#Hygiene

As Thailand braces for another sweltering summer, a growing international trend has caught the attention of both beauty enthusiasts and health experts: applying deodorant not just to armpits, but to various body areas prone to sweat and odor. A recent discussion in Slate, reflecting personal experiences with using spray deodorant on clothes and across the body, prompts the question—should Thais embrace this expanding application, and is it safe?

The growing popularity of “whole-body deodorants” is more than a passing fad. Major brands such as Dove and Lume have rolled out products specifically marketed for use on more sensitive or “non-traditional” areas—feet, the back, under the breasts, and even the groin—claiming satisfaction and safety for users seeking comprehensive odor control (CNN, Rolling Stone). This shift follows changing consumer hygiene habits in the global north, with the United States seeing a spike in sales of such products since 2024 (Forbes).

A major new scientific study has revealed that ordinary home washing machines are often unable to effectively remove potentially dangerous pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria, from textiles. This discovery may have serious implications for both public health and infection control practices, especially for healthcare workers and families living with vulnerable individuals. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, bring attention to a hidden risk in everyday household routines and call for an urgent re-examination of laundry guidelines for those exposed to infectious environments. [MedicalXpress]

A recent story making international headlines details how a man developed a severe skin condition after wearing unwashed thrifted clothing, sparking new concern over the health risks associated with second-hand fashion. This case has resonated with Thai consumers as the popularity of second-hand shops continues to grow amid economic uncertainty and a burgeoning sustainability movement.

According to the New York Post, the individual reportedly began experiencing serious dermatological symptoms, including intense itching, a rash, and swelling, shortly after donning garments bought from a thrift store. Subsequent medical examination confirmed the presence of a transmissible skin infection attributed to pathogens remaining on pre-owned clothes. The precise diagnosis was not disclosed, but experts often cite risks such as scabies, fungi, or bacterial infections in similar cases.

A former middle school teacher’s straightforward revelations about student hygiene have become an online sensation, sparking international discussions—and prompting Thai educators and parents to re-examine everyday routines that can protect students’ confidence and health. At the heart of this viral conversation is a set of candid tips about childhood hygiene and self-care—advice that, though simple, may shield young learners from lasting embarrassment and health issues.

The story, originally shared on TikTok by former US sixth-grade teacher Maggie Perkins and reported by Scary Mommy, has resonated globally with parents, teachers, and childhood health professionals. Against the backdrop of Thailand’s own youth mental health and bullying challenges, the advice highlights how small acts of caregiving—including regular clipping of nails and cleaning much-loved school jackets—may spare children from teasing and isolation during one of the most sensitive periods of their lives (Scary Mommy).