One of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from disease is maintaining personal hygiene. This means washing your hands and especially washing your body. This means being careful not to cough or sneeze at others, clean things you touch when you are sick, put tissues (which may contain germs) in the trash, and use protective equipment (gloves, condoms, etc.). risk of infection.
Personal hygiene, such as bathing, depends a lot on the culture you live in. In some cultures, you should at least wash your body every day and use deodorant to stop body odor. Other cultures have different expectations.
Body odor
Body odor is caused by several factors, including:
Chemicals in sweat, including pheromones, are produced by the body to attract (or repel) other people sexually.
Wastes that are excreted through the skin, such as metabolic alcohol.
The action of bacteria that live on the skin, feed on dead skin cells, and feed on sweat.
Unwashed clothes such as underwear and socks.
Wash hands
Most infections, including the common cold and gastroenteritis, are caught by putting unwashed, germ-laden hands in your mouth. When other people’s dirty hands touch the food we eat, we get some infectious diseases. Wash your hands and wrists with clean soapy water and use a brush if your nails are dirty. Dry your hands with a clean object such as paper towels or a hot air dryer. You should always wash your hands:
After going to the bathroom
Before cooking or eating
After contact with dogs or other animals
If you have been around someone who has a cough or cold.
Personal hygiene of women
The vagina is self-cleaning and does not require special care other than washing the external genitalia. Do not douche in the vagina as it can damage the delicate skin. Here are some personal hygiene tips for women.
Menstruation – wash your body, including your genitals, as you always do. Change tampons and sanitary napkins regularly, at least 4-5 times a day. Always wash your hands before and after handling tampons or pads.
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. This is a common condition in sexually active young women. Urinating after intercourse helps flush out bacteria from the urethra and bladder.
Thrush – some soaps and detergents can irritate the skin of the vagina and increase the chance of vaginal infection. Some people often get thrush when they take antibiotics. Use mild soap and unscented toilet paper. Avoid tight, synthetic underwear. Try cloth underwear and change them often. There are treatments for thrush, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Men’s personal hygiene
Uncircumcised men may develop a build-up of secretions under the foreskin. If you are uncircumcised, gently pull the foreskin away from the shower and clean it with water. You can use soap if you want, but be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Bad breath
Good dental hygiene includes regular brushing and flossing. Bad breath is caused by diseases of the teeth, gums and oral cavity, such as infectious diseases. Most people get bad breath first thing in the morning because you don’t produce saliva while you sleep. Some foods that can cause bad breath include garlic and onions. Mouthwashes, mouth sprays, and flavored gums may make your breath smell better temporarily, but if you have oral health problems, you should see your dentist.
Travel hygiene
If you are unsure about the safety of water when traveling overseas, be careful. The suggestions are:
Drink only bottled water.
Do not use tap water to clean your teeth.
When washing your hands, make sure your hands are completely dry before touching any food.
Do not wash fruits and vegetables in unsafe water.
If you don’t have another water source, let the water boil for a minute before drinking.
After washing cups, mugs and other utensils, make sure they are completely dry.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Dentist.
Things to remember
Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from many diseases such as gastroenteritis.
Wash your hands regularly, especially before preparing and eating food and after using the toilet.
