Tights - the hidden culprit of disease

Tights are an indispensable fashion accessory for any woman who loves to wear short skirts in the winter. However, this is also an item that causes many women to "bring on" diseases because of using it incorrectly.

Many women tend to treat their pantyhose the same way they treat their bras and jeans, washing them only after repeated use or when they look dirty or smell bad. But experts say that washing pantyhose after more than one wear can make them a breeding ground for bacteria.

Illustration photo.

Pantyhose are often made from a blend of synthetic materials, including Spandex and nylon. These fibers trap heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. These properties can predispose a woman to yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially if she doesn’t wear cotton underwear under her tight pantyhose, says Everyday Health.

But even with pantyhose acting as a protective layer, the heat-trapping and moisture-retaining materials of pantyhose can cause problems anywhere on the body where a woman sweats, including her feet. For example, pantyhose can be the hidden culprit in causing ladies to develop athlete's foot, which can cause swollen, itchy feet.

The moisture problem is exacerbated by the fact that pantyhose are often worn tight against the skin, which can be a cause of acne. "Sweat that stays on the body for long periods of time can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria, which can make acne worse," dermatologist Dr. Carlos Charles explains, as The Cut reports.

All of the above health problems can occur after just one wearing of pantyhose, especially on a particularly warm day. However, the risk of infection or skin irritation increases after repeated wearing of pantyhose without washing, when bacteria multiply.

Unfortunately, according to a Women's Health survey, women tend to put off washing their pantyhose until they've worn them several times or until they're dirty or smelly. Additionally, many women are reluctant to wash their pantyhose frequently for fear of damaging the delicate fibers.

Tips for preserving tights

To overcome these problems, lingerie expert Jenny Altman, CEO of iloveagood.com, has some advice for women. According to her, first, women should buy themselves many pairs of pantyhose to change.

Second, you should pay close attention to the brand and care instructions on the sock label: some types can be put in the washing machine, while others require hand washing.

For machine-washable pantyhose, place them in a special lingerie bag and wash them separately to avoid scratching caused by tangling with other sharp items. After washing, it is recommended that people do not put pantyhose in the dryer. Always let them dry naturally, ideally on a rack.

Finally, if you are worried that frequent washing will damage your pantyhose, after washing them, put them in a zip-lock plastic bag and put them in the freezer. Then, take the pantyhose bag out, defrost it and let it dry naturally. This method is a bit time-consuming but it helps to tighten the fabric fibers of the pantyhose and helps the pantyhose maintain their shape and become more durable.

According to Vietnamnet