Did you know that tights breed bacteria? Experts reveal how not washing your tights after every wear causes yeast infections, UTIs, athlete's foot, and body acne!!!

Yuck! Tights should be washed after every time they are worn because the synthetic fibers create a warm, moist environment for bacteria.

Tights and stockings are often made up of a blend of synthetic materials, including Spandex and nylon. These fabrics retain warmth and moisture - the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow

Dr. Radhika Rible, an OB-GYN, told Everyday Health that these factors can cause a woman to get yeast infections and UTIs, especially if she wears tights without cotton underwear underneath.

But even with a thong or briefs serving as a protective layer, those heat and moisture-trapping materials can cause problems wherever a woman sweats - including her feet.

Dr. Bob Baravarian told the website that those same conditions can can lead to a fungal infections like athletes foot, which can make feet burn and itch. 'Fungus loves moisture and sweating,' he explained. 

How many times do you wear a pair of tights before washing them? If the answer is more than once, your cold-weather fashion staple could well be a breeding ground for bacteria.

Many women tend to treat tights in the same way they would bras or jeans, washing them only after several wears - or when they look or smell dirty.

But according to doctors, skipping even a single wash can have truly gross consequences. Luckily, there are plenty of tactics that ensure frequent cleaning won't destroy the delicate hosiery.

The moisture issue is worsened by the fact that tights cling so snugly to the skin, much like yoga pants do - a factor that Dr. Carlos Charles, a dermatologist, told The Cut can cause acne.

'Sweat that sits on the body for extended periods of time leads to the overgrowth of bacteria that can exacerbate acne,' he said.

All of these health issues could, of course, occur from wearing tights just once, especially on a particularly sweaty day. But the likelihood of experiencing an infection or skin irritation increases after multiple wears, when the bacteria has had even more time to grow.

They should be washed as often as underwear and socks, say several doctors

Unfortunately, as Women's Health explains, women tend to lump tights in with items like bras and jeans, which can be worn multiples times before washing. They should, however, think of tights like underwear or socks, which most people would never decide to re-wear before throwing in the wash.

Some tights enthusiasts are wary of washing their hosiery so frequently, though, because of the delicate fabric, which might be damaged by the wet-and-dry process.

To that end, Jenny Altman, a lingerie expert and the CEO of iloveagood, offered some tips for keeping tights clean and long-lasting.

The first trick, she said, is to own multiple pairs. Some women already to, but just tend to favor a single set of stockings that first best. If that's the case, there's no shame in buying several pairs of the same tights. In fact, it lessens the temptation to re-wear dirty ones.

Most tights need to be hand-washed, but if the label says they can be thrown in a machine, it's good to keep them safe in a lingerie bag

Next, Jenny said to pay close attention to the label, which offers care instructions. Some tights can be thrown in the machine, but most need to be cleaned by hand. 

If your tights can go through the gentle cycle, consider buying a lingerie bag. These mesh contraptions will keep tights - and any other delicates - separate from the rest of the wash, so they won't catch on zippers or get stretched and tangled with other items.

After washing, never put tights in the dryer. They should always dry out hanging or, ideally, lying flat on a drying rack.

Finally, if you feel like washing them is wearing them out, try sticking tights in the freezer and running them under cold water. Afterward, let them defrost and dry out on their own.

Contrary to myth, this won't get rid of any bacteria, but it does have the power to constrict the fibers in the fabric and help rights retain their shape and remain durable.

Credits: Mail online