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Hygiene habits can be a form of self-expression, a way to signal who we are and how we wish to be seen by others. The choice of personal care products, for example, from the scent of a soap to the brand of toothpaste, can reflect personal preferences and even social identity. These choices can convey status, values, or belonging to a particular ...
- Sebastian Evans
- Overview
- What is it?
- Types of personal hygiene
- How to maintain good personal hygiene
- Teaching children hygiene
- Factors that can negatively impact hygiene
- Negative effects of poor personal hygiene
- Hygiene routine tips
- Summary
Practicing good personal hygiene is important for helping keep the body healthy and clean.
In this article, we outline the importance of personal hygiene. We also discuss different types of hygiene, self-care routines, and what may happen if hygiene practices lapse.
Good personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of the external body clean and healthy. It is important for maintaining both physical and mental health.
In people with poor personal hygiene, the body provides an ideal environment for germs to grow, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
Dental
Dental hygiene involves more than just having white teeth. A good dental hygiene routine can help prevent issues such as gum disease and cavities. It can also prevent bad breath.
Body
Several million sweat glands cover the human body. When bacteria break down sweat, the process creates a smell or body odor. Washing the body will help prevent skin irritation, as well as removing the bacteria that cause body odor. Washing the hair removes oil and keeps a person looking clean and fresh.
Hand washing
Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid spreading communicable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing the hands at certain times: •before, during, and after preparing food •before eating food •before and after looking after anyone who is vomiting or has diarrhea •before and after treating a cut or wound •after going to the bathroom •after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet •after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing •after touching garbage or dirty surfaces or objects •after handling pets or pet-related items, such as food
Dental hygiene
For a healthy mouth and smile, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend brushing the teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day — once before breakfast and once before bed. People should use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and replace the toothbrush every 3–4 months. The ADA also advise people to floss daily. Learn more about good dental hygiene here.
Hand washing
The CDC outline five simple steps for effective hand washing: 1.Wet the hands with clean, running water, then turn off the tap and apply soap. 2.Lather the hands by rubbing them together with the soap, remembering to reach the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. 3.Scrub the hands for at least 20 seconds, which a person can time by humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice. 4.Rinse the hands well under clean, running water. 5.Dry the hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Learn more about proper hand washing here.
Body
It is advisable to shower or bathe daily, using soap and water to rinse away dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. People can pay special attention to areas that accumulate more sweat, such as the armpits, in between the toes, and the groin area. They should also wash their hair with shampoo at least once a week, or more if necessary. Applying deodorant when fully dry can help prevent body odors. Learn more about how often to shower here.
Parents and caregivers should teach children how to keep themselves clean from a young age.
For example, they can start using toothpaste to brush a child’s teeth when they reach the age of 12 months. When the gaps between a child’s teeth close, it is important to start flossing.
Poverty and lack of access to clean water can both have a detrimental effect on a person’s personal hygiene.
A person’s mental health can also affect how they take care of themselves. People who are living with certain conditions, such as a psychotic disorder, severe depression, or drug or alcohol use disorder, may find it very difficult to keep up a personal hygiene routine.
Poor hygiene is a sensitive topic, and talking to a person about it can be difficult. As a result, a person with poor personal hygiene could become isolated from other people.
Poor personal hygiene may also have an effect on the workplace. Companies may be more likely to offer jobs and promotions to individuals who appear to take care of their health and presentation. Poor personal hygiene can be particularly problematic in the food industry.
There are also many health implications of having poor personal hygiene, with the CDC listing the following as hygiene-related diseases:
•athlete’s foot
•body lice
•chronic diarrhea
Helpful tips for creating a hygiene routine include the following:
•Make it a habit: With daily practice, a new habit can become a regular part of life. Choose one area to focus on and practice until it becomes second nature.
•Set reminders: Using the notes app on a cell phone can be a great way to avoid forgetting any tasks.
•Use rewards: A sticker chart can be a brilliant incentive for children to maintain their personal hygiene.
Keeping the body clean has positive effects on a person’s social life and their physical and mental health.
Personal hygiene is simply looking after the body and keeping it clean and healthy.
The relationship between mental health and personal hygiene isn’t one-way; it’s reciprocal. While good hygiene practices positively affect mental health, mental health can also impact personal hygiene. When facing mental health challenges, maintaining a personal care routine may seem formidable. Let’s explore how these interactions unfold.
- Sebastian Evans
Jul 3, 2024 · Types. Benefits. Building a Self-Care Plan. Self-care is the practice of taking care of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your life to promote health and wellness. While many people may view self-care as a form of selfish indulgence, the act of caring for oneself is an important part of a person's overall well-being.
- Angelica Bottaro
Sep 11, 2024 · The Need for Personal Hygiene. Personal hygiene is not just about keeping clean; it has broader implications: Prevention of Illness: Proper hygiene reduces the risk of infections and illnesses, by eliminating germs and bacteria. Regular handwashing, for example, can prevent the spread of pathogens. Social Acceptance: Cleanliness often affects ...
Jan 17, 2023 · The effects go beyond physical health and socializing. Poor hygiene can cause or exacerbate depression or anxiety problems and make a person isolate themselves. Many people learn oral hygiene and bathing habits at a young age and shaving, laundry, and other practices when they get older.
People also ask
What is a good personal hygiene practice?
What are the different types of personal hygiene?
What are the principles of personal hygiene?
Is personal hygiene important?
Does good personal hygiene benefit both physical and mental health?
Jun 26, 2020 · There are many more examples of good hygiene practices. Personal Hygiene for Health and Wellbeing. If you want to look decent, smell great, and feel fresh, then yes, personal hygiene is important. As a matter of fact, personal hygiene is so important that it can affect the personal, psychological, and social state of a person.
