Personal hygiene includes: cleaning your body every day, washing your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue (or your sleeve) when sneezing or coughing, etc.

 

For starters: What is Hygiene?

This is a condition or practice conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease especially through cleanliness.
Good personal hygiene is about keeping your body clean. It also helps to protect you from getting infections such as gastroenteritis, colds and flu and COVID-19.

Washing your hands with soap removes germs that can make you ill. Having good personal hygiene will also help prevent you from spreading.

 

Personal hygiene includes;
– Cleaning your body everyday.
– Washing your hands with soap and water after visiting the toilet
– Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day

• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing.
• Washing your hands after handling pets and other animals.

 

Why is personal hygiene important?
Good personal hygiene is vital because it helps stop you from getting sick. It also helps stop you from spreading germs and infectious diseases.

 

Conditions that you can develop if you have poor personal hygiene include:
– Covid19 and other infectious diseases
– diarrhoea, especially gastroenteritis

• respiratory infections, including colds and flu
• scabies
• staph infections
• tinea or athlete’s foot
• tooth decay

• trachoma, an eye infection which can lead to blindness

• threadworms and other worms

 

When should one wash their hands?
Washing your hands often is a good way to stop the germs on your hands from making you sick. It is important to wash your hands after going to the toilet.

Also, wash your hands:

• when they are obviously dirty
• after touching rubbish, dirty surfaces or objects
• before and after preparing or eating food
• after blowing your nose
• after handling pets or animals
• after changing a baby’s nappy
• before and after visiting someone who is sick
• after cleaning up vomit or body fluids
• before and after treating cuts or wounds

 

What is the best way of Washing hands?
To avoid getting sick, wash your hands properly.
Wet your hands with clean water.
Apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands.

Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds.
Clean between your fingers and the backs of your hands.
Clean dirty fingernails with a nail brush.
Rinse both sides of your hands with clean water.

Dry off your hands with a clean towel.
If you’re in a public bathroom, use paper towel to turn off the tap.

If soap and water aren’t available, you can use hand sanitiser. The hand sanitiser should contain at least 60% alcohol.
Rub the sanitiser over your palms, the backs of the hands and in between your fingers. Keep rubbing until it is dry.

 

Face

How best to wash one’s face

No. 1 Properly remove all make up before washing your face using a make up remover.
No. 2 Don’t use harsh bar soap to cleanse your face unless it’s specifically recommended for the face.

No surprise: Facial cleansers, especially cleansing balms, are made for delicate skin.

“There’s a tendency for people to look for ‘foaming’ ones, because they think if it doesn’t foam it’s not cleansing. But foaming can actually strip your skin of more natural oils”.

 

No.3 Use lukewarm water to wash face
The truth is: Water temperature extremes can cause irritation, so it’s best to stick to a middle ground. You don’t want to see flushed skin when you check your reflection.

Be gentle when exfoliating your facial skin.
Scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural protective barrier. The best way to clean skin is with your fingertips, gently massaging for at least a minute or two.

To exfoliate, look for ingredients in your cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid or fruit enzymes,” “Letting these products work their way into the skin for 60 to 90 seconds will do the job, or clearing pores and removing dead skin cells to provide a healthy glow.

 

Don’t overdo it

Your skin has a natural barrier that protects it and helps it retain moisture.
While using a scrub or cleanser with beads might feel soft on day one, scrubbing too hard or using these products daily can damage the outer layer of skin.

One sign of over-exfoliation is skin hypersensitivity. This can cause irritation, breakouts, and even a stinging feeling when you apply products.

Watch out for daily cleansers that contain active exfoliating ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) — lactic, glycolic, fruit acids — and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) — salicylic, willow bark extracts. These ingredients are extra powerful in sloughing away skin.

 

Give micellar water a shot

Micellar water is water containing micelle molecules that attach to makeup and debris and break it down.

“Some people, especially those [who] don’t wear makeup, can get away with micellar water as their cleanser,” “If you’re camping or somewhere without water, micellar water can clean your face and doesn’t even need to be rinsed off.”

 

Skip unnecessary tools

Remember your neck and jaw Line
Your jawline and neck are prone to dirt and debris buildup. And they need love, too.

When giving your face a cleansing massage, gentle rub your fingers in an upward motion to get the circulation going and encourage your skin to stay tight and naturally lifted.
This massage component can help with relaxationTrusted Source and give your face a needed muscle break from a stressful day.

 

Time to rethink that air-dry.
Leaving water dripping on your face doesn’t hydrate it; in fact, when the water evaporates, it could lead to dryness.

Remember to pat gently with a soft, antimicrobial towel, being extremely cautious around the sensitive under-eye area.
Pat dry with a soft towel.

 

Don’t wash your face too often

Often people forget they’re also likely washing their faces in the shower,” Ilyas says. “If you throw in other washing routines at the sink twice a day, then you’re getting three in. This may be a bit excessive.”

Those with dry skin should especially consider cutting back on washes.
Research suggests that maintaining your skin’s circadian rhythm may help protect it from damage. Consider cleansing when the sun goes down, not after.

 

While we’re on the topic, if you’re wondering, ‘What time should I wash my face at night?’, earlier might be better.
Use the recommended amount Of cleanser. If you’re wondering why your cleanser isn’t working as promised (or as praised), check how much you’re using.

For more expensive cleansers, there might be temptation to use less than recommended to extend use or save money. Don’t!
When in doubt, read the label to find the recommended amount. Products often go through trials and tests to find the safest, most effective amount for general use.

 

Finish with a toner

Although not technically a step in face washing, many often miss the importance of what comes after: rebalancing your skin.

Toners are light, liquid formulas originally used to reset your skin’s pH, so it can protect itself from bacteria and harm. Now, many toners come with extra benefits that target specific concerns.

 

Look for ingredients, like:

• rosewater, which has anti-aging properties
• chamomile, known for its calming qualities
• salicylic acid or witch hazel to help fight acne

 

To apply toner, dab some on a cotton ball that you’ll swipe on areas of concern, like an oily T-zone.
Remember to moisturize
In addition to toning, make sure you’re helping your skin stay moisturized.

 

Some people like the “tight” feeling after washing their face, but this is a sign of excess dryness.
Your skin can start to feel sensitive afterward, or even peel or crack. Applying moisturizer protects your skin from over drying.
If your skin continuously feels dry after washing, look into switching cleansers. Opt for a mild cleanser or oil-based cleanser.

 

Experiment with your routine

Finding people with similar skin types and trying their routines is one way of experimenting.
For example, people with oily skin will find washing twice a day keeps their acne in check.

Some people who don’t dabble in skin care or makeup swear by water only, likely because they never damaged their skin barrier with acids or exfoliants. Also, genetics play a major role.

 

Takeaway

All of this is to say: Washing is just the first step to maintaining your skin’s natural state.
The rest depends on all the other serums, moisturizers, mists, face masks — the list could go on forever. Plus, the food you eat, how you exercise, and your stress levels all play a role.

The best way to determine how you should wash your face is to figure out your cleansing goals. Do you want it to be quick, one-step, once a day? Then determine your limits, like skin type, water cleanliness, and price range, and go from there.

 

Washing your body

Try to bathe or shower often. This helps prevent infections and body lice.
Wash well, especially under your armpits and around your genitals (vulva or penis) and anus.
Keeping clean will remove bacteria that causes body odour (BO). It is especially important to shower or bathe after vigorous exercise.

You can use soap, shower gel or a hypoallergenic body wash. While soap removes more germs, you may need to use plain water or salt water on sensitive body parts.

Use a soapy washcloth to clean your body. Start cleaning your head and face. Then continue to your arms, chest, abdomen (tummy) and back. Finally clean your legs, genitals, and buttocks
Most people know more about hair care than caring for their genitals

 

Washing your genitals

Let me start with Penis care:
If you have a foreskin (are uncircumcised) you have some extra things to think about when washing your penis.

You should clean your penis by:

• gently pulling back the foreskin
• washing underneath it with warm water and a gentle soap
• After washing, pull the foreskin forward to its normal position.

 

Maintaining good hygiene and care of your genitals (private parts) reduces the chances of developing problems like skin irritations and some common infections. So it’s important to know how to wash your penis. The same basic principles apply whether you have a foreskin or have been circumcised.

• Gently wash your penis each day.
• Carefully pull back and clean underneath the foreskin, as well as the tip of your penis (the glans) using only water and a very gentle soap. Don’t scrub this sensitive area.
• It is fine to use soap, but using too much could irritate your penis
• Make sure you gently pat dry the tip of your penis, the area underneath your foreskin and the rest of your penis. Replace the foreskin over the tip of the penis before putting on your underwear.
• Make sure your underwear has been properly washed, thoroughly rinsed and fully dried before wearing.
• Make sure you wash your hands before you pass urine or touch your penis. This is especially important if you have been handling anything that might irritate your penis, such as chemicals, chilli peppers or heat rub.

 

It is normal to have some thick, white discharge under the foreskin. This is called smegma. If you have a lot of smegma or it is smelly, you may need to wash your penis more often.
If the head of the penis becomes painful, red or itchy, or if you have a discharge, you could have balanitis. Check with your doctor if you are concerned.

You don’t have to forcibly pull back the foreskin on a child’s penis. There is no need to clean underneath the foreskin in young children.

 

Vulva care

You can gently wash the delicate skin around your vulva using your hands and a mild soap.
Tho clear water is majorly recommended

Avoid perfumed soaps and bath products as these may irritate the sensitive skin of your vulva.
Do not clean inside your vagina or douche. This is because it upsets the healthy bacterias that live in your vagina.

 

Period hygiene

Good hygiene practices during menstruation (your period) can help:

• stop infections
• reduce odours
• and helps you stay comfortable

 

You can use many types of products to absorb or collect blood during your period, such as:

• sanitary pads
• tampons
• menstrual cups
• menstrual discs
• period underwear

Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom. Also wash your hands before and after changing a tampon, pad or menstrual cup.
Discard used disposable menstrual products properly. Wrap them in toilet paper, and place in a rubbish bin. Do not flush menstrual products down

It’s also advisable to wash your private area whenever you are changing tampons, pads or menstrual cup.

 

Preventing body odour

The simplest way to get rid of body odour (BO) is to shower or bath regularly. This gets rid of the bacteria on your skin.
Using soap when you wash helps to control the naturally occurring bacteria.

After washing, make sure that you dry yourself well. Apply deodorant to your armpits. Deodorants help make your armpits less friendly to bacteria and hide odours. Antiperspirants help block your sweat glands to reduce sweating.

Put on clean, dry clothing. Wearing clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, silk and wool can keep you dry. Wash your clothes often and, if possible, hang them outdoors to dry.

If you have a problem with sweating too much, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Please don’t forget to shave.

 

Preventing tooth decay and bad breath

Tooth decay and bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene. You can help prevent tooth decay and improve your oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste prevents tooth decay and improves oral hygiene.

Cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes every day also prevents tooth decay and improves oral hygiene.
having regular dental check-ups is also key to preventing tooth decay and improving oral hygiene.

Please use the above dental care tips to reduce your chance of getting gum disease and tooth decay in the future.

 

The Importance of Good Personal Hygiene

Maintaining personal hygiene is necessary for many reasons; personal, social, health, psychological or simply as a way of life. Keeping a good standard of hygiene helps to prevent the development and spread of infections, illnesses and bad odours.

Most people are very conscious of personal hygiene because:

• We’re taught of the importance of hygiene from an early age
• We may have been “picked-on” at school for a one-off or a peristent hygiene problem. This may even have been an issue mistakenly related to hygiene by others – such as head lice
• It is considered a way of making ourselves more attractive to the opposite sex
• It is off-putting to our friends and colleagues if we smell unpleasant.
• We’re aware of health problems that can develop as a result of poor personal hygiene

 

Body Image

Body image influences self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Those who already have low self esteem and especially those with depression often neglect personal hygiene which perpetuates the problem of poor body image.

Many forms of modern media including magazines, fashion, TV, film and the internet present a certain body image as being “acceptable” or “expected”. Young children and teenagers are especially influenced by this; physical appearance being the ultimate factor by which to judge and be judged.

 

To youngsters, teenagers and those who care for them, there are 3 things to remember:
The first thing to accept is that you will probably never look like those perfect specimens in the media – but you can, and WILL look good to most people if you follow basic personal hygiene principles

Secondly, your actions and the way you behave are more important to most people than the way you look
Thirdly, good hygiene practices will help to keep you healthy, give you confidence and be pleasant for those around you.

 

Social Reasons

Most people hate to be talked about, especially in a negative manner. By ensuring that our body is clean and well presented, we are more assured of projecting a positive body image that reflects our personalities.

Children should be taught the importance of hygiene and how to achieve good hygiene very early to keep themselves and others healthy and to reduce the risk of being bullied at school.

Health Reasons

Poor hygiene can lead to poor health. If you have cut yourself, the wound should be cleaned and dressed suitably, this can help reduce the risk of infection and pain.
Conditions such as head lice, athlete’s foot etc. should be treated immediately to prevent further infections and spread to others.

Hand washing cannot be emphasised enough as this simple action can prevent a plethora of illnesses and disorders developing. Many people ‘forget’ to wash their hands after using the toilet or before handling foods; this can cause a great deal of illness and even death.

 

Psychological Issues

By being well presented, clean and tidy, people can feel more confident, especially in social situations. Our chances of succeeding either in work or social settings, or even with the opposite sex can be altered by maintenance of good hygiene.

Maintaining hygiene practices helps to reduce the risks of ill health, but equally important affects how we and others perceive ourselves and can influence our levels of confidence and self-esteem which can affect many aspects of our lives.

 

Which Bits to Focus On and How?

Think about each area individually and why hygiene is important (for health reasons as well as appearance). Hair and teeth are good places to start, together with those areas of the body that might smell or which are more prone to fungal/bacterial infections.

 

Hair

Dirty head hair does not actually cause many health problems; it’s mostly for appearance factor that keeping hair clean is a good idea.

Greasy hair –
At some points of your life – especially in teenage years and at times of hormonal change, hair can become greasy more easily. There’s really only one solution to greasy hair and that is to wash it, although some people find dry shampoo or talc helps to absorb some of the grease.

If you’re lucky enough to have hair long enough to tie up then you can miss a wash occasionally – those with natural blonde hair will find grease shows up more than on brunettes – it has to have some draw backs!

 

Dandruff –
If you suffer from dandruff, try the various shampoos available. If it’s serious there are some medical treaments available that are not harmful to the skin – those containing zinc pyritheone or selenium sulphide are said to be the most effective

 

Head lice –
Head lice are highly contagious. If left unattended, the lice grow large enough that you can actually see them moving(!) and the white eggs (nits) are also sometimes visible. You may also – but not always – experience itching.
The best way to avoid persistent head lice is to wash your hair, leave a conditioner in and comb through with a fine tooth comb. Do this at least once a week, then even if a couple of lice manage to find their way to your lovely locks, they will not be given the chance to lay eggs and multiply!

 

Teeth and Mouth

Teeth:

A beautiful smile can make a person’s day – but if teeth are grubby or breath is smelly, it has an entirely different result. Brush your teeth twice daily with a decent toothbrush (powered ones are best), a fluoride based toothpaste and an antibacterial mouthwash and you can’t go far wrong.
If you think your teeth are not white enough, try wearing different colours to make them seem brighter, avoid drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine, which are thought to stain them. If you’re still convinced they’re not white enough ask your dentist about treatments.

 

Smelly breath

Sometimes, despite good brushing a tooth will succomb to decay – if left untreated this can spread and infect your gums. Bad breath can be the sign of a gum infection. Make sure you vist your dentist regularly to keep a check on it. Halitosis (bad breath) can also be a result of dehydration or an empty stomach, so eat and drink regularly.

 

Areas Prone to Odour and Fungal Infection.

Unpleasant smells and fungal infections are most commonly experienced in areas of the body that are warm and not often exposed to fresh air: the feet; the genitals and some of our sweat glands.

Smelly Feet
The feet contain lots of sweat glands. If feet are confined in socks and shoes the sweat has nowhere to ‘evaporate’ and the skin bacteria will in effect attack to, causing that pungent’cheesy’ aroma. There’s a variety of reasons why some people suffer more than others.

Here are some measures you can take to minimise smelly feet:
Wash regularly and dry thoroughly with a soft towel and an anti-bacterial foot powder or a baby talc
Allow feet to air when feasible and wear open shoes as much as possible

Change socks more than once a day if needed and make sure they are cotton or other breathable fabric.

 

Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that causes itching, flaky skin and sometimes a sore, red rash. It’s highly contagious and can be unsightly.
There are plenty of products available to combat athlete’s foot, but you should check with your pharmacist or General Practisioner if you are taking any other medicines, have certain medical conditions, or are buying for a child as some of the treatments contain steroids.

 

Genital areas
Genital areas can be prone to bacterial infections and unpleasant aromas if not kept clean. Conversely though, too much cleaning with scented products or soaps can cause thrush – a yeast infection. The best hygiene for all the genital areas is to clean once or twice a day using mild soap and water. Or better pure clean water without soap.

 

Remember you can always make an appointment to see a practice nurse or General health Practitioner at your local surgery or health centre. Be blessed as you work on your Personal hygiene.