Did you ever imagine that your favourite piece of saree can be dangerous to your health? Tight coords can cause saree cancer. Read to know more about it.
Did you ever think that your favourite outfit could pose a serious threat to your health? A recent report has raised awareness about an unexpected health risk associated with traditional attire, specifically the saree. The study, published in BMJ Case Reports, suggests that certain dressing practices, particularly the use of tightly tied waist cords on petticoats (underskirts worn with sarees), may contribute to serious health complications, including a rare form of skin cancer known as Marjolin ulcers. This discovery sheds light on the hidden dangers of prolonged friction and pressure caused by tight clothing, emphasizing the importance of mindful dressing choices to protect skin health.
The saree, a popular and cherished attire for millions of women, has a unique style of draping that includes the use of a waistband or cord tied around the waist to secure the petticoat. This cord ensures that the saree stays in place, allowing the fabric to flow gracefully. However, the pressure and friction caused by these tight waist cords can harm the skin, particularly when worn over long periods. Over time, this constant strain on the skin can lead to irritation, erosion, and, in rare cases, to Marjolin ulcers—an aggressive type of cancer that develops from long-standing wounds or chronic skin irritation.
Understanding Marjolin Ulcers: The Health Risk of Tight Waist Cords
Marjolin ulcers are a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer, often associated with chronic, non-healing wounds or areas of persistent irritation. Named after the French surgeon Jean-Nicolas Marjolin, who first described the condition, Marjolin ulcers typically develop from skin that has been repeatedly damaged over a long period. The chronic inflammation caused by tight waist cords worn daily can create an environment conducive to skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which is known for its invasive nature.
The BMJ Case Reports journal highlighted two specific cases involving older women who developed Marjolin ulcers after years of wearing tightly tied waist cords with their sarees. These cords, tied snugly to keep the petticoat in place, create constant friction and pressure at the waist, leading to skin irritation and damage. In both cases, this prolonged irritation and skin erosion ultimately resulted in squamous cell carcinoma. These findings bring attention to the long-term health risks posed by a dressing style that has remained largely unexamined in terms of its impact on skin health.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Saree-Related Health Complications
The report presented two compelling case studies of women in their 60s and 70s who developed cancer due to long-term use of tight waist cords. In the first case, a 70-year-old woman noticed a persistent ulcer on her right side, which was accompanied by pigmentation loss and skin thinning. Despite her attempts to treat the ulcer, it continued to worsen, eventually leading to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The woman had worn a petticoat with a tight waist cord daily for decades, causing continuous skin damage at the waistline.
In the second case, a woman in her late 60s wore a traditional saree style called a “lugda,” where the saree is tied directly at the waist without an underskirt. The tight binding of the saree’s fabric led to a similar ulcer on her waist, which, unfortunately, progressed to squamous cell carcinoma and spread to her lymph nodes. These cases illustrate the severe, long-term impact of chronic skin irritation and emphasize the need for awareness and preventive measures among women who regularly wear sarees.
Why Chronic Skin Irritation is Dangerous
Chronic skin irritation, as caused by tightly bound waist cords, may seem like a minor inconvenience atat first but can lead to more severe health problems over time. When the skin is continuously exposed to friction and pressure, it begins to break down, leading to inflammation, erosion, and eventually ulceration. This persistent irritation damages the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it vulnerable to infections and, in some cases, predisposing it to cancerous changes.
Marjolin ulcers, or “saree cancer” as it is sometimes colloquially called, develop slowly. The skin initially responds to repeated trauma by thickening and becoming rough and scaly. As the damage persists, the skin may erode, leading to non-healing wounds. If left untreated, these wounds can eventually become malignant, progressing into squamous cell carcinoma, which is aggressive and challenging to treat if it spreads to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Health Risks from Traditional Clothing
The findings from the BMJ Case Reports study underscore the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid chronic skin irritation and potential cancer risks from traditional attire. Experts offer several recommendations to minimize these health risks while still enjoying traditional clothing styles:
1. Opt for Looser Petticoats: Choosing a looser petticoat that does not require tight binding around the waist can reduce the pressure and friction on the skin, allowing for better air circulation and minimizing the risk of skin irritation.
2. Rotate the Position of the Saree Knot: Moving the position of the saree’s knot periodically can help prevent continuous pressure on one area of the waist, distributing the strain more evenly across the skin.
3. Use Softer Fabrics: Petticoats made from softer, breathable fabrics can help reduce skin irritation. Avoiding synthetic materials that trap sweat and moisture may also help prevent skin issues.
4. Maintain Good Hygiene: Washing the waist area regularly and keeping it dry can prevent the accumulation of sweat and bacteria, which could exacerbate skin irritation.
5. Regularly Examine the Waist Area: Performing routine self-checks of the waist area, especially for those who wear sarees frequently, can help detect early signs of irritation or unusual skin changes that might need medical attention.
6. Consider Alternative Styles: For those who wear sarees daily, trying out modern styles that do not require tight waist cords or using a belt to secure the saree could be beneficial.
Raising Awareness of “Saree Cancer” in Rural Areas
While sarees are worn across India, women in rural areas are more likely to wear sarees daily and follow traditional dressing practices involving tight waist cords. Limited access to medical facilities and lower awareness of skin cancer symptoms may make women in these regions more vulnerable to the risks highlighted in the report. An awareness about the raising health risk related to tight petticoats can minimise