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| - Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that bathing incorrectly can cause paralysis and brain haemorrhages. We did the fact check to term this as false.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that improper bathing practices—like standing directly under a shower or pouring water onto your head first—cause sudden temperature changes that affect blood vessels and nerves, potentially leading to paralysis and brain hemorrhages. The user also suggests that our ancestors’ gradual bathing method, starting with the feet, was safer. He argues that using the ‘wrong’ technique is responsible for many cases of paralysis, especially those happening in the bathroom.
Fact Check
Can bathing under the shower lead to brain hemorrhages or paralysis?
No, bathing under a shower does not cause brain haemorrhages or paralysis. This claim lacks any scientific backing. The human body is remarkably resilient to changes in temperature, and our blood vessels and nerves are not easily harmed by the mild temperature changes from a shower. Bathing under a shower is a common practice worldwide, with no evidence linking it to such severe health outcomes.
However, extreme cold water exposure, such as sudden immersion in icy water, can be deadly within seconds. It triggers a cold shock response, causing rapid breathing, heart strain, and panic, which can lead to drowning. Cold shock also weakens muscles, making it difficult to stay afloat. Prolonged exposure leads to hypothermia, further impairing mental and physical control. Acting quickly by getting warm and dry is crucial to avoid life-threatening effects.
We have previously debunked a similar claim which says that bathing incorrectly can result in strokes. Some people also suggest that bathing daily is bad for skin, but this is not entirely true.
Is there any scientific evidence supporting the claim about temperature changes affecting the brain?
No, temperature changes in the shower do not cause brain damage or paralysis. There is no medical evidence to support the idea that standing under a shower or pouring water on your head harms blood vessels or nerves. While temperature extremes (like extreme cold or heat) can sometimes cause harm, the gradual temperature change experienced during a normal shower is not harmful to healthy individuals. In fact, cold showers, when done properly, have been studied for their potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and improving circulation.
We spoke to Dr Preeti, MD Medicine and Assistant Professor at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, about the claim that showering can cause brain haemorrhages or paralysis. She said, “There’s no evidence to support this. Serious conditions like brain haemorrhages or paralysis are usually linked to health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or other underlying problems. It’s more important to focus on managing these for prevention.”
We also reached out to Dr Pradeep Balaji, Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, about his opinion on bathing incorrectly and paralysis. He said, “Absolutely not. This is just a myth. Pouring water on your body might cause surface blood vessels in the skin to constrict, but the blood vessels supplying the brain are deep inside and unaffected. The way you bathe has nothing to do with paralysis.”
Do sudden temperature changes affect your blood vessels and nervous system?
No, sudden changes in temperature during a normal shower are not likely to damage your blood vessels or nerves. The body has natural mechanisms for adjusting to temperature changes, and healthy individuals can generally tolerate these changes without harm. If someone has a medical condition, such as cardiovascular issues, they might need to be cautious about extreme temperature variations, but these conditions are not common for most people. It’s important to note that the claim made in the video assumes a connection between temperature change and paralysis without providing any credible evidence.
What do experts say about cold baths and showers?
Cold baths and showers may offer health benefits, but they do not cause paralysis or brain hemorrhages. Recent studies show that cold showers can enhance mood, immune function, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation. For example, research suggests that cold water exposure can increase the production of certain immune system cells, which can help the body fight off infections. Another study found that regular cold shower exposure may reduce sickness absence in people. However, there is no evidence to suggest that cold showers or bathing techniques cause serious health risks like paralysis or brain hemorrhages.
What are the real causes or risk factors for paralysis and brain haemorrhages?
Paralysis and brain haemorrhages are serious conditions that happen due to specific health problems. They are not caused by simple things like showering. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stroke: When the blood flow to part of your brain is blocked, it can lead to paralysis in certain parts of the body.
- Spinal cord injury: If the spinal cord is damaged (for example, in a car accident), it can cause paralysis below the point of injury.
- Nerve problems: Certain conditions, like multiple sclerosis, can affect the nerves and lead to paralysis.
- Infections: Some infections can damage nerves and muscles, leading to paralysis.
- Blood clots: If a clot forms and blocks blood flow to the brain or spinal cord, it can cause paralysis.
We have come across several claims suggesting false cures or prevention methods for paralysis, such as the idea that tying a kalava can prevent paralysis. However, this is completely false.
Causes of brain haemorrhages:
- High blood pressure: This is the biggest risk factor for brain haemorrhages. It weakens blood vessels, making them more likely to burst.
- Aneurysms: These are weak spots in the blood vessels in your brain. If they burst, they can cause bleeding in the brain.
- Head injuries: Any kind of trauma, like a fall or car accident, can cause bleeding in the brain.
- Blood disorders: Conditions like haemophilia make it harder for blood to clot, which can lead to bleeding in the brain.
- Drug use: Using drugs like cocaine can increase the risk of a brain haemorrhage.
Paralysis and brain haemorrhages are both serious health issues, but they have different causes. To reduce the risk of either, it’s important to manage your blood pressure, avoid head injuries, and keep conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol under control. Taking these steps can help protect your overall health and reduce the chances of these serious events happening.
THIP Media Take
The claim that bathing incorrectly can cause paralysis and brain haemorrhages is false. Cold baths can be beneficial but do not cause brain damage or paralysis if done correctly. Always rely on scientific evidence and medical advice, not unsupported claims from social media.
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