Your panties can have up to 10,000 dangerous bacteria and fungi –

How do you wash your panties and bras? Caution: poor hygiene of these parts can open doors to the infestation of fungi and bacteria responsible for problems such as itching, irritation and even urinary infection. The alert comes from a recent study by Faculdade Devry Metrocamp, in Campinas, in the interior of São Paulo.

A total of 52 pieces were analyzed (which included panties, bras and briefs), 27 of which were purchased at shopping malls and 25 had already been used and were collected clean. Among newly purchased underwear, 85% had bacterial growth after washing, and 29% also had fungal contamination. Of the panties already used, 92% of the samples were contaminated with up to 10,000 microorganisms.

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“Most are opportunists. This means that, in healthy people, the most that can happen is an itch or a discharge. But in individuals who underwent surgery in intimate areas or who have a weakened immune system, the presence of these infectious agents can be an aggravating factor”, warns Rosana Siqueira, leader of the investigation.

In panties, for example, the candida albicansfungus responsible for candidiasisand the Staphylococcus aureus, bacteria linked to urinary infections and dermatological complications such as boils and abscesses (accumulation of pus). Another worrying microorganism found in intimate parts – including bras – was the bacteria E.Coli, which is originally located near the anus and can cause irritation, mycoses and stains.

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correct hygiene

You must be wondering: “What am I doing wrong with my panties?”, “Now what? Will I get various diseases?” Calm! Care to prevent your underwear from being dominated by infectious agents is simple. Avoid washing them with shampoos, conditioners and try to use neutral soaps, coconut soap or specific products for these parts. Hot water also helps to wash away harmful elements.

“Another recommendation is not to leave panties, bras and underpants in the laundry basket for a long time. It’s stuffy and there’s a high risk of contamination,” advises Rosana, who is also a professor of microbiology at Devry Metrocamp.

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More: dry the lingerie on the clothesline, never in the bathroom. And, preferably, hang with the lining facing inwards, so that it is not exposed. To ward off unwanted elements, ironing the panties is also essential. “Try not to use a steam iron, because the water leaves the item damp”, observes the researcher.

Dusting the drawers where you keep these pieces is another welcome practice. And of course: always be aware of the condition of your underwear. “If it is accumulating smell, has stains or holes, it is better to change it for new ones”, indicates Rosana. The ideal is to renew this part of the wardrobe every six months.

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The new antibacterial underwear

The 2Rios Lingerie brand recently launched the Permanent Protection Panties, which has a technology called FRESH, capable of preventing fungi and bacteria from settling there. “The fabric attracts microorganisms and, once they come into contact with the covering, they are perforated and destroyed”, explains Karine Liotino, innovation consultant at 2Rios.

The brand ensures that the piece does not cause side effects. “On the contrary: by removing fungi, mites and bacteria, it is possible to prevent a series of diseases, such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis”, highlights Karine.

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In the tests carried out, after going through 100 washes, the antimicrobial fabric of the panties maintained the level of effectiveness at 98%. “All women can benefit, but this news is even more important for those who constantly suffer from infections”, notes the specialist. Is it your case? The piece, available from size S to XL, is on sale in lingerie stores and in pharmacies and hospitals.