A new case study published in British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports has raised concerns about a potential health hazard related to traditional Indian clothing. The study highlights two cases of women diagnosed with "petticoat cancer," a type of skin condition that may be connected to the pressure exerted by the tightly tied waist cord of a saree's underskirt. The research underscores the potential dangers of wearing tightly tied garments around the waist, which could lead to severe skin complications.
While this condition was once referred to as “saree cancer,” the doctors clarified that the real culprit is the excessive tightness of the waist cord, not the saree itself.
The study recounts the case of a 70-year-old woman who sought medical help for a painful skin ulcer on her right side, located between her ribs and hip. The ulcer had persisted for 18 months without showing any signs of healing. The area around the ulcer had become discolored, and it was observed that the woman regularly wore her petticoat tightly secured around her waist beneath her saree.
In another instance, a woman in her late 60s presented with a chronic ulcer on her right flank that had lasted for two years. This woman had worn a lugda, a traditional garment worn without a petticoat, tightly around her waist for over four decades.
Biopsy results confirmed that both women had developed Marjolin ulcers, a form of squamous cell carcinoma. In the second case, the cancer had already metastasized to a lymph node in the groin by the time it was diagnosed.
The study authors explained that the pressure applied to the waist area could lead to thinning skin, eventually causing an erosion or ulcer. As long as the tight clothing continues to apply pressure, the ulcer will not heal, increasing the risk of malignant transformation.
One of the women diagnosed with skin cancer shared her personal story, revealing that she had worn a tightly wrapped Nauvari saree around her waist for most of her adult life. Six years ago, she noticed a small, discolored area on her right flank, which she initially dismissed as a minor skin issue. Over time, this developed into a non-healing ulcer, prompting her to seek medical help. After consulting a dermatologist, she was diagnosed with skin cancer, a condition that worsened due to the constant friction and pressure from her tight traditional attire.
This study serves as an important reminder of the potential health risks associated with tight-fitting traditional clothing. Health experts urge individuals to consider the long-term effects of wearing such garments and recommend taking precautions to prevent skin damage and promote healing.
Reference
1. BMJ Case Reports. (2024). Petticoat cancer: The risks of tight waist cords in traditional clothing. BMJ Case Reports, 17(11), e262049. Available at: https://casereports.bmj.com/content/17/11/e262049.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)
