Frequent use of damp helmets and smelly raincoats can lead to hair loss, scalp itchiness, and acne
Pharmacist Khuê Vũ noted that regularly wearing damp helmets without proper cleaning can definitely cause itchy scalp, significant hair loss, and scalp fungal infections. Many people may even experience acne on the scalp or around the forehead area where helmets frequently make contact.
It is noteworthy that helmets are a common item in people’s daily lives. However, even when dry, many individuals do not clean their helmets properly.
“I know some people who have never washed their helmets since buying them, even after wearing them for several years. Everyone thinks it’s harmless until they face hair loss, scalp fungus, or uncomfortable acne, at which point they regret it. The harmful effects become even clearer during prolonged rainy days,” said Pharmacist Khuê Vũ.
Regularly wearing damp helmets without cleaning can lead to itchy scalp, significant hair loss, and scalp fungal infections. (Illustrative image).
Continuously using smelly damp raincoats can cause similar harm. “Raincoats or regular clothing have the same effect. Wearing damp clothes for extended periods can promote the growth of bacteria and mold, leading to itchiness, acne, skin fungus, and dermatitis…” noted Pharmacist Khuê Vũ. It is important to mention that during heavy rain days, traffic congestion increases, and wearing such raincoats exacerbates these issues.
Moreover, wearing damp clothes for long periods can easily produce Stachybotrys chartarum, a toxic mold that causes respiratory infections. Regularly wearing damp clothing increases the risk of sinusitis, rhinitis, allergies, and even lung infections.
Many people believe that since smelly raincoats do not directly contact the body, these issues won’t occur. In reality, the risk remains high if the situation persists. Additionally, the unpleasant odor can cause significant inconvenience in daily social interactions.
Wearing damp clothing for long periods promotes Stachybotrys chartarum, causing respiratory infections.
How to avoid illnesses from helmets and raincoats during prolonged rainy days?
According to Pharmacist Khuê Vũ, the best way is to regularly clean your helmet. You can wash it with soap and let it dry as usual before using it. It’s advisable to maintain a routine of washing your helmet frequently, perhaps weekly, to prevent hair loss and fungal infections…
For raincoats, after getting wet, you should find a well-ventilated place to hang them for quick drying. After each rainy spell, you should also wash your raincoat thoroughly and dry it in the sun to effectively kill bacteria.
Additionally, after returning from the rain, you should quickly change your clothes and take a warm shower. If possible, wash your clothes as soon as possible to prevent the rapid growth of bacteria.
