The phrase “sharing is caring” may be true for a lot of things, but there are some things you should keep to yourself, and we’re not talking about your deep, dark secrets. Doctors warn that some physical items can harbor disease-causing germs and passing them from person to person means spreading those germs back and forth.
“When it comes to personal items, the issue is that many of them act as vehicles for bacteria, viruses and fungi,” explains Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine. “Sharing personal care items may seem friendly and harmless, but many of these objects are essentially microbial Ubers delivering (pathogens) directly to new hosts.”
These are the personal care items you should never share, according to medical experts:
- Lip balm - It can harbor bacteria and viruses from our lips, mouths and saliva and spread it directly onto another person’s mouth. Not only can lip balm transmit bacterial skin infections and respiratory viruses like the common cold and flu, there’s a risk of spreading herpes simplex virus (cold sores) even from someone who has no symptoms.
- Razors - Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention at the Mount Sinai Health System, warns that it’s easy to nick the skin and that contaminated razors have been linked to bacterial skin infections, including MRSA. Dermatologist Dr. Jack Levy adds that sharing razors can lead to infected hair follicles, boils or even warts caused by HPV.
- Deodorant - Unless it’s a spray, don’t share it because it’s used in the armpit, where there’s a lot of bacteria growth.
- Nail clippers - It may not seem like a big deal to share, but they can transmit nail fungus and bacteria.
- Eye makeup - Friedman points out sharing it can spread styes, pink eye and infections.
- Hairbrushes and combs - They can hold bacteria, dandruff and other microorganisms from our scalps, and spread head lice and fungal scalp infections.
- Skincare in jars - If you use your fingers to get it out of the jar, it’s better to not let other people dig in there and contaminate it with more germs and bacteria.
- Toothbrushes - Friedman explains, “Toothbrushes are known to transfer bacteria linked to gum disease and even blood-borne viruses in some cases.”
- Earbuds - Keep these to yourself because they don’t just transfer earwax and gunk, they can spread bacteria and yeast from the ear canal, which can lead to a painful ear infection.
Source: Today