DOH recommends cotton underwear over going bare

House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin advised women to go without underwear at home during hot weather to avoid fungal infections, but Health Secretary Ted Herbosa recommends using cotton underwear instead.

Garin, a physician and former DOH secretary, suggested wearing pajamas or shorts for better ventilation, while celebrity doctor Vicki Belo agreed with Garin's advice due to the Philippines' warm climate.

Belo noted that yeast infections can occur when skin is exposed to moisture for prolonged periods, especially in tight clothing or synthetic fabrics, but she advised skipping underwear only for those prone to such infections.

Meanwhile, dermatologist Jarische Lao-Ang suggested wearing loose-fitting undergarments during hot weather to prevent increased moisture and friction which are risks for fungal infection.

The DOH advises women suffering from fungal infections to wear cotton underwear as it does not trap moisture, and Undersecretary Maria Francia Laxamana encourages the use of feminine wash to prevent growth of fungal infections.