Sharing of bath towels may transmit infections and diseases - Experts

Two health experts on Wednesday in Lagos cautioned against sharing of bath towels, saying it could lead to transmission of infections and diseases.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that sharing of bath towels could result in transmission of diseases like gonorrhea, trichomonas, rashes, eczema among others.

A medical practitioner, Dr Ayinde Noah, told NAN that people who use bath towels of others risk skin infections and diseases.

“Towels retain moisture for long periods and have the ability to breed bacteria.

“Towels harbour bacteria than any household item and they are used to wipe hands and body which already have germs.

“You can contact bacteria from other people’s towels, because the owner might have used one side to wipe his or her private part and then you pick it to wipe your face.

“Towels have the ability to fester germs because they are made with wool.

“It is not hygienic to share towels with others; try and get your own and keep it clean,’’ Noah, who works at Rains Hospital, Ikorodu said.

A dermatologist, Mrs Funke Davies, also said that one could contact skin infections and diseases through sharing of towels.

“Skin diseases such as acne, rashes, eczema, moles, among others can be contacted through sharing of towels.

“It is not advisable to share towels with anyone; get yours separately and keep it clean.

“Normal washing of towels will reduce risk of germs being transmitted, but it is advisable to wash with hot water and disinfectant which will kill the bacteria.

“It is also advisable that we should wash our towels once in a week and put them on the rail to dry so they don’t fester germs,” she said.

- NAN