Personal hygiene is of utmost importance for females in order to avoid unpleasant issues like body odour, bladder leakage, vaginal infections and long-term fatal diseases. When cleaning their genital areas it is advisable to use soap-free products specifically designed for this delicate region.
Avoid using cleaning products with fragrances that could alter the natural pH balance of your vulva, and always wash your hands after handling sanitary pads or tampons.
1. Wash Your Hands
Washing hands regularly is an easy and effective way to combat germs that could make you sick, especially after using the restroom or eating. Be sure to do it after visiting the restroom and before meals!
Menstruating requires frequent handwashing to help avoid infections like bacterial vaginosis or fungal vaginitis, so changing tampons or pads at least four to five times each day and washing hands prior to and after handling these products are both crucial measures to take in order to keep you healthy.
Implementing healthy personal hygiene habits takes time to form. If you are having difficulty, try adding one at a time until it becomes part of your routine. For any queries regarding personal hygiene call Healthdirect’s helpline 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week and ready to speak to you!
2. Wash Your Face
Women should ensure they cleanse their faces regularly in order to remove dirt, oils and makeup, as well as to prevent breakouts and other skin conditions. Doing this will also help avoid breakouts occurring due to poor hygiene habits.
Your face should be washed twice each day to remove any treatment creams that have been applied and any excess oil from your pillowcase, while at bedtime washing will help clear away dead skin cells and blockages that could potentially lead to breakouts.
Select a gentle cleanser and use lukewarm water, patting dry your face using a soft, clean towel – rubbing can lead to skin irritation – while women should also avoid sharing one towel between hands and faces as this could spread bacteria.
3. Wash Your Hair
Women often neglect their personal hygiene as they go about their daily lives, including not washing their hair and scalp as frequently as they should, leading to dirt build-up and dandruff. Routine hairwashing is essential to personal hygiene as it removes dust and pollutants that could otherwise lead to stomach infections or skin disorders; when washing hair remember to focus specifically on its roots and scalp as these areas tend to produce excess oil; aim to wash your locks once or twice every week at least.
4. Change Your Clothes
Clothing changes should be done frequently to maintain hygiene and to reduce odors, particularly if you sweat a lot or spend time outside. Furthermore, comfortable lightweight clothing should be worn to reduce heat retention and moisture build-up that could otherwise become breeding grounds for germs and bacteria.
Clothing items that come into direct contact with the skin, including socks and workout gear, should be washed after each use. Undergarment such as bras and panties should be washed on a daily basis in warm water with mild detergent to ensure optimal cleanliness.
If you know someone who does not take good care in maintaining their personal hygiene, try helping them gently without being judgmental or rude. Inquire into their home life and upbringing; there may be reasons for poor personal hygiene practices that need exploring.
5. Change Your Towel
Even if you don’t suffer from fungal infections, your towel could still contain germs. Sweat, salt and dead skin cells from our bodies can transfer onto towels when we use them; left unwashed they become breeding grounds for germs which cause rashes when touching our skin.
For optimal personal hygiene for women, change your towel every 3-4 uses and allow it to air dry between washes. If you suffer from conditions which compromise the skin barrier such as eczema or psoriasis or are predisposed to impetigo and folliculitis (ingrown hairs), washing more frequently may be necessary.
How often you wash your towel will depend on the temperature in your environment; warm water promotes bacterial growth.
