HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Is Taking Bath With Water Stored For A Prolonged Period Harmful?

Posted on Wed, 6 Jan 2016

Question: Hello Doctor,
I want to know few general doubts.
1.Taking head bath using old water, like stored in tank(normal water tank container) and not used for 6 months or more will cause any disease.Any virus, bacteria? or any other.?
2. Continue Cold water head bath will cause sinus?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Both concerns addressed

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

1. Yes, taking head bath/ bath with water stored for a prolonged period of 6 months or more increases the chances of bacterial, viral and allergic manifestation especially involving the skin and respiratory tracts (upper and lower).

2. It depends on the individual in question. Lukewarm or slightly warm water is preferred especially in the winter season. Cold water exposure in susceptible individuals who are not used to taking cold head baths can lead to exacerbation of allergic rhinitis, rhino sinusitis, flu. If an individual is used to cold water head baths and has been doing so for most part without any complication then he may keep doing so.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (12 minutes later)

Hi sir,
Thanks for your reply ,Still few clarification
1.Weather skin will pass the bacteria and virus in to the body? What are the effects of that bacteria and virus will cause.
2.How cold water head bath will create sinus ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

1. The skin can react to the allergens in the form of a hypersensitivity reaction. The trigger can be a bacterial or viral exposure. With intact skin, passage of the micro organisms into the body is less likely. Bacteria and viruses both cause infections and the effects depend upon the type.

2. Cold water head bath doesn't cause or create sinus. It can be trigger for developing / exacerbating flu or sinusitis due to the associated congestion and inflammatory response especially in a person with a history of atopy.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 days later)

Hello again,

1.What is the incubation period of that virus or bacteria, what are skin problem will it create and what is the solution.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Incubation period for a virus or bacteria is the time between exposure to the pathogen and when symptoms and signs become apparent/evident. It depends on the type of bacteria or virus. One cannot be entirely sure about the infecting organism based on history alone. Each bacteria or virus can produce a variety of symptoms. For example strep pyogenes can cause impetigo as a skin manifestation and is treated with Flucloxacillin.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar