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Tissues Vs Handkerchief – What Would Your Skin Prefer?

By Dixit Arora +2 more

In India, the high humidity levels can often leave you drenched in sweat – your body’s way of cooling itself. But, those sweaty patches are not just annoying but embarrassing as well. That’s why you need to always carry a handkerchief or tissues. Yet another time when you might need either of these is when you catch a cold or flu. But have you ever wondered which you should opt for? Both seem to do their jobs or mopping up a sweat or cleaning your runny nose, but is one better than the other?

Improperly washed and dried handkerchiefs can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pathogens.

Tissues Vs Handkerchief - What Would Your Skin Prefer? - PharmEasy

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

What Are Tissues And Handkerchiefs?

Tissues are exceptionally soft papers that are exclusively designed for your tender skin. They originated way back in the 1920s. They can be used for wiping sweat, emptying the contents of your blocked nose and for sanitary purposes.  

Handkerchiefs are square pieces of cloth usually made from cotton whose sides are hemmed. Their use dates back to the middle ages.  

Lotion tissue has exceptional softness than traditional non-soft tissue from the additional step in the manufacturing process of coating the product with a softening agent, using them might be a better option specifically for infants and people with very sensitive and irritation-prone skin.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Does Your Skin Love Tissues Or Does It Need A Handkerchief?

The primary reason why doctors recommend using tissues, especially when you are under the weather, is because of a particular feature. Tissues can trap germs and bacteria. So when you blow your nose into it or wipe your sweat, it doesn’t allow the germs to spread. And another reason is that you dispose of the tissues right after use. So there is minimal contact between the sweat/phlegm and your hands. Similarly, you won’t leave traces of pathogens on everything you touch and they will not come into contact with someone else’s skin.  

Apart from waste generation and non eco friendly, tissue paper is more hygienic alternative to handkerchief as it is disposable and single use.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Another reason your skin will love tissues is that they often come with pleasing fragrances that immediately revitalize your skin when it has been drained by the sun.

While handkerchiefs are good for a couple of wipes, you really shouldn’t use one when you will be out all day and sweating buckets. Once you pat your face or arms dry with a hanky, you fold it and immediately stuff it back into your bag or pockets. That means the hanky does not get the time to dry up. Over the course of the day, the moisture causes the germs to build up and when you use it again, the germs will be transferred to your skin. Using a hanky, again and again, is especially harmful when you’ve caught a cold.  

When it comes to choosing between tissues and handkerchiefs, personal preference, availability, and the situation play crucial roles. Regardless of the choice, maintaining good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing and proper disposal of used tissues helps prevent the spread of germs and infections.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Conclusion –

It’s preferable to use tissues over handkerchiefs, which can be unsanitary and can make you susceptible to illnesses.  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Maitreyee

Thanks for the information, I was searching for this but was not sure that I’ll get to know it or not. ?

Gayetri Solanki

You are most welcome. Hope you found it useful.