When the man dubbed 'Dr Butthole' speaks about your behind, you should listen.
A leading proctologist and surgeon has shared a huge toilet-related mistake that Brits are making every day.
Dr Evan Goldstein, who practices in New York City, is renowned as one of the most well-respected anal surgeons in the US.
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'The bottom whisperer', as many know him by, surprisingly welcomes these playful nicknames, but still uses his status to warn others of the worrying health side effects related to the mistreatment of your rear.
He has previously warned people around the world of the 'silent disease', anal cancer, as there is a key warning sign to look out for before being diagnosed with the condition, which tends to happen when it is in an advanced stage.
Dr Goldstein was a guest on the 'Am I Doing It Wrong' podcast, run by HuffPost, in an October 2024 episode.
He highlighted a common mistake made by those after a number two in particular, claiming that it could lead to severe health issues in the long-term.
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The American health expert said that 'traditional wiping' after doing your business can cause unnecessary damage.
But for those thinking that wet wipes do a better job at cleaning up down there, the doc says that this isn't the case at all, and that he's concerned about the trend.
"They are so terrible - not only for the environment, but for your hole," he explained.
"There's so many companies out there throwing wipes and I think they should all be banned.
"I see 90 people a week [in my office], and I would say one-third of all the people coming through are coming in from wet wipe-induced issues."
Why are wet toilet wipes bad for you?
The issue has to do with the chemicals in which wet wipes are soaked in, according to the bum expert, as it can negatively affect the microbiome of the surrounding area.
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"We have good bacteria, we have bad bacteria, but they are in homeostasis. They are in equilibrium. Wet wipes f**k that in a really bad way," he candidly admitted.
Dr Goldstein admitted that he sees dermatitis and bacterial infection in his patients after seeing they've changed that microbiome.
In the long-term, it can cause serious haemorrhoids, fissures, and even fungal growth. None of those sound fun.
How best to wipe after the toilet
Since the anus is very sensitive, using dry toilet paper can cause irritation, small tears and even long-term damage.
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As an alternative, the doc says to get a bidet installed, as this will cause less irritation than toilet paper.
If this isn't possible though, he advises using the shower for a quick bottom rinse.
They key thing here, according to the professional, is to keep the area dry after you're done, as moisture can cause issues.
Some tips to follow if you must use toilet paper, are to blot instead of wipe, or to clean your bum up in a standing position to lessen the pressure put on your anus.
This means less irritation and less small tears. Win-win.
Joshua Nair