Do you have the habit of wearing borrowed shoes, slippers, caps, hats, shirts, sweaters and other clothes? If yes, then please refrain from doing this as in such cases, you may get fungal infections or head lice.
Fungal infections spread where humans congregate. Fungal spores are always present but are given a helping hand by certain environments and when humans don’t heed basic hygiene rules, trouble follows, says Dr Jaidev Yadav, N.C, consultant dermatologist and laser cosmetologist, Guna Skin and Laser Clinic.
He adds, "People should watch out for symptoms like redness, itchy skin as this could be a skin infection, or scabies which is caused by sarcoptes-mite.”
Those fond of earrings and nose rings must also be careful of metal- based allergy.
Dr RK Hanumanthayya, consultant dermatologist, Vydehi Medical College and Hospital, says,"People complain about itchiness in the head. This is due to pediculosis (head lice), hence borrowing hats, caps or clothes should be avoided.”
Experts say that although clothes can be used after washing with soap and detergent, it is risky to wear used shoes and socks.
The person may have sweat issues and this may lead to the fungal infection candidiasis.
In some cases, itchiness on skin can be due to pet-based infections. There are small cat lice and dog lice and when they bite humans, they may experience papular urtacaria (when skin becomes red and blisters are formed).
Not only that, there are chances of feet catching infection when we enter religious places like temples without any shoes on.
For happy feet
Dry your feet thoroughly after swimming, bathing or showering. Foot dampness spreads fungus easily. Ensure that sweat drenched shoes are thoroughly dry before wearing them again. Avoid sharing socks, shoes or any other foot accessories used by others. Wash and air all sports and walking shoes regularly. Ideally, have two pairs which you can wear alternately.
Give each pair good rest and lots of air exposure. Keep your shower and bath area clean as germs can get transmitted to clothes.
Hygiene habits that can help
Do not share clothes and shoes. Check out from a hotel room which has bed bugs.
Wear footwear such as flip flops or Crocs™ when using public bathing facilities (showers, saunas, etc.) and when walking around public pool areas.