Tight petticoat waist cord linked to skin cancer

The continued pressure and friction on the skin can cause chronic inflammation, leading to ulceration, and, in some cases, progression to skin cancer, say the authors.

This phenomenon has previously been described as "saree cancer," but it is the tightness of the waist cord that's to blame, they point out.

The second case concerned a woman in her late 60s who had had an ulcer on her right flank that wouldn't heal for 2 years. She had worn a traditional type of saree called a 'lugda' every day for 40 years, tied very tightly around the waist without an underskirt.

A biopsy specimen revealed that she too had a Marjolin ulcer. The cancer had already spread to one of the lymph nodes in her groin when she was diagnosed.

A Marjolin ulcer is rare but aggressive. It develops in chronic burn wounds, non-healing wounds, leg ulcers, tuberculous skin nodules, and in vaccination and snake bite scars, explain the authors.

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

Commenting on her diagnosis, the 70 year old 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.

"This has been a psychologically and physically taxing journey. It shows 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."

Source:

BMJ Group

Journal reference: