Recent studies have included a new health hazard in their emphasis as “Saree cancer,” which can be an issue for women who wear sarees frequently. It is associated with the waist cords of the petticoat, which is worn under the saree. If pulled too tight, cords can cause skin over a certain period. Such an irritation could, in return, cause skin damage that could become an open sore and possibly not heal properly.
According to the blog “Saree-Related Cancer: A Rare But Important Health Concern,” in some cases, these sores can evolve into a tricky situation of squamous cell carcinoma, precisely a severe form of Marjolin ulcers.
This problem is not new; it has been observed for several years, cumulatively indicating that sarees worn in a particular manner could harm one’s health. Therefore, women must recognize this threat and appropriately treat their skin to remain able to wear sarees. To effectively avoid potential problems, it is essential to loosen the waist cord of the saree.
Saree Cancer: What Is It?
A skin disorder that affects women who use sarees is known as diaper saree cancer, also referred to as diaper melanosis or petticoat cancer. Melanosis of the lower limbs has been furthest publicized as a late complication of lymphedema of the lower extremities due to the use of tight waistbands. Sores caused by friction from this cord, which is wrapped too tightly, may develop over time into dark patches, rough skin, and sore areas that can heal. It is imperative to treat these sores promptly, as failing to do so can result in the development of squamous cell carcinoma, a prevalent type of skin cancer.
This problem is predominantly seen in women from regions where sarees are used, like India. Avoiding and treating saree cancer can be achieved by ensuring that the petticoats worn are not very tight, proper care of the area, and choosing softer fabrics. Petticoat cancer is also identifiable by regular examination of the area for odd signs or alterations, which can lead to early detection and effective treatment.
What Are The Causes of Saree Cancer?
One type of cancer associated with wearing sarees is saree cancer. It usually affects women who wear sarees and tend to wear their petticoats tightly. The affected area of a tight strap can begin to rub against one’s skin, which can be highly painful and unpleasant. Some of these severe skin concerns include: Over time, this irritation can lead to several skin issues:
- Dermatoses: Skin rashes that are inflammations of the skin that are exacerbated upon treatment failure.
- Marjolin’s Ulcer: This is a special kind of sore that may appear in irritated areas and can cause squamous cell carcinoma, a particular type of skin cancer.
- Skin Changes: Areas surrounding the waist might also develop new features such as thickening, darkening, and even scaling in the skin from the newly forming patches.
There are pretty several factors that can fuel the development of saree cancer disease:
- Tightness of the Waist Cord: Should the cord be too tight, this can generally cause pain.
- Humidity and Sweat: Perspiration worsens conditions in regions with high moisture temperatures.
- Hygiene: Some wash their hands unhygienically or fail to maintain proper hygiene, further complicating the situation.
In the future, wearing loose malware and keeping the areas affected clean would help curb the formation of the disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Saree Cancer?
The tight draping of sarees by certain women can lead to some consequent skin manifestations consistent with saree cancer. In any of these events, the following signs should be reported:
- Hyperpigmentation: The waist region may get excessive pigmentation because of chronic friction by the tight undergarment.
- Lichenification: The skin layer may turn toughened or roughened due to chronic friction and pressure.
- Prurigo: Several pruritic dry patches could develop due to dry skin turning scaly and rough.
- Chronic Ulceration: On some occasions, chronic ulcers that are slow to heal are formed, which can cause considerably more severe biological complications.
Speaking with a health professional when experiencing any of these changes is essential to achieve a correct diagnosis and timely intervention.
Are There Any Case Studies?
More and more recent reports suggest that wearing sarees with tightly strapped petticoats might cause serious health issues for women. Notably, this practice has been noted by doctors to lead to one of the rarest cancers known as skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. For instance, a 70-year-old female developed an ulcer that was neoplastic and depigmented a portion of her side. It was later revealed that she had cancer. Another woman aged over sixty a few decades back suffered from extreme wear and tear of her skin inflicted by a hand of her tight-fitting saree, with the exact prediction being made. These cases call for all to take note of the risk posed by wearing too-tight clothing.
Are There Any Prevention Strategies?
The term “saree cancer” refers to a condition arising from wearing sarees improperly. One should refrain from embracing slouching, wearing tight clothing, and having to wrap sarees too tightly. This would maybe assist to makeshift the effects, in case the condition arises; here are effective ways to alleviate the after-effects of this condition when wearing sarees:
- Use of Baggy Petticoats: While wearing petticoats around your waist, do not wear them too tightly. This helps reduce pressure on your waist around the skin.
- Try Different Wrapping Knots: While wrapping the saree, one can try different knot-tying at various places on the waist. This helps reduce the intensity of the pressure at one point and is more straightforward on the skin.
- Use Petticoats Made Of Gentle Fabrics: Wearing petticoats made of soft fabrics is prudent. They are more comfortable and also lower the chances of skin irritants.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Always keep the skin around the waist clean and dry, as infections and many skin issues could arise from aggravating factors.
- Regular Examination of a Body Part: Estimates show that around 90% of cancers start with skin atrocities. It is best to watch the waistband and look out for deformities; in case of discomfort or pain, approach a reliable adult or health professional.
If these steps are followed, the skin can be restored to its health and pristine glow, regardless of how often these adolescents wrap the saree.
Conclusion
Women wearing a saree can be bothersome since it can lead to saree cancer, which is considered a rare case. Ties of the petticoat can rub against the skin, which can be painful over time. Over time, the skin could irritate, leading to several health issues like skin cancer. To avoid this type of cancer, women should consider some precautions, such as wearing looser-fitting petticoats or changing how they wrap their sarees. Knowledge of such risks and tuning their diets accordingly enables women to wear the saree without chatility regarding their health. Standing bright is staying safe.
Call to Action
Medical practitioners must address “saree cancer” with their patients during examinations, particularly in the regions where many women wear sarees. This kind of skin cancer may develop when a saree is worn too tight around the waist for a long time. This needs to be investigated further because it is conceivable for physicians to assist the patients so affected. Awareness plans can modify the attitude of women towards saree draping and encourage them to do so in a way that is not too tight. Raising awareness against saree cancer, we will assist women in making smarter clothing choices without compromising their health.