Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Doctors warn of ‘petticoat cancer’ linked to tightly tied sarees

They said while the phenomenon has previously been described as 'saree cancer', it is the tightness of the waist cord that's to blame

Doctors warn of ‘petticoat cancer’ linked to tightly tied sarees
Constant pressure and friction on one's skin from the waist cord can cause chronic inflammation. (Photo for representation: iStock)

IN A study, doctors have documented treating two women of "petticoat cancer" -- a condition possibly triggered by tying the waist cord of a saree's underskirt or petticoat tightly.

Constant pressure and friction on one's skin from the waist cord can cause chronic inflammation, leading to ulcers and sometimes, progressing to skin cancer, said the doctors, including those from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Uttar Pradesh, India.


The study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports, brought to light "potential health risks associated with traditional clothing practices", one of the affected women said.

Doctors said that while the phenomenon has previously been described as 'saree cancer', it is the tightness of the waist cord that's to blame.

One of the women, a 70-year-old, sought medical attention for a painful skin ulcer on her right flank (present between ribs and hip bone) that she had had for 18 months and which would not heal, the authors described.

The surrounding skin had lost its pigmentation, they said and added that she wore her petticoat underneath her saree, tightly tied around her waist.

The second woman, in her late 60s, was reported to have had an ulcer on her right flank that had not healed for two years.

"A woman in her late 60s presented with a two-year history of an ulcerating lesion on her right flank. She wore a lugda daily for 40 years. A lugda is tied very tightly around the waist without a petticoat," the authors wrote.

Biopsies revealed that both the women had a Marjolin ulcer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (ulcerating skin cancer).

In the second woman, the cancer had spread to one of the lymph nodes in her groin at the time of diagnosis, the authors said.

They explained that while a Marjolin ulcer is rare, it can be aggressive. It develops in chronic burn wounds, non-healing wounds, leg ulcers, tuberculous skin nodules, and in vaccination and snake bite scars, they said.

"Constant pressure at the waist often leads to cutaneous atrophy, which ultimately breaks down to form an erosion or an ulcer. The ulcer at this site does not heal entirely due to ongoing pressure from tight clothing. A chronic non-healing wound results, which may develop malignant change," the authors wrote.

They advised wearing a loose petticoat beneath the saree to ease pressure on the skin, and loose clothing if skin problems develop to allow the area to heal.

The 70 year-old diagnosed with skin cancer, said, "I have been wearing a Nauvari saree, tightly wrapped around my waist, for most of my adult life. Six years ago, I noticed a small area of depigmentation on my right flank, which I initially dismissed as a minor skin issue."

With time, the abnormality developed into a non-healing ulcer, causing her concern and discomfort.

Upon consulting a dermatologist, the woman said she was diagnosed with skin cancer, which was made worse, largely due to ever-present friction and pressure from tying saree tightly around her waist.

She said that her psychologically and physically taxing journey showed the importance of paying attention to chronic skin changes and seeking medical advice early.

"I hope my story will raise awareness among women about the potential health risks associated with traditional clothing practices and encourage timely medical consultation for unusual skin conditions," the woman said.

(PTI)

More For You

26 years of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam': 5 highlights that made the Bhansali film iconic
KK’s Tadap Tadap turns 26 as Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam completes 26 iconic years
Amazon

26 years of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam': 5 highlights that made the Bhansali film iconic

It’s been 26 years since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam hit the big screen, but Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s rich, emotional tale of love and longing still lingers in the hearts of movie lovers. Starring Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Ajay Devgn, this film was a cultural moment. Here are five things you may not know about this now-iconic musical drama.

1. KK’s Bollywood debut began with heartbreak

Before he became one of the most beloved voices of the 2000s, singer KK got his big Bollywood break with the heart-wrenching song Tadap Tadap. The track, composed by Ismail Darbar and written by Mehboob, captured the raw ache of lost love, and KK’s soul-stirring vocals made it unforgettable. Few know that Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was his first major entry into Hindi cinema, thanks to Bhansali's knack for spotting rare talent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voice-Activated Casino Logins: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

Voice-Activated Casino Logins: Gimmick or Game-Changer?

The gambling industry has always been quick to embrace new technology, from the first slot machines to today's live dealer streams. Now, voice-activated casino logins are making waves across the sector. Platforms like Fortunica are exploring how voice recognition might revolutionise player authentication, but the question remains: is this innovation genuinely transformative or simply the latest tech trend?

Voice technology has become increasingly sophisticated, with smart speakers and voice assistants now commonplace in millions of homes. The gambling industry's interest in this technology stems from its potential to streamline user experience while enhancing security measures.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK Traveller Dies from Rabies After Dog Exposure in Morocco

Rabies causes a serious infection of the brain and nervous system in humans

iStock

UK woman dies from rabies after Morocco dog exposure

A woman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, has died after contracting rabies following contact with a stray dog while on holiday in Morocco, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.

The agency stated that the woman became infected during her trip to the North African country. There is no documented evidence of rabies spreading between humans, so the wider public is not considered at risk.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave health risks

Several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed

iStock

7 hidden heatwave health risks you may overlook

As temperatures across the UK continue to rise, so too do the health risks associated with extreme heat. While sunburn and dehydration are well-known dangers, several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of hot spells, some forecasts suggesting 40 °C days could become a regular feature in the next 12 years, it’s essential to understand these lesser-known risks and how to protect yourself.

1. Skin reactions triggered by common medications

Certain widely-used medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making people more prone to rashes, blistering, and sunburn—even on cloudy days. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some antibiotics such as doxycycline, statins, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Keep ReadingShow less
Families seek answers as Air India crash probe begins

Mourners at the funeral of BJP leader Vijay Rupani, who was among the victims of the Air India crash, in Ahmedabad

Families seek answers as Air India crash probe begins

AROUND 200 passengers on the Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick have been identified, authorities in the Indian state of Gujarat said, as grieving families held the last rites of their loved ones following the crash last Thursday (12).

Hundreds of lives were changed in an instant when the London-bound plane slammed into a residential area of Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board and at least 38 on the ground.

Keep ReadingShow less