Swimwear shopping can be fraught with hidden dangers, particularly the practice of trying on swimsuits while completely nude. This is especially concerning given that most bathing suit bottoms contain a plastic hygiene liner that could harbor bacteria. Microbiologist Nicholas Aicher decided to investigate this by swabbing the plastic seals of two different bathing suits at a retail store and culturing the samples. His findings revealed an alarming presence of harmful bacteria, raising significant health concerns.
Aicher’s experiment began as a casual exploration but ended with shocking revelations. After incubating the samples, he discovered one suit held a high concentration of Staphylococcus bacteria, which is notorious for causing staph infections. Symptoms of such infections can range from mild, like boils and oozing blisters, to severe and potentially fatal situations involving deeper tissues such as the bloodstream or vital organs. A second sample had lesser amounts of bacteria, but still raised concerns. This serves as a stark reminder of the unseen hygiene issues surrounding swimwear in retail environments.
The take-home message from Aicher’s discoveries is that trying on swimsuits safely requires some form of barrier between your skin and the garment itself. Options like full-coverage underwear or leggings can provide this protective layer. This precaution is vital not only for swimwear but also extends to other clothing items that may be contaminated. The importance of hygiene in clothing choices cannot be overstated, especially for items that come into direct contact with the skin.
In a related incident, a TikTok user known as @onenevertwhoo_one shared his experience with a skin infection likely acquired from thrift store clothing that he hadn’t washed before wearing. He contracted molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection characterized by painless bumps. While this condition is generally harmless and self-resolving, it highlights the risks associated with wearing secondhand clothing without first ensuring cleanliness.
Dermatologist Dr. Charles Puza also emphasized the necessity of washing new clothing items, particularly those from fast fashion retailers such as Shein and Temu, before wearing them. His statements resonate with both young shoppers and adults who indulge in fast fashion, reinforcing the message that new doesn’t always mean clean. This need for vigilance should not be ignored, as the potential for skin infections exists regardless of the source of the clothing.
Overall, the combination of Aicher’s findings and the experiences of others serves as a vital reminder about hygiene practices in clothing shopping. Whether it’s swimsuits or everyday garments, a safeguard like washing before wearing can significantly reduce the risk of infections. In an era where fast fashion and quick purchases dominate, small habits such as these can promote better health and well-being.
