Washing with rusty water can worsen skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. Brushing teeth with it can damage enamel and introduce bacteria from old pipes.
Russian doctor Vladimir Neronov told Oxu.Az that brown water is caused by iron oxide and hydroxide particles. While not directly poisonous, it damages the skin's lipid barrier, causing dryness and itching.
Rusty water is especially risky for those with eczema and atopic dermatitis. It can also irritate eyes, causing redness and burning, and worsen asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis.
The doctor advises avoiding rusty water for oral hygiene. Rust residues irritate gums and create micro-scratches on enamel. If there are mouth sores, periodontitis, or stomatitis, iron residues feed harmful bacteria. Biofilms from old pipes are a potential infection source.
