If you want to look good on the beach in summer, buy swimwear now. But what romps about in bikini and swimming trunks is anything but hygienic. A dermatologist did the laboratory test and reveals which germs she found in the fabrics.
In the changing room, many women and men are carefree and try on swimwear on their bare skin. The result: “Germs from the genital area are detectable in 60 to 80 percent of the bikini panties examined. In swimwear for men, we found it in 30 to 50 percent of the samples,” explains Dr. Uta Schlossberger, dermatologist from Cologne and member of the professional association of German dermatologists (BVDD).
The closer the panties, the more germs
In recent years, the dermatologist has repeatedly examined random samples in the laboratory for pathogens. Their result: the closer the panties are, the more germs can be found. In most cases, fungi and intestinal bacteria cavort in the fabric.
But salmonella and noroviruses could also be detected, as well as flu viruses. “These mostly get into the fabric by touching it,” says Schlossberger. In rare cases, viruses have even been found that can trigger genital warts.
Cystitis threatens when trying on
Not only is this unsavory, it also poses a challenge to the immune system. Most people can fight off the pathogen. But a residual risk remains. “Faecal bacteria, for example, can cause diarrhea. In addition, it is quite possible that women try on a bikini on bare skin Cystitis or catch a fungal infection, “the dermatologist knows.
Protective sticker is ideal “humid chamber”
The protective sticker that is affixed to the crotch of most panties doesn’t help either. On the contrary: the strip still promotes the multiplication of the germs. According to Schlossberger, the combination of plastic and bare skin quickly creates a kind of “humid chamber” in which the pathogens feel comfortable.
Keep underwear on when trying on
It is safest to leave your own underwear on under your swimwear as a protective barrier. Then there is almost no risk of infection, so Schlossberger. And the dermatologist has one more tip: “Make sure you take fresh pair of pair of pair of underpants with you from home and put them on after trying them on. This also minimizes the risk of infection.”
In addition, you should wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and put the bikini and swimming trunks in the washing machine at home.
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