Scots families are suffering through 'hygiene poverty' and having to share toothbrushes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Struggling families in Scotland are increasingly relying on charity donations for personal products due to the financial impact of the pandemic.
Edinburgh charity the Hygiene Bank has reported an increase in demand for deodorant, soap and sanitary products as well as other basics from a growing number of families who have faced job losses.
The charity says the additional costs of face coverings and hand sanitiser has caused families to cut back on essentials like toothbrushes.
The charity says it also fears to have led to a rise in bullying in schools because of the financial impact the crisis has had on families.
The Hygiene Bank sources, packs and distributes cleaning parcels containing soap, toothpaste and other basic supplies to struggling households in Edinburgh - but the charity expects demand to rise when the furlough scheme ends in October.
Project coordinator Polly Heine said: "We have seen a huge increase in demand for our services with people losing their jobs or having their hours cut.
"Unfortunately we expect the demand to continue to rise as the furlough scheme runs out in October and more job losses are anticipated.
"We have seen a particular increase in hygiene poverty in families with young children.
"With children at home instead of school, juggling childcare and work has been an enormous challenge for parents as well as the added financial strain which has pushed more people further into poverty.
"We hear of families having to use one toothbrush between all of them or parents having to reuse nappies as they have to make the difficult decision between feeding their family and keeping them clean.
"With the additional costs of face coverings now being compulsory in schools and some children being asked to bring in their own hand sanitiser, families are being forced to make sacrifices to ensure they keep their children and communities safe."
The charity is encouraging people to take up buy-one-get-one-free offers and donate half to charity.
Donations can be made at drop off points in Boots, 101-103 Princes Street EH2 3AA and 16-20 Earl Grey Street EH3 9BN.
