When sharing is not caring: 10 personal items you should never share- not even with your best friend.

1. Bar Soap

Bar soap may look like it cleans itself, but Outside magazine reported on a 2006 study that said germy bar soap is likely to transfer bacteria to the next user and is a source of continuous reinfection in dental clinics. If you think about it, the bottom of bar soap never totally dries between uses,

where an accumulation of bacteria, fungi and yeast arise. The Center for Disease Control recommends the use of liquid soap instead of bar soap to reduce the chance of sharing and transference of germs and bacteria.

2. Hats, Hairbrushes and Combs

Most of us had the mortal fear of contracting lice in grade school. Even as an adult, make sure that all kinds of headwear, hair tools, and even sheets and pillows are your own and shared with no one else.

3. Antiperspirant
You run the chance of transferring germs, bacteria, fungi and yeast if you share a roll-on antiperspirant. Even by sharing a deodorant stick, you can still transfer skin cells and hair, without risk of infection.

4. Nail Stuf

Tools that haven’t been properly sanitized between users can transfer bacteria, fungus, yeast and viruses, and potentially lead to Hepatitis C, staph infections and warts.If you expect new and clean nail tools at a salon, you should treat personal nail tools at home the same way.

5. Makeup
Even though most cosmetics nowadays are made with preservatives to kill bacteria and reduce the chance of infection, it’s still a better bet to keep to your own cosmetics.We know that it’s sometimes tempting just to take a swipe of a friend’s lipstick or mascara if you don’t happen to have your own on hand. But think of the potential larger consequences: pinkeye or a cold sore.
6. Razor
   Every time you or someone else shaves, tiny nicks are being made into the skin. And even though it might not produce any blood, there is still a chance that there may be some on the razor that you cannot see. Aside from that, viruses and bacteria from the other user’s skin can be on the razor and when you go to use it, you may unknowingly be transferring those germs into your skin when you shave and nick yourself. No matter what the razor is used for or who uses it(even family members or close friends), there is tremendous potential of transferring germs by sharing one.
7. Cups, Mugs and Water Bottles
 The saliva in your mouth may have germs in it that you do not even know about, like strep throat, mumps, mono, a cold and herpes. Even if your best friend is not sick, she still may be carrying a virus that you can easily catch just by sharing a drink. Sip from your own cup or find a better way to share a drink.
8. Earrings and Earphones
 In the case of earrings, when someone puts an earring through their ear, they could poke the skin and get a small amount of blood on the tip of the earring. Now, if you borrow that same pair of earrings, you are putting that bloodied tip through your ear and increasing the risk of possibly getting some type of virus.
With earphones, those tiny little buds that are inserted in your ear will increase the buildup of bacteria if you use them a lot. If you need to share them with someone, wash them first to decrease your chances of getting their ear germs in your ears.
9. Toothbrush
To some, this might seem gross, but many couples, both married and dating have admitted to sharing their partner’s toothbrush. Sharing a toothbrush can cause a number of issues, and it’s actually quite unhygienic. According to the American Dental Association, sharing a toothbrush could result in an increase of infections. This is riskier for people who have compromised immune systems of existing infectious diseases. 
10. Towels
Towel sharing of any kind is a big no-no, even if the towel was just used after stepping out of the shower. Bacteria such as staph infection bacteria can live on the towel for a few hours, days, or even months. This is probably longer for a towel, since it has the ability to retain moisture and other bacteria, too. Change your towels at least once a week, hang them to dry in an open space, and never share them with anyone — not even family members.

These are just ten out of the long list of items you must not share for health reasons. What other personal items can you think of that you wouldn’t ever or never should share?




source: www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com