You probably wash your shirts, pants, and jackets without thinking twice. But your shoes? Chances are they’ve been overlooked. Research shows they may be far dirtier than you realize harboring bacteria, fungi, and even fecal matter—and that skipping regular washes can affect not just hygiene but also skin health. Add in sweaty summers or damp, rainy months, and the case for washing clothes and shoes more regularly becomes even stronger.

A study from the Cleaning Industry Research Institute tested brand-new shoes worn for just two weeks. The results were startling: researchers found more than 421,000 bacterial units on the outside of the shoes and nearly 3,000 on the inside. Even more concerning, 96% of the pairs carried fecal bacteria, most likely picked up from public restrooms and sidewalks.

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Another study across 30 homes showed that Clostridium difficile, a germ that can cause severe diarrhea and potentially life-threatening colon inflammation, was more likely to be found on shoe soles than on a toilet seat. Shoes also frequently carry E. coli, salmonella, MRSA, and fungi that can cause athlete’s foot or cellulitis. Because bacteria transfer easily—at rates as high as 90 to 99%—whatever is on your shoes is likely making its way onto your floors and eventually your hands, clothing, and skin.

Shoes aren’t the only culprits. Clothes that aren’t washed regularly become breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi, and mold, especially in warm or humid conditions. During monsoon season in tropical countries—or high-humidity summers elsewhere—clothes often stay damp for longer, which is perfect for fungal growth.

Dr. Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist explains that fabric choice and hygiene matter far more than most people think. “Artificial fabrics like polyester and nylon trap sweat and moisture, creating conditions for rashes, fungal infections, and acne. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are more breathable and help the skin stay healthy,” she says.

The same logic applies globally, whether it’s monsoon rains in India, sticky New York summers, or wet winters in Northern Europe. Anywhere sweat and moisture meet skin, the risk of infection rises if clothes and shoes aren’t washed frequently.

What Happens When You Skip the Wash?

The consequences of neglecting shoes and clothes aren’t just about bad odor. They can include:

Skin infections: Fungal infections like athlete’s foot or ringworm thrive in damp shoes and sweaty clothes.

How Often Should You Wash?

The frequency depends on how much exposure your clothes and shoes have:

Shoes: Athletic shoes worn daily should be washed every couple of weeks, while casual shoes may only need cleaning every few months. Machine washing removes 90–99% of bacteria, though wipes or sprays can help in between.

Clothes: Daily-wear clothing like undergarments, socks, and workout gear should be washed after each use. Jeans and jackets can go a few wears but should never be left damp after rain or sweat exposure.

Seasonal adjustments: During humid or rainy weather, increase wash frequency since dampness prolongs bacterial survival. In dry climates, spacing washes slightly longer may be safe, though odor is usually a good indicator.

Tips For Building Healthier Hygiene Habits

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes foot and clothing hygiene as key to preventing infections. Basic steps include washing feet daily, drying them completely, changing socks regularly, and inspecting for cuts or fungal growth. Shoes should be left at the entrance to reduce bacterial transfer indoors, and hands should be washed after handling them.

For clothes, ensuring they’re thoroughly dried is as important as washing them. Wearing partially dried garments increases the risk of fungal infections, especially in humid climates. Dr. Srivastava advises avoiding tight clothes during damp or sweaty seasons, opting instead for loose fits in lighter shades that keep skin cooler and drier.

Washing clothes and shoes more regularly isn’t just a tropical or monsoon issue. In the United States, studies have shown that 90% of shoe bacteria can transfer directly to household floors, while in colder countries, damp winter boots often cause fungal infections if not cleaned and dried properly. In Australia, hot summers drive excessive sweating, making both footwear and clothing a hygiene challenge.

Regular washing may feel like a chore, but the payoff is huge, fewer illnesses, fresher skin, and longer-lasting clothes and shoes. Investing in breathable fabrics, proper drying, and routine cleaning is a simple but powerful step toward healthier living.

What this really means is that the laundry cycle shouldn’t end with shirts and pants. Shoes and the bacteria they drag along need equal attention. So the next time you think about skipping that wash, remember- it’s not just about smelling clean, it’s about staying healthy.

Dr. Geetika Srivastava, MBBS, MD (AIIMS) is a Dermatologist and Founder of Influennz Clinic in New Delhi, India

Did you know? If you were born in the 1900s the maximum age you were expected to survive to was merely 32? According to the Our World in Data, that was the average life expectancy in 1900s, and now, it has more than doubled to 71 years of age.

People are living longer than ever, but that doesn't always mean they're living healthier. The time we spend alive but not in good health is called the "healthspan-lifespan gap." This gap is a growing concern because it shows the difference between how long we live and how many of those years we live without disease.

In a new study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic looked at this gap across 183 countries to see what factors, like a country's wealth, health issues, or population, might be making the gap bigger or smaller.

What Were The Biggest And Smallest Gaps In Years

Longest and shortest lives were recorded as Europe, which has the highest average lifespan at around 78.6 years, and Africa, which has the lowest at 64.1 years.

Europe also has the longest "healthspan" (years lived in good health) at 68.8 years. Africa has the shortest at 55.6 years.

Surprisingly, the healthspan-lifespan gap is widest in regions like Europe (9.9 years) and the Americas (9.6 years), and smallest in Africa (8.3 years).

The U.S. has a particularly large gap, at 12.4 years, the United States has the widest healthspan-lifespan gap of any country in the study.

Why Does The Difference In Lifespans Keep Increasing?

The study's most concerning finding is about the future. Researchers looked at how the healthspan-lifespan gap has changed over the last 20 years and used that information to predict what will happen next.

They found that the gap is getting bigger every year. They predict that by the year 2100, the amount of time people spend living with a disease will have grown by 22% around the world. This means that while we may live to be very old, we can expect to spend more of our later years dealing with health problems. The study found a few key factors that consistently contributed to the healthspan-lifespan gap:

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

These are long-lasting illnesses that can't be passed from person to person. They include things like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The study found that these diseases are the biggest problem worldwide and are the main reason for the healthspan-lifespan gap. The Americas, in particular, have a very high number of these diseases, which is why their gap is so wide.

Injuries

The study showed that injuries, from accidents to violence, are a surprisingly big issue, especially in Europe. In fact, injuries cause twice as many health problems in Europe as they do in Africa. This high number of injuries is a major reason why Europe's healthspan-lifespan gap is so large.

Mental Health

Mental and substance use disorders, such as depression or addiction, are a problem everywhere in the world. The study found that these issues affect all regions equally, regardless of their wealth or location. This shows that mental health is a widespread challenge that all countries need to address.

The world is always changing, and so is the COVID-19 virus. As new versions of the virus appear, scientists are working hard to find new ways for people to stay protected. During the peak COVID years, we had vaccinations that helped us stay immune, however as new strains pop up, it is important that we stay protected and ensure our health.

A recent study has a surprising finding, a simple, over-the-counter nasal spray called azelastine might help keep you from getting sick with COVID-19. This spray has been used safely for many years to treat allergies and is sold under brand names like Astepro Allergy and other generic versions.

How Effective Is The COVID-19 Nasal Spray?

A study from the medical journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that the azelastine nasal spray can significantly lower your risk of catching COVID-19. The study involved 450 people, and they were split into two groups. One group used the azelastine spray three times a day for 56 days, while the other group used a spray that did nothing. The results were very encouraging:

• Only 2.2% of the people who used the real nasal spray tested positive for COVID-19.
• In the group that used the fake spray, 6.7% of people got sick.

This big difference shows that the spray could offer real protection. Doctors believe that the spray’s ingredients have special properties that make it harder for the virus to grow in your nose and throat. It also helps reduce swelling, which can make it more difficult for the virus to take hold and spread.

Experts warn that this spray is not a perfect solution or a replacement for vaccines. However, because it's so safe and easy to find, it could be a useful tool for people in risky situations, like on an airplane or at a crowded event. The study’s researchers now want to do more research to see if the spray can also protect against other viruses, such as the flu and RSV.

Current Symptoms of COVID-19 2025

A key symptom that has been widely reported with this variant is an unusually severe sore throat, often described as feeling like "razor blades." Sore throats are a common symptom of COVID-19, but with the NB.1.8.1 variant, the pain can be particularly intense. Experts believe this is because the virus, which is a part of the Omicron family, is very effective at attacking and damaging cells in the throat. This can lead to a significant inflammatory response, resulting in a sharp, "razor blade" type of discomfort.

If you're experiencing a severe sore throat or other common COVID-19 symptoms, it's important to get tested. The symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are similar to other illnesses like the flu or common cold, so testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Runny or blocked nose
• Dry cough
• Fatigue and headache
• Muscle aches and body pain
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea

For at-home relief, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers, drink plenty of fluids, and rest. If your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

A silent killer that is the second leading cause of death among American men, prostate cancer is a disease that has recently come to the forefront of medical research. Studies and new reviews are being done as rates of prostate cancer rise. In 2022, according to the World Cancer Research Fund, there were 1,467,854 cases of prostate cancer in the world.

Diagnosing prostate cancer can be an invasive procedure, like a core needle biopsy or a rectal examination. However, researchers may have found a non-invasive test that could help them identify prostate cancer.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins and other institutions have developed a way to test for prostate cancer using a urine sample. This new method could drastically reduce the need for painful and often unnecessary biopsies.

Why Do We Need Better Tests For Prostate Cancer?

Right now, doctors often check for prostate cancer with a blood test that measures something called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The problem is, the PSA test isn't very precise. A high PSA level can be a sign of cancer, but it can also be a sign of other, less serious issues like an enlarged prostate. Because of this, many men with high PSA levels are told to get a biopsy, which involves using a needle to take tissue samples. This can be painful and sometimes leads to complications. A new test that's more accurate could save a lot of people from having to go through a biopsy they don't need.

How Does The New Urine Test For Prostate Cancer Work?

The new test works by looking for three special biomarkers—TTC3, H4C5, and EPCAM—in a person's urine. These biomarkers are tiny substances that are a sign of prostate cancer. To make sure these biomarkers were truly linked to cancer, the researchers collected urine from men with prostate cancer before and after they had surgery to remove their prostate. They found that the biomarkers were present before the surgery but almost completely disappeared afterward. This proved that they came directly from the prostate cancer tissue.

This new test is also very accurate. In a study, it correctly identified prostate cancer in 91% of people who had it. It also correctly showed that 84% of people who didn't have cancer were in the clear. This is a big improvement over the current PSA test, as it can tell the difference between cancer and other issues, like an enlarged prostate.

Benefits of This Prostate Test for Patients

This new urine test has several major advantages for patients. First, it's noninvasive, which means it's as simple and painless as a regular urine sample. There are no needles or uncomfortable procedures involved. Second, it's more accurate. It can better distinguish between prostate cancer and other conditions like prostatitis (an inflamed prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate), which often cause confusion with the current PSA test.

Finally, this test can reduce unnecessary biopsies and help doctors find cancers that would have been missed. By providing a clearer and more precise diagnosis, doctors can feel more confident about who truly needs a biopsy and who doesn't. Researchers are currently working to make the test available for doctors to use in their clinics.