How Thermal Underwear Can Harm Health in Freezing Weather
Choosing the right thermal underwear materials can prevent overheating and skin issues in cold weather.
Meteorologists forecast an abnormal cold snap in Central Russia. Temperatures are expected to drop to -20…-26°C (-4…-15°F). To survive the cold, one needs to dress warmly before going outside. Doctors believe the best option is to purchase thermal underwear. It helps retain heat and withstand frost. We consulted dermatovenerologist and cosmetologist Ekaterina Zharova from Doctor Romanova«s clinic to find out how suitable thermal underwear is for warming up.
Experts recommend specific fabrics for thermal underwear to balance moisture management and warmth retention.
Ekaterina Zharova noted that thermal underwear indeed helps endure the cold. It«s important only that it is properly selected and used as intended.
How to Choose the Material
When choosing thermal underwear, one should pay attention to the material. Certain compositions are suitable for different lifestyles. The expert recommends choosing the following materials:
Synthetic fabrics. They effectively repel moisture.
Wool. Suitable for people with low physical activity during the day.
Mixed options. Combine the advantages of both aforementioned materials.
‘It«s better to avoid cotton in this case, as such material quickly absorbs moisture, takes a long time to dry, increasing the risks of hypothermia,’ the specialist emphasized.
In What Weather to Wear Thermal Underwear
As the expert explained, there are no clear temperature indicators to rely on. Here, outdoor humidity, wind speed and direction, as well as individual characteristics and activity level play a significant role.
‘If a person plans prolonged outdoor stay, active pastime, then from 0 degrees Celsius (32°F) I would recommend using thermal underwear,’ advised Ekaterina Zharova.
At the same time, in warm weather, as the specialist warns, one should not wear thermal underwear. The body may overheat, which, in turn, can lead to the emergence of acute and exacerbation of chronic dermatological diseases.
Chronic dermatological diseases are skin conditions, as well as pathologies of hair and nails, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo, and seborrhea.
Is It Dangerous to Wear Thermal Underwear
Ekaterina Zharova emphasized that the risks are not related to the clothing option itself, but to its incorrect use. For example, thermal underwear can pose a danger to men.
‘With prolonged wear of tight-fitting clothing, the temperature in the groin area increases, physiological ventilation levels are disrupted, which ultimately leads to impaired spermatogenesis, and, as a consequence, can become one of the causes of infertility,’ the dermatovenerologist explained.
One should pay attention to such a problem if a person works in an office for a long time. For example, if unable to change clothes, a person«s skin may overheat, due to which, again, there is a risk of acute and exacerbation of chronic dermatoses.
Dermatosis is a group of congenital or acquired skin diseases.
What«s Better: Thermal Underwear or Long Johns
The most physiological option, as Ekaterina Zharova explained, is the layering principle. The expert explained what three layers of clothing imply:
First layer — thermal underwear.
Second layer — items based on fleece and wool. This layer implies enhanced insulation.
Third layer — dense and water-repellent materials of outerwear. They protect the body from wind and moisture.
Thus, the doctor summarized, the body will be most comfortable in extreme weather conditions.
‘Using a large amount of regular clothing without thermal underwear is irrational, since the body will be equally subjected to hypothermia. A person will be uncomfortable and burdened by such an amount of clothing,’ concluded Ekaterina Zharova.
