Personal hygiene involves engaging in daily practices that keep skin clean and healthy, such as washing hands, face and body regularly and using feminine hygiene products designed specifically to alleviate irritation in the vulva region.
Wiping should always be performed from front to back – this prevents bacteria from entering the vagina. Change sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups every four hours (or more frequently if your period is heavy).
Wash your hands regularly
Washing hands regularly — particularly before eating and after using the toilet — can help to ensure a healthier life. Your skin acts as a barrier against most germs entering the body; when your hands become unclean they can pick up and transfer germs onto other parts of your body such as eyes, nose and mouth.
Soak your hands in clean running water before applying enough soap to create a lather, then scrub thoroughly in both front and back of your hands, between fingers, under nails, as well as between fingers. Rinse thoroughly after each application of soap before drying your hands completely with either a clean towel or by air drying them.
Clean your hands thoroughly using either warm or cold water; either will do just fine. Aim for 20 seconds of handwashing time by humming “Happy Birthday” twice from start to finish as a way of timing yourself.
Wash your face
Cleaning your face regularly is crucial to eliminating sweat, dirt and oil from its surface, while controlling Malassezia yeast which can lead to pimples and other skin conditions.
Cleanfaces are key in protecting against germs that enter the bloodstream and can cause infections. Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner advises keeping a daily face wash routine incorporating soap and water or mild cleanser, preferably before bed. This can keep bacteria (germs) at bay.
How can you correctly cleanse your face? Although it seems simple – splash some face wash onto your hands, rub it in and rinse – there are a few details you need to keep in mind in order to do it correctly. Here’s what to remember in order to achieve perfect skin.
Wash your hair
Everyday we come into contact with millions of germs and bacteria that can infiltrate our hands, faces, feet and hair. By practicing good hygiene habits such as bathing, washing hands with soap before using public restrooms or sharing grooming tools between grooming sessions can prevent infections such as athlete’s foot or lice – helping you feel healthy while looking your best!
Careful hair washing will remove sweat, oil, product residues and dead skin cells that accumulate and make your scalp itchy or cause dandruff. Gentle shampoo and conditioner combinations will keep both the hair and scalp looking lustrous and healthy.
If you are having difficulty maintaining good personal hygiene practices, speak to your GP or call healthdirect at 1800 022 222 (known in Victoria as NURSE-ON-CALL). Mental illness such as depression and anxiety could also play a part.
Change your underwear regularly
Change your underwear regularly so it stays clean, germ-free, and free of odors, helping prevent the accumulation of sweat and grime which could otherwise lead to rashes or yeast infections.
Many physicians and health experts advise changing your underwear daily; however, there’s no set schedule that must be adhered to for doing so. Instead, use the appearance of dampness from vaginal discharge as a signal that it’s time for new underwear.
Keep in mind that your underwear could contain even a trace amount of fecal material which can lead to bacteria, yeast infections and other health complications if left in for too long – it would be wiser if possible to change your underwear every day if at all possible.
Wash your vaginal area
The external pubic area known as the Vulva (which includes labia majora and minora, clitoris and urethra) has its own natural self-cleaning mechanism to reduce odour emissions; the specific smell may vary depending on what clothing is worn, diet and water consumption.
Gently cleansing your genital area can help ensure a more hygienic experience. Be wary of products containing fragrance as these can irritate sensitive areas. Furthermore, changing underwear regularly and choosing fabrics like cotton that breathe rather than spandex that trap moisture can also be effective measures for maintaining hygiene in this sensitive region.
Women should urinate prior and post-sex in order to flush bacteria out of their vulva and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Furthermore, regular visits with a gynecologist are an invaluable way to identify health problems early.
