7 Health Risks Of Using The Same Towel For Days !

By Vanshika Gaur
27 May 2025, 11:00 IST

Towels used for drying off after bathing or washing hands can pose overall health risks if not washed after three uses. Reusing the same towel for several days without washing can lead to numerous health issues. Tap to know them!

Fungal Infection

Towels, especially when damp, can increase the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and more, as they may harbour fungi.

Acne

Towels used for cleaning or drying the face can also harbour bacteria and clog pores with dirt and oil, leading to acne or making it worse.

Delayed Wound Healing

If you have any cuts or wounds and use the same towel for several days, it can delay the healing and can increase the risk of infections.

Bacterial Growth

Towels, especially when damp, are more susceptible to bacterial growth as they retain moisture, which can lead to skin infections or acne.

Skin Irritation

Using the same towels daily accumulates dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and more, which can cause skin irritation, leading to rashes and itching.

Eye Infection

Reusing towels not only causes skin irritation or acne but can also lead to eye infections, as the bacteria in them can spread to the eyes, causing conjunctivitis.

Weakened Immune System

The harmful bacteria present in towels can enter our body with daily exposure, weakening the immune system.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, reusing towels without washing them can cause fungal infections, acne, and more. It is advisable to wash towels after every three uses.