Laundry detergents and washing practices vary between countries, and detergent residues left in poorly rinsed clothing can cause skin irritation, particularly in people with sensitive skin.

Make sure that clothes are thoroughly rinsed, whether you wash them yourself or use a local laundry service.

In some tropical areas, particularly in parts of Africa, certain flies may lay their eggs on damp clothing or other fabrics left to dry outdoors. The larvae can subsequently penetrate the skin and cause an infection known as cutaneous myiasis.