10 THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER, EVER SHARE
Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Sharing something that’s been all up in another person’s armpit is gross to begin with, but contaminated sticks can actually cause infections if germs get into nicks from shaving or ingrown hairs, says Bowe. Some deodorants work by killing odor-causing bacteria, so the antibacterial ingredients provide added protection. But many deodorants, especially organic kinds, just mask the smell with fragrance, so it’s easy for underarm germs to grow on the stick. You’re better off not sharing or wiping the stick down with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball first.
Lip balm
“Bacteria can transfer through the membranes of your mouth into your bloodstream,” says Bowe. Lips have an extensive network of blood vessels just under the surface, she says, ready to absorb anything you apply on the mouth, germs included. “Herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, can be spread between two people sharing ChapStick, even if the infected person has no visible sores,” says Bowe.
Toothbrushes
“Even if you rinse the toothbrush off after using it, there are still bacteria on the bristles and it will grow overnight,” says Tierno. Your own mouth germs won’t make you sick, he says, but if that bacteria on the toothbrush is from someone else’s mouth, it can transmit new pathogens which cause the common cold, strep, norovirus, and more.
It’s less common, but Bowe explains that blood-borne diseases can also be transmitted with a toothbrush between people if the two individuals both have poor dental hygiene and brushing causes bleeding in the gums.
Razors
Even if you catch some rogue stubble before going out, using a friend’s razor probably isn’t worth it. “When you shave, the razor collects dead skin cells mixed with bacteria, so the more people using it the more risk for infection,” says Tierno. As mentioned before, some people can carry harmful bacteria on their skin without getting sick, so it’s impossible to know if a razor is contaminated. Since shaving also causes abrasions and cuts, razors can also transfer blood-borne diseases like hepatitis and HIV, says Bowe.
Sharing something that’s been all up in another person’s armpit is gross to begin with, but contaminated sticks can actually cause infections if germs get into nicks from shaving or ingrown hairs, says Bowe. Some deodorants work by killing odor-causing bacteria, so the antibacterial ingredients provide added protection. But many deodorants, especially organic kinds, just mask the smell with fragrance, so it’s easy for underarm germs to grow on the stick. You’re better off not sharing or wiping the stick down with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball first.
Lip balm
“Bacteria can transfer through the membranes of your mouth into your bloodstream,” says Bowe. Lips have an extensive network of blood vessels just under the surface, she says, ready to absorb anything you apply on the mouth, germs included. “Herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, can be spread between two people sharing ChapStick, even if the infected person has no visible sores,” says Bowe.
Toothbrushes
“Even if you rinse the toothbrush off after using it, there are still bacteria on the bristles and it will grow overnight,” says Tierno. Your own mouth germs won’t make you sick, he says, but if that bacteria on the toothbrush is from someone else’s mouth, it can transmit new pathogens which cause the common cold, strep, norovirus, and more.
It’s less common, but Bowe explains that blood-borne diseases can also be transmitted with a toothbrush between people if the two individuals both have poor dental hygiene and brushing causes bleeding in the gums.
Razors
Even if you catch some rogue stubble before going out, using a friend’s razor probably isn’t worth it. “When you shave, the razor collects dead skin cells mixed with bacteria, so the more people using it the more risk for infection,” says Tierno. As mentioned before, some people can carry harmful bacteria on their skin without getting sick, so it’s impossible to know if a razor is contaminated. Since shaving also causes abrasions and cuts, razors can also transfer blood-borne diseases like hepatitis and HIV, says Bowe.
Subscribe to the E3 Talkies YouTube Page Here...!
Posts
Leave a Comment