‘How To Check Health Risk From Second-hand Undergarment’

Users of second-hand undergarments may not suffer much health risk if the garments are properly disinfected, washed and ironed, Mike Iroezindu, a medical doctor, has said.

Iroezindu, a general medicine specialist, told newsmen  in Jos that the second-hand undergarments, popularly called “okirika” pose “very minimal health risks’’ to the user.

He said that the undergarments could, however, pose a serious health risk if they are not properly washed and disinfected before use.

“If the garments are not washed, they expose the user to bacterial and fungal infections, while scabies could be harbored in undergarments that are not treated.

“If the original owner had an infection, chances are high that the disease will be transmitted to the next owner if the material is not disinfected, washed and ironed before use,” the medical doctor revealed.

According to Iroezindu, such underwears must be washed, disinfected and ironed before use, because of its close contact with the genitals.

He stated that some people, due to their genetic make-up, might experience allergic reactions from the fabric used in producing the undergarments.

“ This is not peculiar to the use of second-hand undergarments only, people who use new wares may also experience allergic reactions, depending on their genetic make-up,” he said.

Iroezindu suggested the use of detergents, disinfectants, warm water-washing and sun-drying to disinfect the used undergarments and protect the new owner.