Good personal hygiene not only makes you presentable but also protects yourself and others from illnesses. It’s essential to be healthy and neat, especially nowadays, to prevent the spread of viruses. It’s the simplest way to prevent you and your family from getting sick, as long as you incorporate consistent hygiene habits into your daily routine.
Remember to maintain personal cleanliness as poor hygiene can cause these various health issues. If you neglect your hygiene, the following are its common effects on your health:
Halitosis and Gum Disease
Poor brushing and flossing habits can cause halitosis or bad breath. Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease due to plaque build-up on teeth. If it’s left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and can damage your gums and jawbone. The best way to prevent gum disease and halitosis is to have good oral hygiene.
Remember to floss and use an antibacterial mouthwash to ensure there’s no build-up of food particles and bacteria. Also, maintain regular cleaning and check-up at least twice a year. A trip to your nearest affordable dentist will avoid costly corrective treatments and severe illnesses in the long run.
Influenza or COVID-19
Poor hygiene behaviors like not covering your coughs and sneezes and not washing your hands can spread the virus to other people. Always carry tissues and hand sanitizers with you to keep your hands germ-free, especially in public areas.
Dermatitis Neglecta
Taking a bath daily not only removes dirt on the skin but also prevents dead skin cells and germs from building up. When you don’t bathe appropriately for an extended period, irritating red patches can appear on your body, known as dermatitis neglecta.
This condition may take a few months to develop and often appears on difficult-to-reach areas of the body. Fortunately, it’s completely treatable. You may have to use some medications to remove the patches and make sure to resume bathing regularly and adequately. Always consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diarrhea
Proper hand hygiene includes hand washing, cleaning your fingernails, and keeping them short. Longer nails have more dirt and bacteria underneath and if you have the habit of biting your nails or eating with bare hands, you might end up having gastrointestinal infections that can cause diarrhea.
Trim your nails regularly and don’t forget your nails when washing your hands. Make sure the nail clippers and files you use are also sterile to avoid infections. Here are some ways to ensure your hands are constantly clean:
- Wear Gloves: You can wear disposable gloves, in case you have no access to handwashing facilities. They can avoid germs, especially if you’re handling food, and can also protect your hands if you touch too many surfaces. Remember to discard them properly after use and wash your hands thoroughly.
- Use Antibacterial Sanitizers: Aside from frequent hand washing, sanitizing can eliminate bacteria and viruses on your hands to avoid skin infections, diarrhea, and other intestinal illnesses.
- Wash Hands Correctly: Wetting your hands or just washing with water are not enough to get rid of germs. Make sure to follow the proper handwashing technique and do it for at least 20 seconds.
Keeping a Personal Hygiene Routine
You can avoid these health issues by taking care of yourself and your family. Make cleanliness a habit by maintaining a hygiene routine. Here are a few tips to help you create a personal hygiene routine:
- Set Reminders: You can set daily reminders on your phone to let you know when to clip your nails, wash your hair, or change your sheets. These are some things many people tend to forget as they’re not usually done every day. If you do these things consistently, you’ll begin to do them spontaneously over time.
- Post Signs: Place various signs to remind you and your family to wash your hands after using the bathroom and brush your teeth before bed and after eating. These constant reminders will help your whole family improve their hygiene over time.
- Do Things Together: Keeping hygiene practices with your child or spouse will help improve your routine. For instance, you can brush your teeth and wash your hands together to make it easier for everyone, especially kids, to remember the habit.
Maintaining good personal hygiene is beneficial for your physical and mental wellness. When you’re healthy and clean, it helps build and improve your confidence. Building hygiene habits take a long time of learning, so it’s good to start teaching personal hygiene at a young age so children grow up as responsible and healthy adults.