A leading surgeon has warned that many people are making a critical mistake after using the toilet that could have severe health repercussions.
Dr Evan Goldstein, a leading proctologist, says ‘traditional wiping’ with toilet paper is causing unnecessary damage that could be long term.
Speaking to HuffPost on their ‘Am I Doing It Wrong?’ podcast, Dr Goldstein explained that the skin around the anus is sensitive, and wiping with toilet paper can easily lead to irritation, small tears, and long-term damage.
He also shared his concerns about the growing trend of using wet wipes that are no better.
“They are so terrible – not only for the environment, but for your hole,” the expert remarked.
He added: “There’s so many companies out there throwing wipes and I think they should all be banned.
“I see 90 people a week [in my office], and I would say one-third of all the people coming through are coming in from wet wipe-induced issues.”
According to Dr Goldstein, wet wipes are soaked in chemicals which can upset the microbiome of the area, which can lead to bacterial infections and painful skin conditions.
He said: “Think about it – we have good bacteria, we have bad bacteria, but they are in homeostasis. They are in equilibrium. Wet wipes f*** that in a really bad way.”
He advises considering the installation of a bidet as an alternative to constant toilet paper use, as they’re far more gentle and can provide a thorough clean without causing irritation.
If a bidet isn’t feasible, Dr Goldstein recommends using the shower for a quick rinse. However, he cautioned that you must ensure the area is dry afterwards – as excess moisture can lead to issues.
In the event where you must use toilet paper, Dr Goldstein suggests blotting instead of wiping and even doing so in a standing position, to reduce the pressure on the area.
