The monsoon has arrived in some parts of the country, yet many regions are still grappling with severe heatwaves. With temperatures soaring to 40-45 degrees Celsius, the use of air conditioners has unsurprisingly surged. Many people are relying on air conditioning throughout the day to cope with the intense heat. However, excessive use of air conditioners may be detrimental to your health in ways you might not expect. While air conditioners provide relief from the scorching weather by lowering both heat and humidity levels, they can also have adverse effects.
Here are some side effects of prolonged exposure to air conditioning:
- Dry skin: Spending extended periods in air-conditioned environments can reduce moisture in the air, leading to dry, flaky, and itchy skin.
- Dry eyes: Continuous exposure to air conditioning can exacerbate symptoms of dry eyes, causing itching and irritation.
- Reduced oil production: Decreased sweating in cooler environments can reduce the skin’s oil production, resulting in dull and dehydrated skin.
- Skin disorders: Prolonged exposure to dry air from air conditioners can worsen existing skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
- Premature skin aging: Loss of moisture from the skin due to air conditioning can lead to reduced elasticity, contributing to the early formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Hair damage: Air conditioning can strip away natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and more susceptible to breakage.
- Allergies and infections: Air conditioning systems can harbor allergens such as dust, pollen, and mold, circulating them in the air and potentially causing skin rashes, urticaria, or allergic reactions.
While air conditioners offer relief from extreme heat, it’s important to moderate their use to minimize these potential health impacts.