WHAT IS PETTICOAT CANCER? UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH RISKS OF TIGHTLY TIED PETTICOATS AND HOW IT COULD LEAD TO SKIN DAMAGE

The traditional saree, an iconic garment worn by millions of women across South Asia, is typically paired with a petticoat – an undergarment that helps hold the saree in place. While the saree itself is seen as a symbol of grace, beauty, and cultural pride, recent studies suggest that the way some women tie the petticoat, specifically by tightening its drawstring around the waist, may pose significant health risks. A study published in the British Medical Journal and conducted by doctors, including those from Uttar Pradesh’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, indicates that wearing a petticoat with a tightly tied drawstring can potentially increase the risk of chronic skin irritation, ulcers, and even skin cancer.

This research highlights a largely unexamined issue: how traditional clothing practices, if not done mindfully, can lead to serious health consequences over time. This article will explore how a tightly tied petticoat affects the skin, the findings of this study, and preventive measures that can help mitigate the risks.

The Health Impact of a Tightly Tied Petticoat

Many women, particularly in India, use the drawstring of a petticoat to secure the saree. Often, they tie it tightly to ensure the saree stays in place and to prevent frequent adjustments. However, this habit creates sustained pressure and friction on the skin around the waist, leading to a condition called “friction dermatitis.”

Over time, this constant pressure can lead to:

1. Chronic Skin Irritation – The repeated friction and pressure of a tightly tied drawstring can lead to skin irritation, resulting in itching, redness, and discomfort.

2. Ulcer Formation – Prolonged friction creates abrasions on the skin’s surface, which, if left untreated, can turn into ulcers.

3. Hyperpigmentation and Discoloration – The skin under continuous pressure often loses its natural color, becoming darker or developing patches.

4. Increased Cancer Risk – The most alarming outcome, as revealed by the study, is that untreated skin ulcers and chronic irritation can sometimes lead to the formation of skin cancer.

Understanding “Saree Cancer” and Its Development

Doctors involved in the study refer to this condition informally as “saree cancer” – a term that emphasizes its connection to tight saree and petticoat wear. In cases where a petticoat string is regularly tied too tightly, friction and irritation build up over years, causing inflammation in the affected skin cells. This persistent inflammation increases the risk of cellular mutation, which can, in rare cases, lead to squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).

The study also highlights a few specific cases to illustrate the severity of this issue. For example, a 70-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh suffered from a chronic ulcer on her waist, which she had endured for over a year. Her skin around the ulcerated area had become discolored and showed no signs of natural healing. She revealed that she had been tying her petticoat drawstring very tightly every day for decades. Similarly, another woman in her 60s had developed a resistant ulcer from the constant friction of tying a tight cloth called a “lugada” around her waist.

Why Tight Clothing Can Be Harmful Over Time

While the concept of “tight clothing” causing health problems isn’t new, the specific issue of petticoat strings is particularly concerning because it targets a delicate area of skin. The skin around the waist is relatively thin and lacks as many natural protective layers as other parts of the body. As a result, continuous pressure and lack of circulation can quickly deteriorate skin health in this area.

A similar phenomenon is seen in cases of belt buckles or waistbands causing irritation, but in the case of petticoats, the regularity and duration of the friction and pressure make it more likely to result in skin damage. Additionally, the climate in South Asia, often hot and humid, makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation due to sweat and heat trapped by tightly tied clothing.

Preventing Skin Damage from Petticoat Drawstrings

Despite the risks, it’s possible to take preventive measures to ensure that wearing traditional clothing remains both safe and comfortable. Here are some recommendations from health professionals:

1. Wear a Loose Petticoat Drawstring – Instead of tying the drawstring very tightly, women can opt for a looser knot. A loose fit can reduce pressure on the skin, allowing for better blood circulation and minimizing friction.

2. Choose Elastic Bands – Some modern petticoats come with elastic waistbands instead of drawstrings, which can be an excellent alternative to the traditional design. Elastic bands provide support without putting unnecessary pressure on the waist.

3. Opt for Softer Fabrics – Wearing petticoats made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton can reduce the chances of friction-induced irritation. Avoid synthetic materials that may not allow proper airflow, especially in warm climates.

4. Practice Good Skin Care – Regularly moisturizing the waist area and using gentle exfoliants can help maintain skin health and reduce friction-related damage.

5. Alternate Clothing Choices – It may help to wear traditional garments with less restrictive alternatives on some days. For instance, a saree can be worn with a different type of petticoat or with looser garments to give the skin time to recover from any potential irritation.

6. Seek Medical Attention for Persistent Issues – If any signs of irritation, redness, or ulceration appear, consult a dermatologist. Early detection and treatment can prevent a minor skin irritation from developing into something more serious.

Cultural Clothing Practices and Health

While it may seem like a minor issue, something as simple as a tightly tied petticoat can have unexpected long-term effects on health. Through small adjustments in how we wear traditional attire, such as loosening the drawstring or choosing elastic options, we can preserve both our cultural heritage and our well-being.

It is crucial to remember that maintaining comfort and avoiding constant pressure on the skin are integral to long-term health. The findings of the study offer a valuable reminder of how subtle changes can have a significant impact.