The debate over the optimal characteristics of toilet paper—whether it should be folded, quilted, anti-bacterial, and employed in a wiping or patting fashion—has persisted for quite some time.
However, according to Japanese scientists suggest that forgoing traditional toilet paper in favor of a bidet, which uses water to cleanse the genitals and back passage, can significantly reduce the risk of harmful infections.
As detailed in the 2022 Journal of Water & Health, the study reveals that bidet users exhibited ten times fewer harmful bacteria on their hands compared to those who relied on toilet paper.
This finding underscores the potential vulnerability of Americans to the perilous C. difficile bug, known for causing diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
Alarmingly, statistics indicate that around 500,000 Americans contract C. difficile annually, with two-thirds of these cases associated with nursing homes.
Dr. Evan Goldstein, a rectal surgeon in New York City, asserts that bidet usage is a more effective means of infection control than conventional paper methods. He challenges the prevailing notion that popular toilet paper brands, like Charmin, are inherently hygienic.
Nevertheless, some experts argue that the issue lies not with toilet paper itself, but rather with how it is used. Incorrect wiping techniques and the use of inappropriate toilet paper can lead to irritation, hemorrhoids, and potentially fatal infections.
For instance, one-ply toilet paper, being coarser than its pricier counterparts, can cause open wounds, elevating the risk of infection. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes that the thinness of one-ply paper often results in using more, leading to uncomfortable itching known as pruritus ani.
Bleached toilet paper also poses discomfort, prompting experts to recommend the use of strong, absorbent, and soft toilet tissue. The manner in which one wipes can impact genital health, potentially causing hemorrhoids and bleeding due to abrasion on the delicate tissues.
Physicians at Harvard Medical School advise a gentle approach to cleaning the anal area after every bowel movement, as aggressive rubbing and scrubbing can irritate the skin and trigger anal itch.
They explained: ‘Although the anal area should be cleaned after every bowel movement, this cleaning must be gentle. Aggressive rubbing and scrubbing, especially with soaps or other skin cleansers, can irritate the skin and trigger anal itch.’
An additional hygiene tip is to close the toilet lid before flushing. A study found that leaving the lid open resulted in the spread of 12 times more C. difficile bacteria compared to when the lid was closed.
