How to practice personal hygiene and why it matters.
Personal hygiene is the practice of keeping yourself clean and healthy. It involves taking care of your body, your teeth, your hands and your nails. Personal hygiene is important for many reasons, such as preventing infections, diseases and bad odors, as well as boosting your self-esteem and confidence.
Personal hygiene can also affect your social and professional life. People who practice good personal hygiene are more likely to make a positive impression on others and have better relationships. On the other hand, people who neglect their personal hygiene may face rejection, isolation or discrimination.
To practice good personal hygiene, you need to follow some simple steps every day. Here are some tips from health experts on how to keep yourself clean and healthy with personal hygiene.
• Bathe regularly. Washing your body and your hair with soap and water helps remove dirt, sweat, bacteria and dead skin cells that can cause body odor or infections. You should bathe at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot, exercise or work in a dirty environment. Use warm water and a mild soap that suits your skin type. Rinse well and dry yourself with a clean towel.
• Brush and floss your teeth. Taking care of your teeth and gums helps prevent cavities, gum disease and bad breath. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth and gently massaging your gums. Floss between your teeth once a day to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach. Rinse with water or an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing and flossing. You should also visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up and a professional cleaning.
• Wash your hands. Your hands can carry germs that can make you or others sick. You should wash your hands with soap and water several times a day, especially before and after eating, preparing food, using the toilet, touching animals, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between your fingers, under your nails and on the back of your hands. Rinse well and dry with a clean towel or an air dryer. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Trim your nails. Keeping your fingernails and toenails short and clean helps prevent dirt, germs and fungi from accumulating under them. It also helps prevent ingrown nails, nail infections or injuries. You should trim your nails regularly with a nail clipper or scissors and file them smooth with a nail file. Avoid biting or picking at your nails or cuticles, as this can damage them or cause bleeding or infection. You can also apply a moisturizer or a cuticle oil to nourish and protect the skin around your nails.
• Wear clean clothes. Wearing clean clothes helps prevent body odor and skin irritation caused by sweat, dirt or bacteria. You should change your clothes every day or more often if they get dirty or sweaty. Wash your clothes regularly with detergent and water according to the fabric instructions. Dry them well before storing them in a clean place. You should also wear clean underwear and socks every day and change them if they get wet or soiled.
• Use deodorant or antiperspirant. Deodorant or antiperspirant can help reduce body odor caused by sweating. Deodorant masks the smell of sweat with a fragrance, while antiperspirant blocks the sweat glands from producing sweat. You can choose the product that suits your needs and preferences. Apply it under your arms after bathing or showering and reapply as needed throughout the day.
• Keep your hair neat and tidy. Your hair can collect dust, oil, dandruff and other particles that can make it look dull or greasy. You should wash your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair type and scalp condition. Massage your scalp gently with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation and remove dirt and dead skin cells. Rinse well and dry with a towel or a hair dryer on low heat. Comb or brush your hair to remove tangles and style it as you like. You can also use hair products such as gel, wax or spray to hold your hairstyle in place.
• Avoid sharing personal items. Sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, towels, combs or makeup can spread germs that can cause infections or diseases. You should use your own personal items and keep them clean and dry after each use. Store them in a separate place from other people’s items and do not lend them to anyone else.
• Seek medical help if you have any signs of poor hygiene. Some signs of poor hygiene include bad breath, body odor, tooth decay, gum disease, nail infections, skin rashes, sores or wounds that do not heal properly. If you notice any of these signs or have any other concerns about your personal hygiene, you should see a doctor or a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
By following these tips, you can practice good personal hygiene and enjoy its benefits for your health, appearance and well-being.