What will happen if you don’t change your underwear often?

Not changing underwear frequently may increase the risk of perineal infection, which can easily lead to problems such as itching, odor or inflammation. If underwear is not changed for a long time, it is easy to breed bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, especially in women, it may induce vaginitis, and in men it may cause scrotal eczema or urinary tract infection.

The perineal skin has many folds and is moist, and sweat, secretions and residual excrement will adhere to the underwear to form a bacterial culture medium. Women's vaginal environment is sensitive, and excessive reproduction of Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans may lead to vulvar itching and tofu-like leucorrhea. Male scrotum has dense sweat glands, and a humid environment can easily induce red pimples or peeling. When cotton underwear is not changed for more than 24 hours, the number of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli can multiply.

People with diabetes or immunocompromised people are at higher risk. Those with poor blood sugar control have elevated perineal sugar levels and a significantly increased probability of Candida albicans infection. Patients who are bedridden for a long time may develop skin maceration or even pressure sores due to poor local ventilation. The accumulation of sweat in adolescents after exercising can easily lead to repeated attacks of folliculitis or tinea cruris.

It is recommended to choose breathable cotton underwear and change it daily. If you sweat a lot, you can change it more frequently. Use mild detergent when washing and dry thoroughly to avoid mixing with other clothes. When persistent itching, rash or abnormal discharge occurs, you should seek medical treatment promptly to check for fungal vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, scrotal dermatitis and other diseases. If necessary, follow the doctor's advice to use clotrimazole cream, metronidazole suppository or Perisone ointment and other drugs.