Only yours. Personal items not to be shared

Only yours. Personal items not to be shared

Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York-based dermatologist, and Philip Tierno, professor of microbiology at the New York University School of Medicine, have named personal items that should never be shared with anyone, in the name of your (and others') health.

bar soap

fullsizeAfter each use, germs and microorganisms from your skin live for some time on the surface of the soap, some of these microorganisms may be harmless to you, but cause pathologies in other people. A bar of soap is nowhere near as successful at killing germs (most of them are not antibacterial) as, for example, an alcohol-based liquid. Even worse, when a bar of soap floats in a small bath of moisture. The liquid allows bacteria, fungi and viruses to reproduce perfectly. However, experts agree that it is safe to use the same bar of soap in the family circle, as your bodies have already acclimatized to the bacterial flora of each of the family members.

Towel

If the towel smells unpleasant, it means that bacteria, fungi and mold have multiplied well in it. Towels are a great environment for them to thrive, especially if they're constantly hanging in a damp room or, worse, don't have time to dry completely. Towels can pick up bacteria that cause skin infections, acne, and even conjunctivitis. In addition, doctors advise washing towels after about four uses.

washcloth

Considering that often the washcloth does not have time to dry completely, this is an excellent breeding ground for all the same bacteria as in a towel. So watch your washcloths - dry them and don't share them with anyone.

Shaving accessories

When you shave, dead skin cells mixed with bacteria accumulate in the razor. Accordingly, the more people use a razor, the higher the risk of catching an infection. At the same time, harmful bacteria may not cause anything in one person, while in another they can become the cause of the disease. In addition, shaving involves the possibility of micro-cuts, a razor can serve as a carrier of diseases such as hepatitis or HIV.

Nail clippers

Nail clippers can carry fungal bacteria, so either clean them with alcohol after each use or use only your own.

Any creams in jars

Every time someone dips their fingers in the cream, they leave their own bacteria there, which can be passed on to the next person who uses the cream. Among these bacteria, hypothetically, there may be staphylococci and streptococci, which many people carry on themselves without much harm, but they can be harmful to other people - cause folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle) and acne.

Antiperspirants

Many deodorants kill odor-causing bacteria, and this type of deodorant is fairly safe. But some types of deodorants (especially those labeled organic) simply mask the smell of other, more pleasant smells and leave bacteria to multiply and exist directly on the deodorant itself.

lips, many blood vessels close to the surface. And bacteria through cell membranes can penetrate into the bloodstream. For example, the herpes virus can be caught through someone else's lipstick - even if the person whose lip balm you use has no visible signs of the disease.

Pumice stone for heels

These stones are full of foreign dead cells and may contain fungal pores and even papillomavirus bacteria, which can cause warts, for example. By the way, it is these stones that are the first reason for the spread of warts among family members.

Toothbrushes

Even if you wash your toothbrush after use, the bacteria of your microflora continue to multiply on it. For you, these bacteria are harmless, but in another person they can cause various ailments - a common cold or even worse - norovirus or streptococcus.

Earrings

Earrings can carry blood-borne diseases, including hepatitis or HIV. Therefore, just in case, before using other people's earrings, treat them with alcohol.

Slippers

Slippers are also a very personal item that your fungi can easily get along with, but it’s better not to test your body’s resistance to foreign fungi and bacteria. The risk is increased when slippers are regularly exposed to damp environments. Slippers can be carriers of foot fungus, as well as, for example, the molluscum virus - it causes acne-like manifestations on the skin.

Headphones

447090553-2 copyHeadphones are also a suitable breeding ground for bacteria. Scientific studies have shown that a lot of bacteria from the ear and ear wax remain on the headphones. There are much more of them if you go in for sports with headphones: a warm environment, additional moisture contribute to the reproduction of the same staphylococcus and streptococcus. By the way, that's why they give out disposable headphones on airplanes. If you really need to put on other people's headphones, treat them with an alcohol-containing solution.