PRACTICE good hygiene is important for many reasons.
It can reduce the risk of health problems and have a positive effect on your self-confidence.
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Proper showering can prevent a number of health problems. Credit: Getty
But according to the doctor, there are certain areas of the body that you might forget to clean – and if you miss them, you could be at risk of some unpleasant symptoms.
dr. Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, said that despite showering, there are still some parts of the body that don’t get washed enough.
These four areas are:
Read more about yeast infections
He warned: “Not washing these areas can increase an individual’s risk of certain health conditions and diseases.
“It is important to address these areas of the body and ensure that each part is washed to reduce the risk of bacteria that harm the well-being.”
Improper foot washing can cause a strong odor due to the accumulation of bacteria and dead skin cells.
It also increases the risk of developing bacterial and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, which causes itchy and peeling skin, warned Dr. Grant.
He added: “Unwashed tongues can cause bad breath and oral thrush.
“If not washed properly, a dirty tongue can even affect the quality of taste while increasing the likelihood of developing gum disease.
I’m a dental hygienist and you’ve been using your electric toothbrush all wrong – it’s actually causing you loads of problems
“Similarly, unwashed navels can also give off an unpleasant odor.
“A warm, moist environment can also lead to bacterial or fungal infections, highlighting the importance of proper washing of this part of the body.
“Forgetting to wash behind the ears can cause the accumulation of sweat, bacteria and debris – such as dead skin cells.
“This can lead to bad breath, bacterial infections and can even cause eczema.”
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How to clean up your act…
To make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid these health problems, Dr. Grant recommends the following…
1. For the feet
Standing in the shower is not enough to properly wash your feet.
Instead, they should be scrubbed with shower gel and dried thoroughly before putting on socks or shoes.
dr. Grant said: “They should be washed daily to reduce bacterial build-up and avoid infection.
“Moisturizing your feet can also protect against chapped skin.”
2. Language
To wash your tongue, use a tongue scraper – a tool that is effective in removing debris and all harmful bacteria.
Dr Grant said: “This should be done every day when you brush your teeth.
“The right mouthwash can provide extra protection, keeping the mouth and tongue clean.”
3. Navel
Belly buttons can be cleaned with soap and water, before rinsing the area and drying it thoroughly.
dr. Grant said: “Navels can be cleaned in the bath or shower and people should be gentle when dealing with this part of the body.”
4. Ears
Behind the ears should be cleaned daily with a face wash.
dr. Grant said: “Like the feet, it’s important to ensure they are thoroughly dried behind the ears, while hydration is an effective way to avoid dry skin.”
Symptoms of fungal infections
The symptoms of a fungal skin infection depend on the type of fungus and where it is found.
You may notice changes in your skin, hair or nails.
Fungi can affect just one area or multiple areas of your body, and infections can also spread from one area of your body to another.
Fungal infections can result in skin that is:
- Red, colorless or darker
- Flaky and itchy or has tiny scales, like dry skin
- Painful, with spots filled with pus
Fungal nail infections make your nail look unusual and discolored.
Over time, they can cause pain and discomfort, which can interfere with standing, walking or exercising.
Fungal infections on the scalp can cause the hair to become brittle and split, leaving bald spots. It usually grows back after treatment.
You don’t usually need to see a GP for yeast infections – they can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines from the pharmacy.
But you should see a GP if:
- The infection affects a large area of the skin
- The infection is difficult to control or difficult or over-the-counter medications do not help
- You have a scalp infection
- You are not sure what is causing your symptoms
- You have a weakened immune system
Source: Bupa
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