Medical experts warn Nigerians against bathing with untreated rainwater during rainy season

Medical experts have cautioned Nigerians against bathing with untreated rainwater, warning that the common practice could expose people to fungal and bacterial infections, skin irritation and other health complications during the rainy season.

The warning comes as many households across the country increasingly harvest rainwater for domestic use due to persistent water shortages.

Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Madubuko Roli, said the widespread belief that rainwater is naturally clean is misleading.

According to her, rainwater absorbs dust, microorganisms and environmental pollutants as it falls through the atmosphere before becoming further contaminated by roofing materials, gutters and storage containers.

“One major concern is fungal infections because fungi can thrive in contaminated water containing organic debris and other pollutants,” she said.

She explained that repeated exposure to untreated rainwater could lead to skin conditions such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, folliculitis and boils, particularly in people with cuts, wounds or sensitive skin.

Prof. Roli also warned that pollutants present in harvested rainwater may trigger irritant contact dermatitis, causing itching, redness and skin inflammation after repeated use.

Also speaking on the health risks, environmental health expert Onaeko Oluwawemimo said rainwater collected from rooftops may contain bird droppings, dust, decaying organic matter, heavy metals and chemical residues that accumulate over time.

He noted that these contaminants could pose additional health risks if the water is used without treatment.

According to him, contaminated water may harbour harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter, increasing the risk of infections if ingested or if contaminated droplets are inhaled during bathing.

The experts advised households to treat harvested rainwater before using it for bathing, cooking or drinking.

They recommended filtering the water to remove debris, boiling it where possible, disinfecting stored water with approved water treatment chemicals such as chlorine, and regularly cleaning storage tanks and collection containers to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

They also urged members of the public to avoid using untreated rainwater on open wounds or damaged skin, stressing that proper water treatment and storage remain essential to reducing the risk of infection during the rainy season.