Shoe Hygiene for Health: Why Taking Off Your Shoes Matters
It’s a common practice for many people to take off their shoes before entering their home, but new research suggests that this may be even more important for maintaining good health. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Houston found that a significant number of shoe soles tested positive for the presence of the bacterium Clostridium difficile, which can cause pathological conditions in the digestive tract.
This bacterium, also known as C. diff, is a type of bacteria that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, and even fever. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as colon inflammation and even sepsis. The study found that of the shoe soles tested, 26.4 percent were positive for C. diff.
This is not the first research of this kind. In 2015, another survey was made and it showed that 40 percent of the shoes contain the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning and even death in some cases. This bacteria is commonly found in raw or contaminated food, but it can also be present on surfaces like shoes.
Considering these results, it may be really smart about your health to take off your shoes before entering the home. Still, it does not necessarily mean that these bacteria are on your shoes, but for health, the most important factor is hygiene.
To further demonstrate the potential risk, a UK-based women’s footwear retailer commissioned a study examining the cleanliness of footwear. The study put 10 pairs of flats and heels to the test to see just how clean they were. The following results will likely have you leaving your shoes outside your front door.
The lab results revealed that much of the bacteria found on the shoes tested can cause blisters and sores, and in some cases, can cause food poisoning or toxic shock syndrome. This bacterium is commonly found on the skin and household items. Of the bacteria found on the uppers and soles of the tested shoes, the bacteria causing illnesses, staphylococcus, was present in nine out of 10 of them.
It’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t mean that your shoes are inherently dirty or that you should be worried about them. However, it does show that shoes can easily become contaminated with bacteria and it’s important to take measures to prevent the spread of these harmful microorganisms.
Removing your shoes before entering your home is an easy, effective way to reduce the spread of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it’s important to clean your shoes regularly and to avoid wearing them in environments where bacteria and other microorganisms are likely to be present, such as hospitals or other healthcare facilities.
Originally posted 2017-12-13 23:37:41.
