Strong soaps, loofahs and biological washing powders could be fuelling a rise in allergies, experts warned. By stripping away a protective layer of skin, such products could be causing not only eczema but other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma and rhinitis, they said.
Scientists from the Institute of Child Health at University College, London, claimed that removal of skin oils allows allergens and other proteins to penetrate the skin.
They said that this could cause an allergic response in the skin and body.
Professor Robin Callard, who co-authored the study, said: “Strong soaps strip oil off the skin, which is an integral component of the skin barrier.
“The use of loofahs and body scrubs also has an effect and then people use body lotions but these are not replacing the same oils.
“We are not saying that people should not wash, but if they overdo it they can compromise the skin barrier.
The findings – published in the journal Trends in Immunology – differ from the “hygiene hypothesis”, which suggests that it is rather the modern practice of keeping homes “too clean” that triggers allergies, by stunting the immune system’s development.
Co-author Professor John Harper said he hoped the research would lead to an allergy-prevention strategy.
He said: “Good standards of hygiene are clearly important to prevent spreading of unpleasant diseases.
“But if this proposed mechanism does turn out to be true, we may be able to reduce the incidence of these diseases by developing new treatments which specifically target the outer protective layer of the skin.’
• Students with hay fever are up to 70 per cent more likely to drop a grade in their GCSEs compared with their mock exam results, say researchers.
The study claimed the use of sedating medication could have a worse effect than just battling through symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, sneezing and runny noses.
My point of view: Good skin care, avoiding the sun, washing our skin with gentle natural toiletries, applying moisturise regularly and using natural deodorant( not anti-perspirant) can help delay the natural ageing process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.
