Janet Ogundepo
A dermatologist, Dr Olutomidimu Afolabi, has warned that using hard sponges can worsen skin conditions, especially for people with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.
The skin expert stated that excessive use of hard sponges may lead to skin problems such as urticaria, also known as hives or nettle rash, and bath-related or aquagenic pruritus in some individuals.
Cleveland Clinic says bath-related or aquagenic pruritus is a rare, often distressing skin condition characterised by intense itching, stinging, tingling, or burning sensations that occur immediately after contact with water.
Hives or Urticaria is an itchy skin reaction, which presents as raised, pink or red, swollen bumps that can appear anywhere on the skin.
According to Medscape, atopic dermatitis is a chronic, noncontagious inflammatory skin condition often starting in infancy, characterised by severe itching, rash, and a weak skin barrier, frequently linked to genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental triggers. It affects children and adults, causing significant morbidity, including sleep disruption and social impact.
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, Afolabi explained that people with atopic dermatitis do not have enough natural oils in their skin, stressing that hard scrubbing would remove the little oil they have or have applied.
She stated, “We don’t encourage very hard scrubbing of the skin in people with an allergic skin condition called atopic dermatitis. Their skin does not have enough natural oils, so we don’t want them to scrub off the little oil they have, or they have applied by using harsh soaps like black soap with high pH or a hard sponge to make their skin squeaky clean.”
The dermatologist recommended the use of mild creams and pH-friendly soaps, with or without sponges, for individuals with atopic dermatitis.
She added that babies with tender skin would also benefit from the prescription for sensitive or atopic skin.
On how long bathing sponges should be used before changing, Afolabi stated that there is no extensive research or hard and fast rule, noting that people have different preferences, with some not using sponges at all, some using soft sponges, and others using firm to hard sponges.
The dermatologist advised people to change their sponges when they feel uncomfortable with them, provided the sponge keeps their skin in good condition.
She observed that, in her experience, frequent use of hard sponges typically triggers skin issues for some individuals, though not for everyone.
Afolabi advised people to rinse their sponges and keep them dry after each use.
She urged people to use sponges that soothe their skin without giving them a rash or concerns.
The dermatologist stated, “Not using a sponge at all is not a crime if that is what makes your skin stable and devoid of any problems.”
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