Disinfect stored winter clothes in sunlight to avoid allergies: Doctors

Physicians have urged residents to disinfect stored winter clothes in the sunlight before wearing them. While an array of pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, can be found on winter garments, chemical moth repellents and anti-fungal preparation kept along clothes can cause allergies.

Penetration of pathogens and chemical disinfectants in throat, upper respiratory tract, nose and ears can prove perilous if ignored, said the doctors.

ENT specialist Dr Sahil Kanwal Abrol said winter clothes stored in trunks were hotspots for pathogens, including fungi, bacteria and other microbes. Phenyl and naphthalene balls, normally used to save warm clothes from germs and moths, too, prove injurious for the health, said Abrol.

Dr Rajiv Bhakku said specialists in general medicine had observed an increase in number of patients following use of stored winter clothing without disinfecting. The doctors said clothes should be kept in sunlight for a sufficient time so that these get disinfected before use, especially in case of children, elderly and patients of cardiovascular, pulmonary and skin diseases.

Dr Sunit Hind said, “Exposure to sunlight reduces contamination of a wide range of pathogens, including fungi and harmful bacteria.”