Bathing with untreated rainwater may trigger skin infections, including ringworm, athlete’s foot, boils, and jock itch, senior medical experts have said.
They noted that using untreated rainwater repeatedly for bathing, particularly on broken or sensitive skin, may expose individuals to fungal and bacterial skin infections and trigger skin irritation.
The specialists explained that rainwater is not sterile and can collect bacteria, fungi, dust, bird droppings, chemicals, and other contaminants as it falls through the atmosphere or is stored in unclean containers.
The rainy season across Nigeria starts in April and lasts until October. During this season, reliance on harvested rainwater often increases.
Nigerians in several communities use harvested rainwater for domestic purposes like drinking, bathing, and cooking.
