Hygiene products you should never share with anyone

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Often we tend to share some of our hygiene products with some friends, roommates or partners; however there are some products that should be reserved for your body alone. While it is advisable to always remember that some of these apparently harmless items actually can seriously hamper your health.

Bars of soap

Seems innocent enough, right? Well, not exactly. It was said that those who shared soap were more likely to have recurring infections of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant staph infection. While soap’s self-cleaning nature does minimize germ-swapping, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention recommend using liquid soap to prevent infections.

Antiperspirants

Deodorants are all about stopping bacteria’s stink, meaning they come packed with antimicrobial properties. Antiperspirants, however, only slow your sweating—so they won’t kill the germs that are swiped onto your stick, according to the Mayo Clinic. Plus, while it probably won’t cause infection, you can transfer skin cells and hair particles from pit to pit as you share antiperspirant or deodorant sticks—a pretty stomach-churning reality.

Razors

Case studies of razors contributing to the transmission of hepatitis B, C, and HIV all abound, according to dermatologist Bethanee J. Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Women’s Skin Health Program for Northwestern Medicine. “Sharing of razors has also been known to cause transmissions of fungal infection—specifically tinea corporis, known more commonly as ringworm—and bacterial infections, she says.

Towels

Think twice before re-using your friend’s towel: According to the CDC, it’s possible to spread infections ranging from pink eye to gonorrhea by sharing dirty towels (especially wet ones).

Toothbrushes

Even sharing a toothbrush with your partner is risky. It’s an established risk factor for the transmission of blood-borne infections that is according to dermatologist Bethanee J. Schlosser, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Women’s Skin Health Program for Northwestern Medicine. And while, no matter what, brushing your teeth temporarily increases the levels of bacteria in your bloodstream, she says, there’s no reason to boost those levels any higher than they have to be.

Nail clippers

Two words: Nail fungus. Plus, they may also pose a risk of transmitting blood-borne viral infections—especially if you accidently clip the skin, Schlosser says. So if your friend asks to borrow your pair, it is advisable not to share.