Growing up we were always taught that “sharing is caring”, but should you really be sharing everything and when should we draw the line? When we share a soda with someone or use our best friend’s lipstick, do we really stop to think of the amount of bacteria, germs, viruses and what not that is potentially being spread just because we’re kind and caring? Sure, we can agree that sharing some items with your loved ones or even strangers is typically quite harmless, but we can also agree that some personal items should remain just that; personal. So Buzzz Magazine has pulled together a list of personal items that we believe might not necessarily be the best things to be too quick to share.
1. Toothbrush
If you have ever thought of using someone else’s toothbrush then be prepared to share all the other things that come along with it. Look at it this way, the sole purpose of a toothbrush is to cleanse the germs and bacteria from your mouth. Now why would you want to use the same thing that’s cleaning all the gunk from someone else’s mouth, in your own? Brushing also causes the gums to bleed sometimes, so there is also the risk of transferring infections or serious diseases from blood to blood. Doesn’t sound too appealing now, does it?
2. Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Whether you use the roll-on kind or the pray on stuff, scented or unscented, high end brand or generic, try to keep the deodorant you use for your armpits only. Sharing deodorant can pass on loose hair, sweat, dead skin cells and, in some cases if you’re using a weak antiperspirant that will only mask odours, then you are likely to pass on bacteria and infection as well. Even though deodorant is mainly used for killing bacteria and covering up odors, it is still very possible to spread infections this way. Better safe than sorry.
3. Hair Comb and Brush
Not only is the risk of spreading lice by sharing hair combs and brushes, but there is also the chance of spreading staph infection and scabies. It is very common to share combs and brushes among family members but it is important to take the necessary precautions to stop the spreading of bacteria. If sharing absolutely cannot be avoided then the next best thing would be to ensure that you sanitize these items thoroughly before use.
4.Drinks
Sharing your drink with someone can at times basically be the same as sharing saliva, depending on the person. So the next time you take a drink from someone or share your drink with someone, you might want to ask yourself, “would I be willing to share saliva with this person?” And if you weren’t thinking it was a big deal before, you should now – sharing a drink with someone can pass on bacteria and germs that can develop into the common cold or flu, sore throat, meningitis, cold sores and a flood of other infections.
5. Lip Gloss & Make-Up
It’s a very common practice to share lip gloss and makeup among girlfriends but it is also very common to pick up certain infections this way. Sharing lip gloss can lead to cold sores, lip infections and viruses. Sharing makeup can lead to eye infections, rashes, terrible acne and skin conditions and so on. Bacteria gathers on makeup if it’s not stored properly and replaced accordingly. Makeup applicators also attract bacteria when not cleaned frequently and maintained correctly. There is no way to know for sure that the person you are sharing with does this beforehand so rather than taking that risk it’s probably best to use your own or just let your natural beauty shine.
This story originally appeared in Volume 9 #5 November-December 2017
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