Dressing yourself every day can be challenging - having to think about what's suitable for the weather or what's going to be comfortable, but underwear is one of the first things you master as a kid.
But what if it turns out you've been doing it all wrong?
Underwear is the first thing you put on in the morning. It’s your first introduction to the day, but whether you’re an avid wearer of granny pants or simply put on the corresponding boxer to what weekday is, you’re still potentially putting them on wrong.
Dr Samuel Choudhury, a GP and skincare specialist who has racked up thousands of followers on social media by sharing insights and tips on health, took to his Instagram and TikTok to share why with his followers.
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And the reason is actually pretty gross.
He explained that putting underwear on with bare feet can cause ‘Jock Itch’, a fungal infection commonly referred to as ringworm.
At least 70 percent of all people will experience a fungal infection of some variety on their feet at least once in their lives.
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Now, if you do get a foot fungus at some point, don’t put your underwear on barefoot.
Dr Choudhury explains that fungal spores are extremely contagious, and if the fabric of your underwear comes into contact with the infection then the fabric can carry the infection all the way up to the groin, causing ‘crotch rot’.
I know what you’re thinking, but going commando is not the solution.
The actual solution is super simple - putting on your socks before your underwear when you have a fungal infection can do wonders.
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Dr Choudhury highlights that putting socks on before your underwear creates a barrier blocking the infection from the rest of your body.
It’s also stopping the infection from spreading to the groin, meaning treatment is easier as it’s just in one area.
If you do get persistent ‘crotch rot’ Dr Choudhury suggests you see a professional and pay attention to your foot health a little more closely.
It’s not just putting your underwear with socks on either, fungal spores can live on bedding and towels for over year if they’re not washed.
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Don’t threat as these infections can be treated at home by regularly washing the infected skin daily, making sure the area is thoroughly dry as well as avoiding itching the infection, and washing clothes and bedding.
If home treatments don’t improve the fungal infection, experts recommend contacting your doctor for advice where they’ll typically prescribe an anti-fungal cream and potentially an oral anti-fungal if the infection gets worse.
Words by Merry Parton.
Emily Brown