IF you're sharing towels with your family this summer, chances are you're sharing more than you bargained for.

While your beach towel may seem harmless, it could actually be crawling with nasty bugs.

Bacteria can live on the surface for a few hours, days, or even months because of the material's ability to retain moisture.

That means that changing them at least once a week is really important.

You should also be sure to hang them to dry in an open space rather than in a heap on the floor as that only lets germs breed.

And above all, don't share them with anyone – that means your partner or any family members.

Speaking to The Sun, consultant dermatologist Dr Firas Al-Niaimi said a whole host of bugs live on towels.

"Skin infections like molluscum contagiosum, impetigo and viral warts can be spread through shared towel use," he said.

Molluscum is a poxvirus, which results in small, raised bumps that may appear anywhere on the skin.

It's usually painless, but can be itchy, especially if the person has eczema.

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The body usually clears the infection on it's own within six to nine months – but it can sometimes take four years to fully disappear.

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococcus bacteria.

It usually leads to slightly swollen scabby red, green and yellow areas somewhere on the body – often the face.

A course of oral antibiotics usually completely clears it in seven to ten days, but it can be pretty unpleasant before that.

And then there's viral warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

They feel firm and rough, and usually appear on palms, knuckles, knees and fingers.

These are different to genital warts, which cannot be transferred via towel sharing, according to the NHS.

Most warts are nothing to worry about and can be treated with over-the-counter products.

However, if they are causing discomfort, have changed dramatically in appearance, or are bleeding or spreading, people are urged to speak to a doctor.

Infections can also be transferred from towels, even if the towel owner has no known infections.

This is because we all have a collection of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, that live on our skin.

This may sound a little alarming, but it is entirely normal. 

In fact, these microorganisms make up your skin’s microbiome, which helps protect you against pathogens, so you can actually feel pretty good about having them. 

Each time you dry off with a towel, you transfer these microbes onto the material, which can then be passed onto someone else.

And although we're immune to the bugs living on our own skin, the same bugs might be harmful to other people and lead to skin conditions like acne, Dr Firas explained.

Previously, Shamir Patel, founder of Chemist 4 U said bodily fluids, which can live on towels can also pass on bugs.

"There are many bacteria that can thrive in such an environment, such as coliform and E.Coli, which can cause fever, abdominal cramping, and diarrhoea," they said.

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"It can also spread infections such as Staph, which is caused by the bacteria staphylococcus, resulting in skin infections that can include red bumps and lumps, sores, blisters and swollen skin.

"Fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot can also be spread if towels become contaminated."

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