Have you ever imagined that your favorite piece of saree can be dangerous for your health? Tight coordinations can cause saree cancer. Read to know more about it.
Have you ever thought that your favorite clothes could pose a serious threat to your health? A recent report has raised awareness about an unexpected health risk associated with traditional clothing, specifically the sari. The study, published in BMJ Case Reports, suggests that certain clothing practices, particularly the use of laces tied tightly around the waist on petticoats (petticoats worn with saris), 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 carefully choosing clothing to protect skin health.
The saree, a popular attire loved by 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 laces can damage the skin, especially when worn for long periods. Over time, this constant tension on the skin can lead to irritation, erosion, and in rare cases, Marjolin ulcers, an aggressive type of cancer that develops from prolonged wounds or chronic skin irritation.
Understanding Marjolin Ulcers: The Health Risk of Tight Waist Laces
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 French surgeon Jean-Nicolas Marjolin, who first described the condition, Marjolin ulcers usually develop from skin that has been repeatedly damaged over a long period. The chronic inflammation caused by tight laces worn daily can create an environment ripe for skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which is known for its invasive nature.
The BMJ Case Reports magazine highlighted two specific cases of older women who developed Marjolin ulcers after years of wearing tightly tied waist cords with their saris. These laces, tied snugly to keep the petticoat in place, create constant friction and pressure on the waist, causing skin irritation and damage. In both cases, this prolonged irritation and erosion of the skin ultimately resulted in squamous cell carcinoma. These findings draw attention to the long-term health risks posed by a style of clothing that has largely gone 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 prolonged use of tight waist cords. In the first case, a 70-year-old woman noticed a persistent ulcer on the right side, which was accompanied by loss of pigmentation and thinning of the skin. Despite his attempts to treat the ulcer, it continued to worsen and eventually led to a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. The woman had worn a petticoat with a tight drawstring at the waist daily for decades, causing ongoing skin damage at the waist.
In the second case, a woman in her 60s was wearing a traditional sari style called “lugda”, where the sari is tied directly at the waist without a petticoat. The tight binding of the sari fabric caused a similar ulcer on her waist which, unfortunately, progressed to squamous cell carcinoma and spread to her lymph nodes. These cases illustrate the severe and long-term impact of chronic skin irritation and emphasize the need for awareness and preventive measures among women who wear sarees regularly.
Why chronic skin irritation is dangerous
Chronic skin irritation caused by tight waist ties may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but it can lead to more serious health problems over time. When the skin is continually exposed to friction and pressure, it begins to deteriorate, leading to inflammation, erosion, and eventually ulceration. This persistent irritation damages the skin’s natural protective barrier, making it vulnerable to infection and, in some cases, predisposing it to cancerous changes.
Marjolin ulcers, or “sari cancer” as it is sometimes called colloquially, develop slowly. The skin initially responds to repeated trauma by thickening and becoming rough and scaly. As the damage persists, the skin can erode and cause wounds that do not heal. If left untreated, these wounds can eventually become malignant and develop into squamous cell carcinoma, which is aggressive and difficult to treat if it spreads to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes.
Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Health Risks from Traditional Clothing
The findings of the BMJ Case Reports study underline the importance of taking preventative measures to avoid chronic skin irritation and potential cancer risks from traditional clothing. 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 doesn’t require a tight fit around the waist can reduce pressure and friction on the skin, allowing for better air circulation and minimizing the risk of skin irritation.
2. Rotate the position of the sari knot: Periodically moving the position of the sari knot can help prevent continued pressure on one area of the waist, distributing tension more evenly across the skin.
3. Use softer fabrics: Petticoats made of softer, more breathable fabrics can help reduce skin irritation. Avoiding synthetic materials that trap sweat and moisture can also help prevent skin problems.
4. Maintain good hygiene: Washing the waist area regularly and keeping it dry can prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria, which could exacerbate skin irritation.
5. Periodically 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 may need medical attention.
6. Consider alternative styles: For those who wear sarees on a daily basis, it might be beneficial to try modern styles that do not require tight lacing at the waist or using a belt to secure the saree.
Raising awareness about “sari cancer” in rural areas
While saris are worn throughout India, women in rural areas are more likely to wear them daily and follow traditional clothing practices that involve tight drawstrings at the waist. 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. Awareness of the increasing health risk related to tight petticoats can minimize
