Dermatologists warn women against buying used pants, bras
Citing the high risk of infection, skin experts have asked women to stop patronising second-hand pants and bras irrespective of the cost and durability, which they warned expose them to fungal infections, scabies, and hepatitis.
The dermatologists explained that individuals who wear these items, especially without properly washing and ironing them, were at higher risk of bacterial infections and skin reactions, among other health complications.
They acknowledged that the economic situation in the country has led to an increased preference for imported used clothing and underwear popularly known as ‘Okrika’ due to affordability.
The skin specialists advised women to prioritise their health and opt for new intimate underwear.
In separate interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts maintained that while soaking the underwear in hot water, bleach and disinfectant, as practised by some users, could be beneficial, there was inadequate scientific proof that such actions made them completely safe.
Already, over 20 million Nigerians are infected with hepatitis, a viral infection that eventually leads to an inflammation of the liver.
Herpes is a virus causing contagious painful sores on the mouth and genitals and spread through skin-to-skin contact. Although treatable, it has no cure.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that the economic hardship had forced many Nigerian women, particularly in Lagos, to buy and wear second-hand bras and pants.
Although the second-hand market, popularly known as ‘okrika’ is not new, the increased patronage of intimate wear, due to affordability and affordability, is what seems novel.
While the sellers of these underwear boast of increased patronage, the users mentioned that the cost of new underwear was the main factor making them embrace thrift underwear.
However, the health implications of wearing these second-hand pants and bras are not considered before, during, and after purchase.
Providing expert insight into the matter, a Consultant Dermatologist and Venereologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Katsina State, Dr Nafisatu Abdullahi, stated that due to the associated health risks, it was best to avoid second-hand intimate underwear, whether locally sourced or imported.
She explained that locally exchanged underwear, exchanged within hours or days, could still contain viable organisms capable of causing disease, especially if not properly washed.
The skin expert further noted that while the imported ‘okirika’ underwear took a longer time before it passed from the initial wearer to the new user, the latter was still at risk of fungal infection.
The dermatologist said, “Getting previously used underwear from neighbours or relatives presents a few different health challenges compared with getting one that is coming, let’s say, all the way from China. Not necessarily because of the different skin colours but because of the time frame that they were last used.
“Some of the adverse health implications for those who use previously used underwear include contracting fungal infections, this is because fungal organisms are known to have spores that can last for weeks and months lying dormant and waiting for the right environment to reactivate and cause infection.”
She added that the wearers could develop parasitic infections such as scabies and pubic lice.
Abdullahi further noted that wearing underwear that was recently worn by another person, without washing, increased the risk of viral infections such as hepatitis or herpes.
“In the same vein, those that were used recently without proper washing put the wearers at risk of bacterial infection like Ecoli, staphylococcus,” the venerologist said.
Abdullahi emphasised that the safest option was for individuals to wear brand-new underwear.
However, to reduce the possibility of getting adverse reactions from locally obtained or imported used underwear, she advised, “When you are given or buying fairly used underwear and can see a visible stain or perceive an odd smell, it is better to avoid those kinds of underwear.
“If it is possible to wear panty liners, it is better and safer, compared with using the panties directly. Every previously owned clothes, pants, and bras are best washed in hot water, using bleach or something strong enough to kill bacteria, and dried preferably in hot sun, and all sides and corners of the clothes should be properly ironed.
“If you do all these and still develop rash, itching or any discomfort, it is best to see a dermatologist or doctor as quickly as possible,” the dermatologist said.
Also speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a dermatologist, Dr Olutomidimu Afolabi, stated that used underwear had more direct contact with the skin and increased the risk of infections, including sexually transmitted infections.
She added that persons who wore such underwear could contract Hepatitis B and C virus infection, which was transmitted through blood contact, sexual fluids from intercourse and contact with sweat.
“People get Hepatitis from sharing clothing. Now I’m not even talking about underwear, or sharing clothing. Some people might want to argue that they will wash it with hot water and iron it. There is a need for more studies to show whether this has an effect. But some people wear these clothes and underwear without washing,” Afolabi said.
The dermatologist acknowledged that the country’s economic situation might be responsible for the increased use of fairly used and imported clothing but strongly discouraged the wearing of second-hand underwear because of its health implications.
Speaking further on the impact of wearing used pants for women, the skin expert added, “When females have candida, that’s vaginal candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection) there’s whitish discharge and part of the treatment is for the person to change their pants to prevent re-infection. Buying and wearing such disposable pants can pose an infection to the new user.”
The dermatologist advised the purchase and use of affordable new underwear.
