Hygiene: the use of toilet paper is dangerous for your health; here's why

Nigerian medical staff Dr Olufunmilayo has warned against using toilet paper rolls to clean the anus, after defecating.

In a thread shared on his Twitter account, the doctor felt that toilet paper rolls are harmful to the anus.

He claimed that instead of using tissue paper, people should use soap and water or wet towels every time they use the toilet.

“Never use a toilet paper after pooping. It could tear your anus, leave your anus dirty and smelly. He could give you a urinary tract infection. Toilet rolls are harmful to your anus.

The real problem with a toilet paper roll is that it doesn't clean your anus properly. What a toilet paper roll does is remove the shit from the top and smear the rest on your anus (and anus hair if you have it). This leftover poop can cause you medical problems.

So what's the best way to clean your anus after pooping? Use soap and water! Washing the anus with soap and water after pooping remains the most effective cleaning method.

If there is no soap, the best way is to use only water. If there is no soap and water, use wet wipes.

If you use a restroom at work, or if you use a public restroom where soap and water may not be available, use wet wipes. Wet wipes are your best bet in this situation. Always have wet wipes in your bag or car. This is the advice.

So why is toilet paper so bad for you?

1. If you use it too hard because you want to "clean well", it can tear your anus (medically called anal fissures). This can cause you very severe pain and bleeding the next time you have to defecate and therefore could be an opening for an infection.

2. If you use it gently because you don't want to hurt your anus, will leave remnants of poop in your anus area which will give you an itchy smelly bottom and stain your underwear. That's why many of you still have itchy buttocks, but you don't know it.

3. For women: If you use toilet paper and wipe from back to front, you risk introducing bacteria inside your vagina, which can cause UTIs. This is why after a while you notice that you start having pain in your lower abdomen and pain when urinating.

4. So, in conclusion, toilet paper rolls are a danger to your health if you use them after pooping. They will hurt you and they actually do a very poor job of cleaning your anus. Never use toilet paper rolls,” he posted.