This everyday personal item could land you in a wheelchair - never share it with anyone!
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In the realm of personal hygiene and beauty, there are certain unspoken rules that many of us adhere to, often without much thought. We know not to share toothbrushes or razors, for instance, due to the risk of transmitting infections. However, there's another personal item that might not immediately come to mind as a health hazard, yet sharing it could have life-altering consequences: your makeup brushes.
A stark reminder of this danger was brought to light by the harrowing experience of Jo Gilchrist, an Australian mother who became paralysed after using a friend's makeup brush to cover a pimple. This seemingly innocuous act led to a catastrophic chain of events that would change her life forever.
In 2015, Gilchrist borrowed a makeup brush from a friend who was unknowingly suffering from a bacterial infection called Staphylococcus, which was affecting her face. The bacteria, which can live harmlessly on human skin, entered a small cut on Gilchrist's face and travelled through her bloodstream to her spine. There, it developed into a severe infection that Gilchrist described as 'worse than childbirth' due to the excruciating pain.
To make matters worse, the bacteria was a specific strain known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), notorious for its resistance to common antibiotics like penicillin. This resistance makes MRSA infections particularly difficult to treat and potentially very dangerous.
Gilchrist's condition required emergency surgery, and the damage to her spine from the infection left her wheelchair-bound for years. It was a grim prognosis, with doctors initially telling her she would never walk again. However, through determination and extensive physiotherapy, Gilchrist defied the odds and was able to walk out on stage in 2019, a testament to her resilience and the power of rehabilitation.
The story, shared by Singaporean medic Dr Samuel Choudhury on Instagram, has garnered over 30,000 likes and shocked reactions from social media users. Dr Choudhury emphasised that while cases like Gilchrist's are 'extremely rare', they underscore the potential dangers of sharing personal items like makeup brushes.
MRSA naturally lives on the skin of many people without causing any issues. However, if it enters the body through a cut or other opening, it can lead to a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention. The bacteria can spread from person to person through contact like shaking hands or sharing towels and other personal grooming items.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows a significant decrease in MRSA cases compared to previous years, but the majority of MRSA-related fatalities in Britain are still among patients aged 75 and over. This highlights the importance of vigilance, especially for our senior community members, when it comes to hygiene practices.
The NHS advises that signs of an MRSA skin infection include red, painful, swollen tissue that feels warm to the touch and may leak pus or liquid. Suppose MRSA has infiltrated another part of the body. In that case, symptoms can include a high temperature, difficulty breathing, chills, dizziness, and confusion. Anyone with signs of an MRSA skin infection should contact their GP, and those with more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or confusion should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let this be a cautionary tale. Never share makeup brushes—or any personal items that come into contact with your skin. It's a simple step that could prevent a world of trouble. And remember, cleanliness is next to godliness, especially when it comes to items that touch your face. Keep your brushes to yourself, and ensure they are regularly cleaned and stored properly to minimise any risk of infection.
Have you ever had a close call with sharing personal items, or do you have a routine for keeping your makeup tools clean? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below; your advice could be invaluable to someone else in our community.
A stark reminder of this danger was brought to light by the harrowing experience of Jo Gilchrist, an Australian mother who became paralysed after using a friend's makeup brush to cover a pimple. This seemingly innocuous act led to a catastrophic chain of events that would change her life forever.
A cautionary story shared about Jo Gilchrist, an Australian woman who became paralysed after using the item on a pimple. Credit: Facebook
In 2015, Gilchrist borrowed a makeup brush from a friend who was unknowingly suffering from a bacterial infection called Staphylococcus, which was affecting her face. The bacteria, which can live harmlessly on human skin, entered a small cut on Gilchrist's face and travelled through her bloodstream to her spine. There, it developed into a severe infection that Gilchrist described as 'worse than childbirth' due to the excruciating pain.
To make matters worse, the bacteria was a specific strain known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), notorious for its resistance to common antibiotics like penicillin. This resistance makes MRSA infections particularly difficult to treat and potentially very dangerous.
Gilchrist's condition required emergency surgery, and the damage to her spine from the infection left her wheelchair-bound for years. It was a grim prognosis, with doctors initially telling her she would never walk again. However, through determination and extensive physiotherapy, Gilchrist defied the odds and was able to walk out on stage in 2019, a testament to her resilience and the power of rehabilitation.
The story, shared by Singaporean medic Dr Samuel Choudhury on Instagram, has garnered over 30,000 likes and shocked reactions from social media users. Dr Choudhury emphasised that while cases like Gilchrist's are 'extremely rare', they underscore the potential dangers of sharing personal items like makeup brushes.
MRSA naturally lives on the skin of many people without causing any issues. However, if it enters the body through a cut or other opening, it can lead to a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention. The bacteria can spread from person to person through contact like shaking hands or sharing towels and other personal grooming items.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows a significant decrease in MRSA cases compared to previous years, but the majority of MRSA-related fatalities in Britain are still among patients aged 75 and over. This highlights the importance of vigilance, especially for our senior community members, when it comes to hygiene practices.
The NHS advises that signs of an MRSA skin infection include red, painful, swollen tissue that feels warm to the touch and may leak pus or liquid. Suppose MRSA has infiltrated another part of the body. In that case, symptoms can include a high temperature, difficulty breathing, chills, dizziness, and confusion. Anyone with signs of an MRSA skin infection should contact their GP, and those with more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or confusion should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let this be a cautionary tale. Never share makeup brushes—or any personal items that come into contact with your skin. It's a simple step that could prevent a world of trouble. And remember, cleanliness is next to godliness, especially when it comes to items that touch your face. Keep your brushes to yourself, and ensure they are regularly cleaned and stored properly to minimise any risk of infection.
