14/07/10

"But it must be so unhygienic .... I mean bottoms and things!"

You hear and read it everywhere nudism is discussed by textiles. When you first think about it almost makes sense until you start applying cultural values and a little science.

Values:

A nudist/naturist because they have their bottom on display is likely to take extra care to make sure their bum is clean.

Nudist Etiquette demands that a nudist will always sit on a towel rather than straight on a seat. (important when we get to the science bit)

Science:

Some facts ...

Bacteria can penetrate through up to 64 layer of dry gauze (Winter GD. Formation of the scab and the rate of epithelization of superficial wounds in the skin of the young domestic pig. Nature 1962;193:293.) and wet gauze presents even less of a barrier (hence the worries about face masks and flu).

Baterial have been proven to penetrate surgical gowns from both the axila (arm pit) and the peri-anal area (bottom) ( B. J. A. Lankester. Direct measurement of bacterial penetration through surgical gowns: a new method, The Journal of Hospital Infection - Volume 50, Issue 4 (April 2002))

So lets draw a scenario ... the Noodies are entertaining the Texies by their pool, the Texies are OK about the Noodies liking for skinny dipping but don't join in.

We join them sitting on patio chairs dressed having a drink, both couples are dressed in shorts (short Pants) and will have underwear on.. Bacteria are working their way through the clothing towards the seats of both couples....

It is a nice day they decide to go for a dip ... they pop in doors to change, the Texies put on their costumes and the Noodies get undressed and have a quick wash.... no dirty bums on show to our friends.

After the swim the Texies slump onto their chairs... their thin wet costumes conducting bacteria onto the chairs as they drip, the Noodies sit on dry towels, thicker than most clothes, and the bacteria start to work their way through the dry cloth.

5 minutes later Mrs Naturist drops in with her new baby, both Mr Texie and Mr Noodie offer her their seat.....Which is the safer for her baby?

Answer ... Neither we live in fog of assorted bacteria all our lives, as long as we are reasonably careful about hygiene we are fairly safe, unless we exposed to a virulent pathogen such as cholera from an infected person.

Wash you hands every time you touch your bottom.

Wash your hands before touching food.

Wash your hands now just to be safe.

Always sit on your (dry) towel

Change your underwear often

Don't panic about germs

and stop sniffing school girls bicycle saddles ........ pervert!