We all know how important hygiene is to our overall health, but it can be easy to get stuck in a regular hygiene routine. But what if you forget some crucial steps? According to Dr. Philip Milam, a skin and hair care expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, it turns out that many of us don’t pay enough attention to certain parts of the body when cleaning. Read on to discover six areas we often overlook at bath time—and why skipping them could have serious health consequences!
Area #1: The ears.
The ears are a part of the body to which we often do not pay enough attention when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. According to Dr. Philip Milam, there is a buildup of bacteria, dirt, and wax in the ear canal that can lead to buildup and irritation if not cared for. He recommends using a mild cleanser or oil-free soap to clean the outer parts of the ears, where the skin folds. But he cautions against inserting anything into the ear canal, as this could cause injury or infection. Also, regular exfoliation with a soft cloth or cotton can help remove any dirt or oil that may have gotten stuck in the crease of your ear.
Zone #2: The navel.
According to Dr. Philip Milam, the belly button is an often overlooked part of the body at bath time due to its hidden location and the fact that it does not require as much attention as other parts of the body such as the face, hands. and feet. While many people neglect this part of their body while bathing, Dr. Milam suggests that taking a few steps to give your belly button a little more love can benefit your overall health and well-being.
For example, taking the time to clean the area around your belly button with a mild soap helps remove dirt and bacteria that may have lodged there after sweating or wearing tight clothing. Also, using a cotton swab or toothbrush is great for removing any dry skin or dirt particles that have gotten stuck in the crevices around the pimple.
Finally, moisturizing the area can help keep it healthy and prevent irritation from friction from clothing. By following these simple steps regularly, you can keep your belly button clean and healthy, while enjoying other benefits such as improved blood circulation, which in turn helps improve digestion and metabolism.
Zone #3: The crotch.
The crotch area is often overlooked at bath time, but it is one of the most important areas to clean. This area not only contains sweat glands, but also bacteria that can cause infections and skin irritations if not cleaned properly.
Cleaning the crotch area regularly can help reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, and yeast infections. It can also help reduce body odor by removing sweat and bacteria trapped on the skin. When washing your crotch area, it’s important to use a mild soap or antibacterial cleanser to ensure all traces of dirt and bacteria are removed from your skin.
Also, using warm water instead of hot water helps keep your skin in better condition and reduces irritation. After showering or bathing, it’s also important to dry off thoroughly with a clean towel before putting on clothing that can trap moisture in the area, which could encourage bacteria growth.
Zone #4: Feet and toes.
Our feet are often overlooked when it comes to personal hygiene. While they are exposed to a large number of bacteria during daily activities, such as walking barefoot on the floors or in the community showers of gyms and swimming pools. This makes them vulnerable to infection if they are not cleaned properly and regularly.
According to Dr. Philip Milam, it is important to wash your feet with soap and warm water every day. Taking care of the areas between the toes, where dirt tends to accumulate faster due to moisture trapped in socks or shoes. What causes fungus like athlete’s foot to grow if left unchecked for too long. He also suggests drying them well after washing. Making sure all areas, including between your toes, are completely dry before putting on your socks, to prevent fungal infections from developing later on.
Zone #5: The scalp.
The scalp is an area of the body that is often overlooked when it comes to hygiene. As Dr. Philip Milam pointed out, most people don’t wash it well, and yet it needs proper care to stay healthy.
The traditional washing method of running water over the head from a shower head can clean dirt and external contaminants from the surface, but its effect on cleaning the scalp is not very effective. To maintain a healthy scalp, one should use fingers and rotate massages so that the shampoo penetrates into the skin and surrounding hair follicles to ensure that no bacteria remain.
Adding oil treatments or rinse-off masks can provide additional benefits, as they help nourish the skin and reduce any inflammation below the hair’s surface caused by external factors. By caring for your scalp with a proper shampoo, you will not only reduce symptoms like dandruff, but also ensure that your hair looks its best and your spiritual and natural beauty shines through.
Zone #6: The buttocks.
According to Dr. Philip Milam, the buttocks are one of the parts of the body that we forget to take care of when bathing. The glutes are an important area of the body because they help maintain posture, cushion, and even absorb shock from walking, running, and sitting. Also, if left untreated, bacteria can accumulate in this area and lead to skin irritation and infection. For this reason, it is essential to include them in our bathroom routine for optimal hygiene and health.
When you shower or bathe, it’s important to spend extra time scrubbing and cleaning your buttocks and inner thighs with mild soap and warm water. This helps remove dead skin cells that may have accumulated from sweat or friction from clothing. Also, if you choose to use a scrub or loofah on your buttocks, be sure to rinse all folds thoroughly to avoid skin irritation or infection. After rinsing the area with lukewarm water, pat it dry with a clean towel before applying lotion or cream to moisturize and protect your delicate skin.
By taking care of your butt and including it in your bathing routine, you can maintain healthy, infection-free skin and keep it well-hydrated for maximum comfort during your daily activities. So don’t forget those hard-working cheeks!
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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bathroom wellness hygiene body odor personal care under the shower