In urban areas, the use of a toilet seat is more common than squat toilets. However, when viewed from a health perspective, the use of squat toilets is even more recommended.
The toilet seat began to be known and used by the community in the mid-19th century. Since then, the use of squat toilets began to be replaced with toilet seats. But some people who live in Asian, African, and several European states, still use squat toilets to defecate (BAB).
Pros and Cons of a Toilet Seat and a Squat Toilet
The debate about which is healthier between the toilet seat and the squat toilet is still rolling. However, a study states that defecation in a squatting position or using a squat toilet is easier than sitting position. This is because the squatting position can make the muscles of the puborectalis relax, making it easier for discharge or feces.
Other studies also mention the advantages of using squat toilets over toilet seats. In the study revealed, a little emphasis on the stomach while squatting can facilitate bowel movements. This is what might make the use of squat toilets more recommended than toilet seats.
Toilet Seats Are More at Risk for Dermatitis
In the past, toilet seats were often thought to cause contact dermatitis, which was characterized by skin irritation around the thighs and buttocks. The irritation may be caused by the material for making the toilet seat. The toilet seat that uses lacquered and painted wood is claimed to be a skin irritant.
To reduce this risk in the 1980s, the use of wooden toilet seats began to be replaced with plastic materials. This change has made the case of dermatitis due to toilet drastically decrease.
On the other hand, dermatitis caused by sitting in a toilet seat can also be caused by chemicals from cleaning products used to clean the facility. Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride didecyl and dimethyl ammonium chloride are examples of two ingredients that have been proven to cause skin irritation.
Besides being more at risk of causing dermatitis, a toilet seat can also be a gathering place for various bacteria that cause disease, such as:
- E. coli causes diarrhea.
- S. aureus causes pneumonia or skin disease.
- Streptococcus causes throat disorders.
While viruses such as HIV and herpes that are often frightening to most people, generally will not last long outside the human body, including the toilet seat. Plus this virus infection can only occur if you have an open wound on the part that comes in contact with the toilet seat.
Toilet Seats Are More at Risk for Hemorrhoids
Medically speaking, there is an assumption that squat toilets are healthier than toilet seats. Sitting too long when urinating in the toilet seat can apparently cause hemorrhoids or swelling of blood vessels. This is due to an increase in pressure in the blood vessels in the lower digestive tract.
Hemorrhoids are characterized by symptoms such as:
- Itching or pain in the anus
- Pain during bowel movements (BAB)
- There is a soft lump near the anus
- BAB bleed.
How to Maintain Cleanliness when Using the Toilet
Either using a squat toilet or toilet seat, it is important to maintain the cleanliness of the toilet properly. This aims to reduce the risk of exposure to bacteria that cause disease, especially when using public toilets.
In keeping your toilet clean, here are the things you can do:
- Use a toilet seat cleaner before urinating, especially in public toilets. These cleaning products are generally in the form of sprays which are applied to the toilet seat and can then be wiped with a tissue.
- You can also use a toilet seat cover or tissue to prevent skin from coming into direct contact with the toilet seat.
- Water rinses that are commonly used to remove dirt in the toilet also run the risk of spraying bacteria on other areas of the toilet such as floors or walls. Therefore, close the toilet when rinsing. Also, avoid putting your bag or luggage on the toilet floor when you poop. Place your items on the usual hangers provided on the wall or door.
When using the toilet seat, it is recommended to use a tissue when opening and closing or when pressing the rinse button. This is because the water faucet in the sink and the flush button are areas where bacteria often gather.
Finally, don't forget to wash your hands after using public toilet facilities. Because bacteria in the toilet can stick to the hands and move to the mouth. Then don't forget to dry it properly. If you choose to use a tissue, you should use a tissue that is stored in a closed place.
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