Why You Should Avoid Sharing Towels with Other People
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Towels are everyday items used to dry the body after bathing. Because they are used repeatedly, some people may assume it is safe to share them with family members, partners or friends as long as they look clean.
However, sharing towels can increase the risk of transmitting certain microorganisms, particularly when a towel is used by someone with a skin infection. Damp towels also warrant attention, as they can support the growth of certain microorganisms.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says ringworm, a fungal skin infection, can spread through contaminated objects, including towels and bed linen. CDC information updated on 9 February 2026 also confirms that transmission can occur through direct contact with an infected person or animal.
Using a personal towel is therefore more than just a hygiene habit. It is also a simple way to help reduce the risk of infections spreading through everyday items.
There are several health reasons why using a personal towel is recommended. The risk of transmission depends on the type of microorganism, the condition of the skin, the towel’s cleanliness and how it is used.
- Increased risk of fungal infections
One risk of sharing towels is the transmission of fungal skin infections. One example is ringworm, which can cause a circular, red, itchy rash.
The infection is not caused by a worm, but by a group of fungi that can infect the skin, scalp and nails. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or via contaminated objects, including towels.
The CDC advises people not to share towels, clothing, bed linen or other personal items to help prevent fungal infections from spreading. Keeping the skin clean and dry is also recommended as a preventive measure.
- Possible transmission of bacteria that cause skin infections
Used towels can also act as a vehicle for certain bacteria if they become contaminated.
Examples include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus, which can cause impetigo, a skin infection characterised by sores, blisters or yellowish crusts.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says impetigo can spread through direct contact or by using contaminated items, including towels and sports equipment.
The risk of infection can increase when bacteria enter through a wound, scratch or damaged skin. Using a personal towel and keeping the skin clean are therefore important preventive steps.
Apart from common skin infections, sharing towels may also increase the risk of exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics. It can cause infection, particularly if it enters through a wound or damaged skin.
The CDC says MRSA can survive on a number of surfaces, including towels, for several hours to several days or even weeks, depending on environmental conditions and the surface.
To reduce the risk of transmission, the CDC advises people not to share personal items such as towels, washcloths and razors. Wounds should also be cleaned and covered with an appropriate dressing until they heal.
- Scabies can be transmitted in certain circumstances
Scabies is a skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It usually causes intense itching, particularly at night, as well as a rash on certain parts of the body.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), scabies is mainly spread through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact. Transmission through clothing, bed linen or towels can also occur, although it is not the most common route for ordinary scabies.
The NHS advises people with scabies not to share towels, clothing or bedding with others while they are being treated. This helps reduce the risk of mites spreading to family members and other people living with them.
Why should towels be kept clean?
Towels come into direct contact with the skin and are used to absorb water after bathing. During use, they can also absorb sweat, oil, dead skin cells and dirt from the body.
If towels are not washed regularly and are left damp, conditions may favour the growth of certain microorganisms. However, a damp towel does not automatically cause illness. The risk of infection depends on the presence of disease-causing microorganisms, the level of contamination and the health of the person using it.
A towel that looks clean is therefore not necessarily free of microorganisms. Towels should be kept clean through proper washing and drying, rather than judged by their appearance or smell alone.
The CDC also stresses the importance of keeping personal items clean and avoiding the shared use of belongings that could help infections spread.
A few simple habits at home can help maintain personal hygiene and reduce the risk of infection transmission.
- Use a personal towel
Avoid sharing towels with a partner, family members, friends or anyone else. Everyone should have their own towel, especially if a family member has a skin infection.
- Wash towels regularly
Towels used repeatedly should be washed regularly. How often they need washing can depend on how frequently they are used, how damp they become and their level of cleanliness. If a towel is soiled with bodily fluids or used by someone with a skin infection, wash it promptly in accordance with the fabric-care instructions and medical advice.
- Dry towels after use
Hang towels in a well-ventilated place so they can dry completely. Avoid piling them up while wet or putting them straight into a cupboard.
- Do not swap towels when travelling
When staying at a hotel, exercising at a gym or visiting a public place, make sure to use a clean towel provided specifically for you or bring your own.
- Keep towels used during an infection separate
If someone has a skin infection, their towel should not be used by anyone else. Wash it separately if necessary and follow a healthcare professional’s instructions for managing the infection.
These habits are consistent with CDC and AAD recommendations to keep personal items clean and avoid sharing towels to help prevent infections from spreading.
When should you see a doctor about a skin condition?
A rash, persistent itching, scaly skin or a sore that does not improve after sharing a towel does not necessarily indicate an infection. However, these symptoms should be monitored, particularly if they spread or are accompanied by other complaints.
Seek medical advice promptly if redness spreads, or if swelling, pain or pus develops. An examination can identify the cause of the symptoms and determine appropriate treatment. If a contagious skin infection is diagnosed, follow the doctor’s treatment and hygiene advice to reduce the risk of passing it to others.
Using a personal towel is a simple habit that can help protect skin health. Although sharing a towel will not always cause illness, the risk of infection can be reduced by not sharing personal items, washing towels regularly and ensuring they are completely dry before using them again.