Dermatologists advise Nigerians to treat harvested rainwater before bathing, warning that contaminated water may harbour bacteria, fungi and harmful chemicals

Medical experts have warned Nigerians against bathing with untreated harvested rainwater, saying the practice could increase the risk of fungal and bacterial skin infections as well as skin irritation, particularly during the rainy season.

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The specialists said rainwater is not naturally sterile and can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, dust, bird droppings, chemicals and other pollutants as it falls through the atmosphere or is collected and stored in unclean containers.

Their warning comes as many households across Nigeria increasingly rely on harvested rainwater for domestic use during the rainy season, which typically runs from April to October.

Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, Professor of Medicine and Dermatology Madubuko Roli said repeated use of untreated rainwater, especially on broken or sensitive skin, could expose people to a range of preventable skin conditions.

According to Roli, a Consultant Physician and Dermatologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, rainwater often picks up contaminants from rooftops, roads and the surrounding environment before it is collected for use.

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

“These infections may present as ringworm (tinea corporis), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), or jock itch (tinea cruris), depending on the area of the body affected.”

She added that untreated rainwater could also encourage the growth of bacteria responsible for conditions such as folliculitis and recurrent boils.

“Untreated rainwater may also encourage the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of skin infections such as folliculitis and recurrent boils.

“In addition, chemicals and other pollutants present in the water may irritate the skin and trigger irritant contact dermatitis, also known as irritant contact eczema. People may experience itching, redness, and skin irritation after repeated exposure,” she explained.

Roli advised households that depend on harvested rainwater to ensure it is properly treated or filtered before use and to maintain clean water storage facilities to minimise contamination.

“Treating harvested rainwater before use can help reduce the risk of fungal infections, bacterial skin infections, and irritant skin reactions, contributing to healthier skin during the rainy season,” she said.

Also commenting, toxicologist and environmental health expert Onaeko Oluwawemimo warned that roof-harvested rainwater could contain heavy metals, pesticides and other environmental contaminants capable of causing skin inflammation, allergic reactions and other health problems.

Oluwawemimo explained that rainwater may also harbour disease-causing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, particularly when it is collected or stored under poor sanitary conditions.

“Pathogens found in rainwater include genus Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio spp., and pathogenic E. coli, which is a major causative organism capable of transmitting and causing dangerous diseases that, upon antibiotics use, become resistant, thus exposing the person to other linked diseases,” he said.

Beyond skin conditions, the environmental health specialist noted that exposure to contaminated rainwater could contribute to respiratory illnesses and other infections if appropriate hygiene measures were not observed.

To reduce health risks, Oluwawemimo recommended boiling, filtration, chlorination or ultraviolet disinfection before harvested rainwater is used for domestic purposes.

“Rainwater safety can be improved upon by observing basic practices like boiling, filtering, use of chemicals like chlorine, and UV disinfection, which are all better ways to ensure rainwater safety,” he said.

The warning on Untreated Rainwater Skin Infections comes as public health experts continue to encourage safe water practices during Nigeria’s rainy season.

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While harvested rainwater remains an important alternative water source for many households, specialists stress that proper collection, storage and treatment are essential to reduce exposure to infectious organisms and environmental contaminants.