Is it really that bad to wear not-so-fresh underwear?

Few people find joy in wearing dirty underwear, but sometimes circumstances lead to it. Perhaps the airline misplaced your luggage, or your camping trip extended unexpectedly. Carrying an emergency pair isn't always feasible. However, is it truly a grave matter to reuse a less-than-fresh pair?

Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City dermatologist, advises that clothing in direct contact with the body, like underwear, should be washed after every use. This is crucial because skin oils, sweat, and bacteria can easily transfer onto the garment. Underwear, in particular, should be washed diligently as it resides in sweaty areas prone to becoming soiled with body fluids.

Understandably, underwear is not the cleanest laundry item, serving the purpose of shielding other clothes from urine, feces, and sweat. Research even indicates that a laundry load consisting solely of underwear could harbor about 100 million E. coli in the wash water.

What are the risks associated with wearing dirty underwear?

Wearing soiled underwear elevates the risk of bacterial infections like urinary tract infections due to the lingering bacteria. Fungal infections, such as yeast infections or "jock itch," can also occur and are contagious. The warm, moist environment created by prolonged wear becomes an ideal breeding ground for fungus. Additionally, the accumulation of sweat and bacteria in dirty underwear can lead to unpleasant odors.

Dirty underwear heightens the risk of skin irritation and inflammation, such as contact dermatitis, triggered by substances in the underwear or even the laundry detergent. If you experience skin issues with clean underwear, it's essential to investigate potential irritants.

When should you change your underwear? Dr. Zeichner suggests no strict rule but recommends changing underwear every 24 hours or after activities causing sweating, like working out. Dr. Kautilya Shaurya, a dermatologist in New York City, advises changing after a shower to stay clean and after underwear becomes wet to prevent skin irritation.

Certain individuals may need to change more frequently, especially if they sweat profusely. Foul body odor in private areas is also a sign to change underwear and wash up, as it may indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis in women.

If circumstances force you to wear soiled underwear, going commando might be a preferable alternative. For future situations, consider packing extra underwear in your carry-on.