Even though monsoon has arrived in some parts of the country, many other areas are reeling under intense heat. With temperatures crossing 40-45 degrees, the use of air conditioners has skyrocketed. Many people rely on air conditioners to deal with the scorching heat for most of the day. However, excessive use of air conditioning can wreak havoc on your health in a way you would not have imagined. Since air conditioners reduce both heat and humidity from the atmosphere, it can provide relief from the scorching heat as well as sweating. (Also read: Can heatwaves be deadly? 5 ways extreme heat can put your life at risk; dos and don’ts)
Excessive use of AC can lead to loss of moisture from the skin, hair, nose and throat. It can basically dry out the mucus membranes which in turn lose their ability to protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses. If you are suffering from cold, cough and low immunity these days, it could be because you are spending most of your time in AC.
Additionally, sitting in an air-conditioned room for too long can make you feel sluggish or dehydrated. To avoid these problems, use your air conditioner sparingly and give it a rest from time to time so the air doesn’t become too dry.
Dr Radhika Raheja, dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, Radical Skin and Hair Clinic, Sector 17, Faridabad, in an interview with HT Digital, talks about the side effects of excessive AC use. She says, “Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory problems, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases and indoor pollutants are among the common health problems associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning.”
Side Effects of Too Much Air Conditioning
1. Dry skin: Spending too much time in an air-conditioned environment can reduce the humidity in the air, which leads to dry skin. Your skin may feel flaky and itchy.
2. Dry eyesIf you already have dry eyes, staying in the AC for too long can worsen the symptoms, causing itching and burning in the eyes.
3. Decrease in oil production: Sweating reduces oil production in the skin, leaving the skin dull and dehydrated.
4. Skin disorders: Prolonged exposure to dry air can worsen existing skin problems like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, etc.
5. Premature ageing of the skin: Your skin begins to shrink as it loses moisture. As a result, its elastic properties are reduced, leading to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines.
6. Hair damage: AC can strip out the natural oils that protect hair. This can leave hair dry, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
7. Allergic and infectious diseases: Air conditioning systems can be a breeding ground for allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold. These allergens can spread into the air, causing skin rashes, hives, skin allergies, etc.
Also, dehydration rates are higher in AC rooms, so it is essential to stay hydrated while using air conditioning. Remember to take breaks from the AC and maintain proper hydration to keep your skin and eyes healthy.
