What is Personal Hygiene? 

Hygiene is theconditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness. 

And we can take hygiene and apply it to food, environment, home, and more. For example, food hygiene would be how we prepare, cook, and store food to prevent food from going bad and spreading illness. Or home hygiene is how we could disinfect and clean parts of our house to prevent bacteria and germs from building up.

With these examples, we can begin to understand what we mean by personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is the behaviors and steps that we can take as individuals to maintain health and prevent disease for ourselves, and the people around us. The primary goal of personal hygiene is to be healthy! 

Personal hygiene refers to things like washing and cleaning your hands, mouth, body, and more. We will explore all the different elements of personal hygiene in future lessons! 

Why is Personal Hygiene Important? 

Personal hygiene is important because it can keep us healthy and prevent disease. Without personal hygiene, we put ourselves at risk of different health issues both short and long term (and small and big problems). 

For example, if a person doesn’t regularly shower/bath, they can increase the risk of different skin irritations or infections. And while a rash might not seem like a major life-altering problem, rather just an annoyance, we can still reduce the risk through personal hygiene.

Without proper regular personal hygiene, we also open ourselves up to bigger issues. For example, when it comes to oral hygiene, people who don’t regularly brush and floss can have major dental issues that are both costly and painful. 

While these are just two examples, we can begin to understand the importance of personal hygiene for our health both short and long term. 

Personal Hygiene and Social Interactions 

While the primary focus of personal hygiene is how it relates to our health, the role of personal hygiene in our social and personal lives are deeply connected. 

Many of the steps to personal hygiene also help support people in a world filled with social interactions. By taking regular steps to support personal hygiene, we can also improve the smell of our breath, body odor, and more. While good personal hygiene doesn’t raise many eyebrows, the opposite does. People who fail to take care of personal hygiene can find themselves in difficult and uncomfortable social situations, causing those around them to be uncomfortable. 

Long story short, as we become young adults in school, work, and social settings, taking care of our personal hygiene is important to functioning within society. By tackling bad breath, body odor, and more, we are putting ourselves in a position to operate and exist within society whether it is school, social settings, home life, and more. 

Personal Hygiene and The World You Live In 

These lessons are meant to serve as a general understanding of personal hygiene. There is no one size fits all solution to taking care of yourself and your hygiene.

Personal hygiene in a lot of ways is a chance to explore your interests and opportunity to choose your own adventure. From different types of soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, hair and nail styles and more, personal hygiene is a chance for self expression. 

But, personal hygiene is deeply connected to family, money, resources, culture, and other factors that might not always be in your control. It is important to learn about the basics of personal hygiene and then apply them to your life. For example, you might not get a say or choice in the type of soap, detergent, or other personal hygiene products in your house. Or because of your schedule or situation, your personal hygiene plan might be different from your peers. All of this is okay! 

Lastly, personal hygiene is for anyone and everyone. Notice that throughout these lessons we don’t talk about things like race, ethnicity, or gender. Yes, these things might dictate our preferences on personal hygiene, but can all come to the topic of personal hygiene knowing we are all humans that have basic needs for health and hygiene. 

That is why we keep this high level. If you have more specific questions, talk to someone that you know and trust to help further explore personal hygiene and how it relates to you as an individual! For example, taking care of your hair and scalp is important for everyone, but it may look very different depending on what type of hair you have. Seeking out salons, barber shops, or mentors could be helpful in understanding how to take care of your hair.

In conclusion, learning about personal hygiene gives us all an opportunity to learn about the basics of health and wellness, while also finding the right fit for our personal lives. 

Let’s Be Serious…Personal Hygiene Is Kind Of Funny!  

As we start to dive into personal hygiene, let’s all prepare ourselves to read and watch things that might seem sort of silly or funny. For example, when we talk about showering, we have a dedicated paragraph on our butts. BUT, while personal hygiene might seem a little funny or awkward to learn and talk about, remember that these elements of personal hygiene support our health, wellness, and social interactions on a daily basis. So let’s do our best to take a SERIOUS look at what might feel like a silly subject. 

And you might be asking, I brush my teeth every day so why do I have to learn about it? Even if things like washing your hands or brushing your teeth seem like a no-brainer, we are still going to talk about them so we can all get on the same page about personal hygiene 101. Because as you grow up from young adults into the “real world” it is essential to have a basic understanding of why and how to take care of your bodies. So, let’s dive in! 

Handwashing is a simple yet highly effective practice that plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. Our hands are constantly in contact with various surfaces and objects, accumulating germs and bacteria throughout the day. It is a habit we learn from an early age, and while it may seem like a routine task, the impact it has on preventing the spread of infections and diseases is crucial. In this article, we will explore why washing hands is important, the science behind it, and the proper techniques to ensure effective hand hygiene.

All The Things We Touch 

People touch a wide variety of surfaces and objects throughout the day, often without realizing the potential for germ transmission. Commonly touched items include doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, keyboards, smartphones, tablets, pens, pencils, and other school supplies.

In public spaces, individuals may come into contact with handrails, shopping carts, door knobs, and restroom fixtures. 

At home, commonly touched items include remote controls, kitchen appliances, faucets, and light fixtures. Personal items like money, wallets, keys, and purses also frequently pass through hands. 

And this is not an exhaustive list of things we touch! The diversity of surfaces encountered underscores the importance of regular hand washing to minimize the risk of spreading germs and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

How Germs Spread: 

The CDC says that a few common times germs can spread from person-to-person or from surfaces-to-people include when you: 

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands

• Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them

• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

Therefore, the CDC recommends washing hands during key times in the day to help minimize the threat of spreading germs: 

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before and after eating food

• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

• Before and after treating a cut or wound

• After using the toilet

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

• After handling pet food or pet treats

• After touching garbage

5 Steps To Washing Your Hands The Right Way 

Washing your hands is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs to keep you and the people around you healthy! And while you might have “washed your hands” by turning on the faucet and letting your hands just get wet, the CDC outlines 5 key steps to washing your hands the right way every time: 

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

And while washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs, if this isn’t possible, hand sanitizer can be a helpful alternative. While hand sanitizers don’t get rid of all types of germs, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help to reduce the risk of germ transmission. 

Conclusion

In the battle against infectious diseases, handwashing stands out as a powerful and accessible tool to good hygiene and healthy living. By understanding the importance of hand hygiene and adopting proper handwashing techniques, individuals can contribute to their own well-being and the health of their communities. As a simple yet effective practice, regular hand washing serves as a cornerstone in the foundation of public health and disease prevention.

Oral hygiene, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, is the practice of keeping your mouth clean and disease free. It is an essential aspect of overall health and personal hygiene that often goes beyond the simple act of brushing our teeth. It encompasses a range of habits and practices aimed at maintaining the health of the mouth and preventing various dental issues. 

Understanding Oral Health

The CDC states that oral health refers to the health of teeth, gums, tongue and the entire oral-facial system that allows us to do things like speak, smile, and chew. So as you can see, it is about more than just brushing your teeth! Instead, oral hygiene refers to the practice of keeping the entire mouth clean and healthy to prevent dental problems such as cavities (tooth decay), gum (periodontal) disease, bad breath, and more. 

Moreover, good oral hygiene and health doesn’t just support your mouth. In fact, oral health is also linked to whole-body health. 

“For example, if an infection is present in your mouth, your bloodstream can carry the bacteria to other areas of your body, leading to other health concerns like heart disease and stroke. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is an important part of long-lasting overall health.” - Cleveland Clinic 

The Components of Oral Hygiene 

We can take care of our oral hygiene in a variety of ways. From brushing, flossing, and mouthwash at home to regularly visiting the dentist, oral hygiene is a long-term commitment. 

1) Brushing:

The foundation of good oral hygiene begins with regular and proper brushing. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride or hydroxyapatite toothpaste (More on this here). Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and employ gentle, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue or even use a tongue scraper (more on this here) to eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath. When you brush, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward your gums. This helps sweep away plaque and bacteria at the gum line. Be sure to brush all teeth surfaces, including the backs and sides. Set a timer for two minutes and get brushing! 

2) Flossing:

Flossing is crucial for removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and below the gumline, where toothbrushes may not reach. Make flossing a daily habit to maintain optimal oral health.

3) Mouthwash:

Incorporating an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash into your routine can help reduce bacteria, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath. However, it should not replace brushing and flossing but instead complement them.

4) Professional Dental Care:

In addition to our at-home oral hygiene routine, regular visits to the dentist are an integral part of oral hygiene. Dental professionals can identify early signs of dental issues, perform thorough cleanings, and offer guidance on personalized care. It is recommended to schedule dental check-ups at least twice a year to maintain optimal oral health.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices To Support Oral Hygiene 

1) Balanced Diet:

A nutritious diet not only benefits your overall health but also plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene. Limit sugary and acidic foods, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy.

2) Hydration:

Drinking plenty of water is not only beneficial for your overall health but also for your oral health. Water helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and acids that can contribute to tooth decay.

3) Avoid Tobacco:

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease, oral cancers, and other dental issues. Quitting or avoiding tobacco products is crucial for maintaining good oral health.

4) Protect Your Teeth:

If you engage in contact sports or grind your teeth at night, consider using a mouthguard to protect your teeth from potential damage.

Conclusion:

Oral hygiene is a multifaceted approach to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. By incorporating daily habits, seeking professional dental care, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can achieve and preserve your smile while contributing to your overall well-being. Prioritizing oral hygiene today can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles and improved quality of life.

Many elements of our personal hygiene all connect to our face. Now that we have explored things like washing our hands, oral hygiene, and showering, let’s take a closer look at facial hygiene and put all the different pieces together. 

What is Facial Hygiene? 

You might think facial hygiene is just about washing your face. Especially during teenage years, many individuals look to keep their faces clean to avoid or reduce the rise of acne. 

And that is an important part of facial hygiene. Dirt, oil, dead skin, bacteria and more can accumulate on your face that leads to pimples and acne. Cleaning your face regularly with water and some type of soap or cream can help! 

But again, personal hygiene is about total health and wellness, not just appearances. Per the CDC, “Appropriate facial hygiene practices include not only washing the face but also properly caring for teeth, mouth, eyes, contact lenses, and ears.” 

Think about the face not just as your skin, but all the different parts and pieces. 

Cleaning and Caring For Your Face: 

The foundation of any effective facial hygiene routine is regular cleansing. Washing your face helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities that accumulate throughout the day. Choose a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type—whether it's dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. Cleansing should be done twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime, to keep your skin fresh and free from debris.

Beyond cleaning, we should also think about the elements our face is exposed to! If we live in cold climates, our skin may become dry and therefore moisturizers might be needed. 

And when it comes to warm weather, sun protection is a non-negotiable for facial hygiene. Exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging, sunspots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when going outside, even on cloudy or rainy days, or even days you may be staying inside, as UV rays come through our windows. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors.

Touching Your Face: 

On average, people touch their faces 23 times per hour (1). And as we talked about in our previous hand washing lesson, our hands can be a common carrying for germs and bacteria. That means we are making direct contact with a sensitive part of our body and opening ourselves up to potential for illness. 

For example, the CDC outlines the trajectory of many respiratory infections and how they relate to facial hygiene, 

“Respiratory illnesses can be caused by many different bacteria and viruses. Typically, respiratory infections, like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, can spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread by direct contact with bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing germs. When you touch your face, the germs on your hands can enter your mucous membranes through your nose, eyes, and mouth, causing infection. Protect yourself by washing your hands before touching your face.”

Therefore, not only is proper facial hygiene about cleaning your face, but also being mindful of touching our face with potentially dirty hands. This is a key step to overall personal hygiene. Think before you touch! 

When We Are Sick: 

Although personal hygiene can help prevent and reduce the risk of common colds and illnesses, it isn’t a perfect defense system. Therefore, part of our facial hygiene that we must consider is how we take care of ourselves when we are sick! 

When you have a runny nose or are sneezing, we want to use tissues when possible! If not, cover your mouth and nose with the corner of your arm. Moreover, personal hygiene is connected to those around you. So think about what you are touching on your face (germs and sickness) and if you should wash your hands to help prevent the spread of your illness. Again, consider just how much you touch your face, especially when sick, and help those around you. 

Back To General Facial Hygiene: 

For the most part, it is helpful to consider your face the command center for the rest of your body. (Your head is holding your brain after all). But thinking about it this way, we want to protect our command center through personal hygiene practices. 

Not every pimple is preventable. And not every cold can be avoided. But if we consider regularly washing our face and hands, we can reduce the risk of facial hygiene issues both big and small. 

When we are young, we don’t often think about the different smells that our body is capable of. But there comes a point in every person’s life where they lift up their armpits and smell something rather ripe. Let’s take a brief look at the science of sweat and body odor and talk about the role of deodorant and the different types we can use. 

Sweat, Smells, and Body Odor 

Even if we aren’t in a full blown workout, our armpits can often sweat throughout the day because of the build up of heat from general activities and daily living. As a result, without deodorant we might start to notice a smell from our armpits throughout the day. 

The unpleasant odor that can emanate from our armpits when we don't wear deodorant is primarily due to the interaction between sweat and the bacteria present on our skin. Understanding this process involves the activity of apocrine sweat glands, the composition of sweat, and the role of bacteria. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Apocrine Sweat Glands:

The armpits house a specific type of sweat gland called apocrine glands. These glands are concentrated in areas with a higher density of hair follicles, such as the underarms. Unlike eccrine glands that release a watery, odorless fluid, apocrine glands release a thicker fluid that contains proteins and lipids.

2. Sweat Composition:

The fluid released by apocrine glands is essentially odorless. However, when this sweat comes into contact with bacteria on the skin's surface, a series of chemical reactions occur. Bacteria break down the proteins and lipids in the sweat, producing byproducts that can have an unpleasant odor.

3. Bacterial Breakdown:

The bacteria responsible for breaking down these compounds are part of the skin's natural microbiome. As they metabolize the substances in the sweat, they release volatile compounds that contribute to body odor.

4. Interaction with Clothing

The presence of body odor can be further intensified by the interaction between sweat and the fabrics of our clothing. Bacteria and the byproducts of their metabolic processes can be absorbed by clothing, leading to persistent odors even after the sweat has dried.

5. Individual Factors:

 Individual factors also play a role in body odor. Diet, genetics, and overall health can influence the composition of sweat and the types of bacteria present on the skin, contributing to the variability in body odor among individuals.

The Role of Deodorant: 

- Antimicrobial Action: Many deodorants contain antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, reducing the likelihood of unpleasant smells.

- Masking Odor: Deodorants often contain fragrances that help mask or cover up any existing body odor, providing a more pleasant scent.

- Antiperspirant Properties: Some deodorants also function as antiperspirants by containing substances like aluminum compounds that block sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat released onto the skin.

While deodorants offer an effective solution to manage body odor, it's important to note that sweating itself is a natural and essential process for regulating body temperature. If individuals choose not to use deodorant, maintaining good personal hygiene, washing regularly, and wearing breathable clothing can help minimize body odor by reducing the bacterial load on the skin.

Types of Deodorant:

Deodorants come in a wide variety of types, fragrances, and more. Finding the right one that you like might take some trial and error. But you have to start somewhere. It is important to put on deodorant every morning when you start your day, and depending on your level of activity, it might be helpful to reapply if needed. Let’s look at the different types of deodorant we can choose from. 

Stick Deodorant:

This traditional form of deodorant comes in a solid stick form. It is easy to apply and offers long-lasting protection. Stick deodorants often contain a combination of antimicrobial agents and antiperspirant properties.

Roll-On Deodorant:

Roll-on deodorants come in a liquid form and are applied by rolling a ball applicator across the skin. They are known for providing even coverage and are a popular choice for those with sensitive skin.

Spray Deodorant:

Spray deodorants come in an aerosol can and are applied by spraying a fine mist onto the skin. They are quick to dry and provide a refreshing feeling. However, be cautious about overapplication, as excessive use can lead to irritation.

Cream or Gel Deodorant:

These types of deodorants come in a cream or gel form and are typically applied with the fingers. They are often preferred by individuals with sensitive skin, as they may contain fewer potentially irritating ingredients.

Conclusion: 

Using deodorant should and can be a part of our regular personal hygiene routine. Find the right deodorant and make sure you are applying it daily! This simple step can improve your overall body odor and make daily living and social interactions more pleasant and enjoyable for all involved (you and the people around you will be happy!). If you are choosing a deodorant with an antiperspirant and continue to have irritation, try a deodorant without an antiperspirant, which can commonly be an irritant!

Body hygiene is an essential part of personal hygiene and care that supports our physical well-being. One critical element of supporting our body hygiene is regularly bathing or showering. Especially as we get older and start to go through puberty, it is even more important to shower/bath regularly, even if we don’t always see dirt and grime building up on our bodies!

Based on access, culture, and other factors, you might choose to shower or take a bath, but either are crucial in the goal of personal hygiene. For the purposes of this lesson, we will use the term showering/bathing as an all encompassing term to the full body cleaning process! 

Importance of Showering/Bathing Regularly 

1) Removes Dirt and Bacteria:

Showering/bathing helps to remove dirt, sweat, bacteria, and other impurities from the skin. It is essential to prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms that can lead to skin infections and other health issues. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens thrive in warm and moist environments. Showering helps eliminate these potential breeding grounds, reducing the risk of skin infections, such as athlete's foot or fungal infections. (More on our feet specifically in a later lesson).

2) Prevents Body Odor:

The human body has sweat glands that produce sweat as a natural cooling mechanism. And sweating isn’t a bad thing, it just means we are going to want to clean off regularly! Bacteria on the skin break down this sweat, resulting in body odor. Regular showers/baths help remove the bacteria and sweat, reducing the chances of unpleasant odors. (More on deodorant later). 

3) Promotes Skin Health:

Showering/bathing helps maintain healthy skin by removing dead skin cells, oils, and other substances that can contribute to skin problems. It also stimulates blood circulation, promoting a healthy glow and supporting the skin's natural renewal process. Regular cleansing through showering/bathing helps prevent acne and other skin issues by removing excess oil and preventing the clogging of pores. 

4) Clean Hair: 

Washing your hair during a shower removes dirt, excess oil, and styling products. This helps keep the scalp clean, preventing dandruff and maintaining healthy hair. But this also is important for individuals with respiratory conditions, as it reduces the likelihood of allergens and irritants accumulating on the body, which can impact respiratory health. 

Showering/Bathing 101: 

When it comes to showering/bathing a lot of it comes down to personal preference.You can choose things like water temperature, types of soaps and shampoos, and more! With all of these “personal choices” just be mindful of how it might impact your skin. If you have sensitive skin, extremely hot and cold water, as well as certain types of soaps and shampoos might irritate your skin.

So once you have your favorite soap and water temperature squared away, let’s talk about the basics of showering/bathing. And you might be thinking, I shower/bath all the time, why do I need to learn about this? Well chances are you might be missing a spot (literally).

1) Soap & Rinse Your Entire External Body -  While it is okay to focus on those extra smelly or sweaty parts of your body, we want to soap and rinse our entire body! That means not just scrubbing your armpits and groin and moving on. Your entire body- head, shoulders, knees, and toes all need attention because they collect dirt, dust, sweat, and dead skin throughout the day! Think head to toe! In addition, we want to be sure after we have soaped up, we get a good rinse off so that we don’t leave soap on our body once we get out of the shower/bath. 

2) Don’t Soap Your Internal Parts -  While it is good to be thorough when soaping and rinsing, we shouldn’t be getting soap on the inside parts of our body. Ever get soap in your eye? You know the feeling! But beyond your eyes, mouth, and nostrils, you also want to avoid putting soap directly into other parts of your body like anus, vagina, and urethra (the hole pee comes out of). These places just need a good rinse, not a full soap down. 

More on our butts: The anal region can be sensitive, and using harsh soaps or strong cleansers can lead to irritation. The skin around the anus is delicate, and excessive use of soap may strip away natural oils, causing dryness and discomfort. Moreover, the anus has its own cleaning mechanism, and introducing harsh soaps may disrupt this natural process. However, it is still important to clean the buttocks (the cheeks) and in between (the crack) with a sensitive friendly soap (for example, fragrance-free soap)!

More for people who have vaginas: The vagina is a self-cleaning organ with its own pH balance. The use of soap inside the vagina can disrupt this natural balance and potentially lead to irritation, itching, and an increased risk of infections, such as a yeast infection or urinary tract infection. The vagina produces discharge that helps flush out bacteria and dead cells naturally. Using harsh soaps or introducing foreign substances can interfere with this process and create an environment conducive to general discomfort or  infections. (We won’t take a deep dive into douching in this article, but you can learn more on that here: Douching). Additionally, vaginas are all supposed to have their own scent, and it is not supposed to smell like roses! If your vagina has a scent or odor that is different than your usual, or is particularly strong, fishy-smelling, or is accompanied by discharge that is different than your usual, do not try to wash it away- see a doctor!

Hit The Showers! 

After a sports game, you might naturally know to shower or clean up! But, throughout our daily lives, we are accumulating sweat, smells, germs, and more that can be cleaned with soap and water. Just like we wash our hands, we need to give our full body a good clean on a regular basis! 

Wearing clean clothes is an essential element to personal hygiene. While you might have a favorite pair or jeans or a “go-to” t-shirt that you just have to wear on big days, it is important to wear clean clothes. Let’s explore the science behind dirty clothes, the impacts on personal hygiene, and the importance of washing your clothes.

What Are Dirty Clothes?

We have all had clothes that we KNOW are dirty because you can see it. For example, you spill a drink all over your shirt. Or, you went out hiking and have dirt and mud all over your socks. Or you sweat from a hard workout and your clothes smell! These are obvious examples of dirty clothes that need to be washed.

But at some point in our lives, we will see an article of clothing in the hamper or “dirty pile” and say

“Well, there is no dirt or stains on it so it must still be clean.”

And while “dirty” clothes is definitely a spectrum, let’s explore the science behind dirty clothes that we might not always “see” on our shirts, pants, and underwear. Understanding this can help us to make sure we keep our clothes clean.

First, the human body naturally produces sweat and oils. These substances can be transferred onto clothes, especially in areas where there is direct contact with the skin, such as underarms, collars, and cuffs. Dirty clothes provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Sweat, skin cells, and other bodily secretions can accumulate on fabric, creating a conducive environment for the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Furthermore, Wearing unwashed clothes increases the risk of skin infections, rashes, and unpleasant odors, compromising overall hygiene.

Next, daily activities expose clothes to dirt, dust, and environmental pollutants. Walking in parks, sitting on outdoor surfaces, or simply being in dusty environments can lead to clothes accumulating dirt. But beyond dirt you can see, fine particles in the air, like dust and pollen, can settle on clothing. This is particularly true in outdoor environments or areas with poor air quality.

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

Now that we know what is building up on our clothes, let’s talk about cleaning them. Keeping our clothes clean is not a one size fits all solution.

Establishing a routine for washing clothes is crucial in maintaining personal hygiene. Clothes that come into direct and close contact with the body, such as underwear and socks, should be washed after every use. In addition, workout clothes and other “high-sweat” items should be washed after every wear.

Other “outer garments” like dress shirts, pants, and dresses, can be worn multiple times before washing, but regular washing is still essential to remove accumulated dirt and bacteria. The frequency of washing these items is often up to some debate! Some people argue that over-washing can damage and harm clothes overtime, while others say that these clothes should be washed at a high frequency just like anything else, especially if they are accumulating sweat, dirt, and other particles.

Conclusion:

Long story short, we want to be washing our clothes on a consistent basis, so that we can avoid the buildup of germs, bacterias, and smells! All of these are important to our overall personal hygiene.

So whether you have someone help you with your laundry or you yourself are the laundry leader, be sure that your clothes are making it to the wash on a regular basis. If you are concerned about ruining, shrinking, or otherwise messing up your clothes, you can wash in cool or cold water rather than hot water, tumble dry or air dry rather than fully dry in a dryer, and/or hand wash and dry if your clothes are not significantly dirty.

An often overlooked component of our personal hygiene is our nails! We all have finger and toe nails! Some of us might like to keep them natural, while others have fun decorating them in different colors and styles. Regardless of your nail preferences, let’s explore the basics of our finger and toe nails in relation to personal hygiene. 

We will spend a bit more time focusing on our finger nails since they come in contact with more things, but let’s break it down! 

What are Nails Made Of? 

What are those funny things that are on the end of our fingers and toes? Nails are made up of a protein called keratin, which is the same protein that makes up hair and the outer layer of the skin. The keratin in nails is densely packed and forms a hard, protective covering over the fingertips and toes.

The nail structure includes several parts:

1. Nail Plate: This is the visible, hard part of the nail that you see. It is composed mainly of keratin.

2. Nail Bed: The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail plate. It contains blood vessels and is responsible for nourishing the nail.

3. Cuticle: The cuticle is a thin layer of tissue that overlaps the base of the nail plate and protects the new keratin cells as they form.

4. Lunula: The lunula is the crescent-shaped area at the base of the nail plate, often visible on the thumbnail. It is a part of the matrix, the area where new nail cells are produced.

5. Matrix: The matrix is the tissue under the cuticle, at the base of the nail, where new nail cells are formed. It plays a crucial role in determining the shape and thickness of the nail.

As new cells form in the matrix, older cells are pushed outward, compacting and hardening to create the visible nail plate. The blood vessels in the nail bed give the nails their pinkish color. Overall, the composition and structure of nails make them strong and durable, serving a protective function for the fingertips and toes. This is all probably more than you need to know about nails, but let’s talk about how they relate to hygiene. 

Nail Hygiene 101:

Depending on the length of your nails, you might see dirt or other stuff underneath your nails from time to time! And even when it isn’t visible, our nails can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. 

Per the CDC, infections of the fingernails or toenails are often characterized by swelling of the surrounding skin, pain in the surrounding area, or thickening of the nail. In some cases, these infections may be serious and need to be treated by a physician.

And the CDC recommends keeping your nails short! “Fingernails should be kept short, and the undersides should be cleaned frequently with soap and water. Because of their length, longer fingernails can harbor more dirt and bacteria than short nails, thus potentially contributing to the spread of infection.” 

So even if you choose to still have long nails (real or fake), make sure you keep them clean! Other recommendations from the CDC include: 

To help prevent the spread of germs and nail infections:

• Keep nails short and trim them often.

• Scrub the underside of nails with soap and water (or a nail brush) every time you wash your hands.

• Clean any nail grooming tools before use.

• Sterilize nail grooming tools before use.

• Avoid biting or chewing nails.

• Avoid cutting cuticles, as they act as barriers to prevent infection.

• Never rip or bite a hangnail. Instead, clip it with a clean, sanitized nail trimmer.

More on Trimming Your Nails: 

Don’t bite your nails! You probably have had someone in your life yell at you for biting your nails. Whether it is a nervous habit or your way of keeping your nails short, we want to avoid biting nails! Again, this is because our nails are harboring germs and bacteria, so if we bite our nails, we are putting them directly in our mouth (yuck)! 

Therefore, the CDC recommends trimming your nails regularly with a clean and sanitized clipper, 

“Before clipping or grooming nails, all equipment (for example, nail clippers and files) should be properly cleaned. Sterilizing equipment before use is especially important when nail tools are shared among a number of people, as is common in commercial nail salons.” 

So keep those nails clean and short (if possible) but not by chewing your nails! 

We have learned a lot about personal hygiene over the course of these lessons. Now it is time to take our new (or reviewed) concepts and put them into practice. First, let’s summarize what we have covered so far. 

Let’s Review: 

First, let’s remember the definition of personal hygiene we have been operating with: 

Personal hygiene is the behaviors and steps that we can take as individuals to maintain health and prevent disease for ourselves, and the people around us. The primary goal of personal hygiene is to be healthy, but also has a multitude of benefits for our overall cleanliness and social interactions. 

To take a deeper dive, we explored the following topics: 

1. What Is Personal Hygiene?

2. Washing Your Hands 

3. Oral Hygiene 

4. Showering/Bathing 

5. Facial Hygiene 

6. Deodorant 

7. Wearing Clean Clothes 

8. Nails 

9. Menstrual Hygiene 

Reflect On Your Personal Hygiene 

And while some of this might have served as a review of key concepts, chances are you hopefully learned something new along the way. So how can we take everything we learned and apply in our daily lives?

It is important to reflect and be honest with yourself when evaluating your own personal hygiene habits. What does that look like? 

Take a mental note or journal your personal hygiene practices and evaluate if you are in a good place, or have areas to improve. For example, pick a specific personal hygiene topic and reflect on it.

Oral Hygiene: 

• I brush my teeth in the morning for 1 minute because I have to catch the bus 

• I brush my teeth every night for 2 minutes 

• I floss maybe once a week. 

• I go to the dentist twice a year. 

What areas of oral hygiene is this person doing well? What areas can they improve on? 

Well for starters, they are brushing twice a day. Wohoo. And while they can likely brush a bit longer in the morning, they also want to consider more routinely flossing. And chances are, since they are going to dentist twice a year, they might already know that! 

Big Picture Reflection: 

And beyond looking at specific areas of our personal hygiene, it can be helpful to look at it all within the big picture. Here, you can map out the things you do to take care of your personal hygiene, and what resources or “things” you need to take care of your personal hygiene. Here, you can start to map out a list of the essentials that help you take care of your personal hygiene: 

• What type of soap/shampoo do I like to use when I shower? 

• What type of other products do I need for my hygiene in the bathroom? 

• How often am I washing my hands throughout the day now? 

• Are my clothes getting washed enough? 

While some or all of these things might not currently be under your control at home right now, one day they will be. And so we want to start taking personal responsibility over our personal hygiene. 

That way you can start to learn what you need to say healthy, happy, and clean! 

Conclusion:

This marks the end of our personal hygiene journey (for lessons). Obviously, our personal hygiene journey in action will be for the rest of our lives. Hopefully you learned something new throughout these lessons and can start to take steps to maintaining your health and wellness. 

If you have questions or concerns about your personal hygiene, talk to someone you trust. It can be a family member, friend, trusted adult, teacher, or even a doctor that can help you navigate what you need to do to take care of your personal hygiene! 

Be careful of what you find on the internet. While the internet is a helpful tool, there can be misinformation that might try to sell you on doing something that might not actually be supporting your personal hygiene, health, and wellness.

Lastly, while these lessons should hopefully encourage new or improved practices, we can never be personal hygiene perfect! So, don’t let these tips and information create more stress and anxiety in your life, but rather use them as guideposts to help encourage healthy behaviors that fit your lifestyle!