8 Things You Should Avoid Lending, Even to Your Nearest and Dearest

Oct 17, 2018

There is a general understanding amongst people about personal items that should not be shared with others. Toothbrushes and combs are two examples of personal belongings that are rarely shared between individuals. The reasons for this lack of sharing is obvious.

However, there are many other personal items that are shared openly between people. These items have the potential to carry bacteria or nasty diseases. When not aware of this potential, people share these items without thinking. Here are eight things you should never lend, even to close friends and family.

It’s not uncommon for women to share lipstick. Whether left over from a friend or handed down from a mother, lipstick isn’t seen as a personal item that can’t be used by more than one person.

Unfortunately, lipstick is an easy way for diseases such as herpes to make their way from person to person. Symptoms of this condition aren’t always visible, so some people don’t even know when they have herpes.

If you see any red bumps around the lip area, consult a doctor to see if you’ve contracted herpes.

Earphones are a common item to share amongst people. This is not advisable as each person has a unique flora balance of bacteria in their earwax. This balance can be disrupted when earphones are shared with other people.

Ear infections or other issues can develop as a result. It’s important to disinfect earphones with wipes or liquid before sharing.

Be careful during this process too much liquid can damage the speakers. Headphone should also be cleaned before sharing.

It’s common practice to refrain from sharing combs or brushed. People are even wary of sharing hats because of bacteria and lice. The same rule applies to all hair accessories including hair clips and curlers.

These items are easy ways to spread lice and unwanted bacteria. It is recommended to wash soft scrunchies on a regular basis. Even curlers and hair clips can be rinsed under hot water.

All of these items should definitely be cleaned if shared with other people.

Deodorant is another personal item that should never be shared between people.

Despite its antibacterial properties, deodorant still contains a layer of bacteria on top after use. Sharing with another person could result in skin rashes or infections such as eczema. Deodorant is best applied after a shower while the skin is still clean.

Applying throughout the day is only advisable if the armpit region is wiped with a wet cloth first.

Towels are designed to absorb as much liquid as possible from a person. Even after a shower, this liquid is going to contain bacteria. Experts recommend switching towels every three to four days to help decrease the chances of bacterial issues.

It is also recommended to dry towels an open area such as a balcony. When towels stay in damp places, they become a breeding ground for nasty bacteria.

Nail clippers, tweezers, razors, and all other cosmetic accessories are best left to personal use. These items often carry microscopic drops of blood that are invisible to the naked eye. Despite their small size, however, these drops can still carry diseases.

When shared, there is potential that such diseases can be transferred between users.

Even when used exclusively for personal use, it is important to clean these items regularly. Disinfectant can be used to help rid any traces of blood or bacteria.

Facial cloths, cleansing brushes and massage rollers can be deceptively easy to clean. A quick rinse seems to rid these items of any bacteria or residue. After constant use, however, these and other skin care accessories become littered with small pieces of skin.

These pieces can carry bacteria that cause acne and other skin issues when shared.

These items can even cause issues for personal use when not replaced on a consistent basis.

It’s a common practice to offer guests house slippers when inviting them to your home. It’s best to buy more than one pair for these occasions as slippers can contain fungus. Feet inevitably sweat in shoes or slippers.

This creates a perfect place for fungus and bacteria to live and breed. Besides setting aside a special pair of slippers for guests, it is also smart to leave shoes outside.

The circulated air helps to keep them from getting too dirty.

People often share their personal items out of a sense of respect and care. However, sharing some items can end up having negative consequences. Even sharing some of these items with close friends and family should be avoided. It is also recommended to clean these items on a regular basis even for personal use. Show this article to a friend or family member who would also find it helpful.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!