A Bug in the Loo

But they aren’t absolutely safe, are they?
According to doctors, it is possible to pick up bacterial and viral skin diseases from public loos. Some parasitic infections, such as crabs or pubic lice and scabies, may also be transmitted through toilet seats. Women, especially, are susceptible to such infections.

So what should one watch out for?
A soiled seat. The seat surface can easily transmit fungal or bacterial skin infections from one person to another. Even one fluid drop on the seat can get you into trouble. ‘‘The most common infection that one can pick up in a public loo is the taenia fungus, which can attack the buttock area. It has a scaly appearance. The scales are dry with moist edges and look like a ring, hence it’s commonly known as ring worm,’’ says Dr R K Joshi, senior consultant in Dermatology at the Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

Some bacterial infections are also very common. Dr Joshi says the commonest is the taphylococcal infection, which has a boil-like appearance. The infection is mostly concentrated in the thighs and groin areas.

What about STDs?
STDs can be transmitted through bacterial infections (Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chlamydia), viruses (HIV, herpes or genital warts) and parasites (crabs and scabies). Bacterial infections can only be picked up from the infected mucous membranes. Viruses like HIV, too, need a live tissue to survive. Herpes, though, can be transmitted through a public loo if someone uses the seat within minutes of an infected person, says Dr Joshi, though it is a very remote possibility. However, he warns, ‘‘The type-II virus of the disease is carcinogenic and can cause cervical cancer if it enters the opening of a woman’s uterus.’’

What about STDs transmitted through parasites?
One needs to aware of the possibility of picking up crabs and scabies while using public loos. Crabs are essentially pubic lice, while scabies is a parasite that burrows under the skin and begins laying eggs almost immediately. These parasites spread very easily. They survive for between 10 and 14 days without food and can easily look for other hosts after that.

But stomach infections aren’t a scare-zone?
Most gastro-intestinal infections require a large load of bacteria to be triggered off. So it’s unlikely they will be transmitted only through surface contact. ‘‘There is no way to know how frequently such infections are picked up in public bathrooms, but it is probably rare enough to justify continued use of public loos,’’ says Dr Anil Arora, senior consultant gastroenterologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. ‘‘One would have to come in direct contact with the contaminated stool to get infected.’’

What if one does pick up a bug in the loo?
Not to worry, the treatment is very simple. Skin infections like taenia and staphylococcal can be treated topically with creams and ointments (the most common is the Terbinafine cream) or a short course of oral drugs like Griseofulvin. Acylovir, an anti-viral drug or the new generation Interferon injection can be used for Herpes.

For pubic lice and scabies, thorough washing and drying of clothes and bedding at the highest possible temperature is recommended. For treatment, doctors suggest Malaphaion cream for topical application. In some cases, doctors may treat the entire family.

Loo Hygiene at Home and on the Road

• Wear shoes and slippers in the bathroom, especially while travelling. Even the floor can be a breeding ground for fungi
• Use toilet paper to wipe the seat, or else line it generously with loo paper if you suspect its antecedents. If possible, use disposable toilet seat covers
• Put down the loo cover before flushing to prevent fecal germs from escaping into the atmosphere
• Avoid touching flush and door handles in public restrooms — use loo paper or a paper towel
• Wash your hands properly, for at least 20 seconds, to ensure you aren’t carrying away anything you shouldn’t from the loo