A doctor has taken to TikTok to warn of the rise in a nasty issue caused by underwear during the summer months.
The NHS medic, who goes by Doctor Sooj on social media, shared a stark warning as the weather continues to heat up – saying we need to pay close attention to our underwear.
The 33-year-old, who has 266,000 followers online, explained that a skin lesion in the groin region is a sign that you need to switch to a new form of underwear to eliminate uncomfortable friction.
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“One of the worst cases I saw was a patient with obesity who developed severe intertrigo in the groin,” Doctor Sooj, from Hertfordshire, told What’s The Jam.
“The skin was red, raw, and had started oozing with signs of bacterial infection.
“They were having some difficulty with mobility because of the pain in their groin, and ended up needing antibiotics and antifungal treatment.
“This stuff can seem minor, but when it flares badly, it can have a huge impact on daily life.”
And with the summer in full swing, it’s more important than ever to try and avoid the issue.
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Doctor Sooj explained: “We see more cases in warmer and more humid months.
“Warmer weather means more sweat and moisture, especially in skin folds.
“That creates the perfect environment for friction, irritation, and fungal infections like intertrigo – so it definitely spikes in summer.
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“It’s really common in armpits and under breasts as well as the groin.
“If these rashes – specifically intertrigo – aren’t managed properly, they can break down the skin barrier and become secondarily infected, either with bacteria or fungi.
“This can lead to painful, weepy rashes, cellulitis, or even abscesses in severe cases – and these infections can then spread.”
Sharing a warning on TikTok with his followers, and following the third case in recent months, Doctor Sooj said: “If you have a skin lesion in your groin, like a rash or a spot or something that is just getting really irritated, and you’re wearing high riding boxers or briefs, it might be worth considering changing your underwear and seeing if that stops the rubbing and the friction that’s worsening your symptoms.”
To combat the issue, he particularly recommends investing in light and breathable underwear – with cotton being the best choice.
He added: “Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics that trap sweat.
“Seamless designs can also reduce chafing in sensitive areas.”
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