‘That black bra’ Women warned that favourite brassiere could be harming skin

That favourite black bra many women keep reaching for, often worn again and again between washes, may be doing more than offering comfort and support. Dermatologists are warning that this habit, especially in the heat of summer, can contribute to a range of skin problems.

Consultant dermatologist Dr Rodane Ruddock, who spoke with THE STAR, said the issue of repeatedly rewearing bras is something he has seen throughout his practice, but it becomes even more concerning during hotter months. 

“Especially now in the summer, I would tell patients to wash their bra after each use,” he said.

“If you like a black bra, you can buy more than one, because then you are going to come to the dermatologist, and you don't need a visit if you can just wash the bra,” Ruddock said.

He noted that a number of skin conditions can develop gradually when a bra is worn repeatedly without washing.

“So, when you wear your bra and you don't wash it very frequently, what happens is that your bra holds a lot of sweat, a lot of bacteria, a lot of fungus, just because of the material that is used,” he explained. 

This can lead to irritation under the breast area and increase the risk of rashes, including fungal and bacterial infections, as well as other inflammatory skin reactions.

Ruddock told THE STAR that, in clinical practice, he frequently sees patients presenting with infections linked to this.

With Jamaica heading into its hottest stretch of the year in July and August, he warned that rising temperatures can worsen the problem.

“Jamaica is hot, so a lot of people are sweating every day, so I think persons in Jamaica should think about their bra as a sport bra,” Ruddock said. 

He said that, just as women wash their sports bras after each use, they should apply the same practice to their other bras.

However, he noted that, in some limited cases where sweating is minimal, a bra may be worn twice before washing.

“But, if you're sweating a lot, then you have to wash it … to reduce the risk of that bacteria buildup, the fungal buildup, and the other oils and dead skin that will be on it.”

He further explained that the folded nature of the breast area makes it especially vulnerable, as moisture can easily become trapped, increasing the risk of irritation, bacterial growth and fungal infections.

Ruddock said that while some may dismiss the issue as minor, hygiene is very important.

“It's summer, so you should definitely wash your bra right after each use, especially in the summer,” he said.