A handbag is one of the critical items that a women needs to have in her accessory section. Not only does it serve as a fashion statement, but with its compartments and pouches, it is also very functional to carry stuff around. They come in different sizes, shapes and styles and there is something for everyone. However, something as simple as handbag can also harbor many bacteria and fungus. Here is a list of items that can seriously affect your health.
- Money: Yes, the smell of money is intoxicating but you don't know where those notes and coins were before they landed in your hand. Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore carried out a research in which they picked up random notes and coins from street vendors, shopkeepers and passers-by. After analyzing, they realized that most were contaminated by lethal strains of bacteria like MRSA, Klebsiella, E. coli and Enterobacter. These bacteria can cause severe gastric and respiratory diseases. The best way is to wash your hands if you have just handled money and are about to eat.
- Make up: If your makeup articles are in constant touch with water, then they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. If these bacteria come in contact with your skin, then they can lead to skin infection. Use your make up articles for not more than 6 to 8 months. Throw away those lipsticks whose lids are broken.
- Handbag: Let's face it; you keep your handbag anywhere you want. Floors, dusty counters, chairs and other such surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria that will then stick to your handbag. Try to place your bag on a clean surface as much as possible. Make sure you clean your bag once in a week using some disinfectant and plain water.
- Brushes: Makeup brushes and hair brushes also get dirty over time with usage. Try to clean all types of brushes every time you use them because they absorb body oils and dead skin cells.
- Eye Glasses: Flakes of dirt and other particles sit on eye glasses making them dirty and bacteria prone. Make sure you clean them with an alcohol based cleaner and lint cloth every night.
- Cell Phones: Stanford researchers found that cell phones have 18 times the amount of faecal matter, E. coli and Staphyloccocus aureus than do the flushers in typical men's loo. Wipe your cell phones with a disinfectant every two days.
Your handbag is something you carry everywhere. It is almost a part of your body when you are traveling, helping you carry all the stuff that you need. In such a scenario, with a little bit of care and alertness, you can avoid infections from your handbag.
