Woman Develops Bell's Palsy After Riding Bike with Wet Hair, Sparks Health Warning
On February 23rd, a 33-year-old woman, referred to as Ms. Yang, experienced a rare medical condition known as Bell's palsy. The incident occurred in Zhengzhou, Henan province, when Yang hurriedly got on her electric bike to go to work after taking a shower but failing to dry her hair. When she arrived at her workplace, her colleagues noticed that her face looked distorted, describing it as "the left side of her face looked like it had migrated to the right."
23 February 2024
Yang immediately sought medical attention at a hospital, where she was diagnosed with Bell's palsy. The doctor noted that this condition often arises in cold weather when people fail to dry their hair thoroughly before going to bed or leaving their homes. The specialist warned that this behavior could lead to five potential consequences.
- Facial paralysis: This occurs due to the impact on the facial nerve located near the ear.
- Susceptibility to colds: The head releases a significant amount of steam, which expels body heat from the area.
- Headaches and dizziness: Water retention on the scalp for an extended period causes the scalp temperature to drop, affecting the individual.
- Cold susceptibility: Prolonged exposure to cold air can weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness.
- General discomfort: Going outside with damp hair can be uncomfortable and contribute to an overall cold feeling throughout the body.
The story has sparked widespread concern and discussion among Weibo users, many of whom have shared their own experiences and fears. One user, @SL苏酥爱喝奶茶947_需要回访版的微博视频, commented, "I'm terrified. From now on, I'll make sure to blow-dry my hair before going out." Another user, @lavender_cat, recalled their school days, saying, "Back in middle school, I used to wash my hair every morning and head straight out in the cold without drying it. Now, thinking about it, I'm amazed my body endured that."
Others reiterated the importance of prioritizing one's health. @小帅哥阳光, for example, said, "The main goal is not to get sick. Remember to dry your hair thoroughly after washing, especially before bedtime."
The best treatment options for Bell's palsy, according to medical experts, include:
- Modern medical treatments: These involve administering medications like steroids, nerve-nourishing drugs, and antiviral agents.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments: These include acupuncture, physical therapy, electro-acupuncture, and localized massage. Practitioners focus on promoting blood circulation and relaxation to alleviate symptoms. TCM treatments involving acupuncture typically target meridians such as the Gallbladder, Wind Pool, Fengchi, Shenmen, Jia Che, Yangbai, Sanyinjiao, Yifeng, Shenshu, and Fengfu.
While Bell's palsy is a rare condition, it is essential to take care of our health, especially during the cold winter months. By taking simple precautions, such as drying our hair thoroughly after washing and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold weather, we can reduce our risk of encountering such issues.