We all know how important hygiene is to our overall health, but it can be easy to get bogged down 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 body parts when we clean them. Read on to find out six areas we often overlook at bath time – and why missing them could have serious health consequences!
Area #1: The ears.
The ears are a part of the body that we often don’t pay enough attention to when it comes to hygiene and cleaning. 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 taken care of. He recommends using a mild cleanser or oil-free soap to clean the outer parts of the ears, where the skin folds. But cautions against inserting anything into the ear canal itself, as this could cause injury or infection. Also, regular exfoliation using a soft cloth or cotton can help remove any dirt or oil that may have gotten stuck in the crease of the ear.
Zone #2: The navel.
According to Dr. Philip Milam, the navel is a part of the body that is often overlooked 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. body like 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 navel some extra love can benefit your overall health and well-being. .
For example, taking the time to cleanse 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 clothes. Additionally, using a cotton swab or toothbrush is ideal for removing any dry skin or dirt particles that have gotten stuck in the crevices around the pimple itself.
Finally, moisturizing the area can help keep it healthy and prevent irritation from friction from clothing. By doing these simple steps regularly, you can keep your navel 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’s 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 the crotch area, it is important to use a mild soap or antibacterial cleanser to ensure that all traces of dirt and bacteria are removed from the skin.
Also, using lukewarm water instead of hot water helps keep the skin in better condition and reduces irritation. After showering or bathing, it’s also important to dry yourself thoroughly with a clean towel before putting on clothes that can trap moisture in the area, which could encourage the growth of bacteria.
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 communal showers of gymnasiums and swimming pools. This makes them vulnerable to infections 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. By taking care of the areas between the toes, where dirt tends to accumulate faster due to moisture trapped in socks or shoes. Which causes fungi such as athlete’s foot to grow if left unchecked for too long. He also suggests drying them thoroughly after washing them. Ensuring that all areas, including between the toes, are completely dry before putting on socks, to prevent fungal infections from developing later.
Zone #5: The scalp.
The scalp is an area of the body that is often overlooked when it comes to hygiene. As noted by Dr. Philip Milam, it is not washed well by most people and yet it needs proper attention to stay healthy.
The traditional washing method of running water over the head from a showerhead 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 one’s fingers and perform rotating massages to work the shampoo into the skin and surrounding hair follicles to ensure that no bacteria are left behind.
Adding oil treatments or rinse-out masks can provide additional benefits as they help nourish the skin and reduce any inflammation below the surface of the hair shafts caused by external factors. By taking care of your scalp with proper washing, you will not only reduce symptoms such as dandruff, but you will also ensure that your hair will look better than ever and its spiritual and natural beauty will shine 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 during bath time. The buttocks are an important area of the body because they help maintain posture, cushion, and even absorb shock when walking, running, and sitting. Also, if left untreated, bacteria can build up in this area, leading to skin irritation and infection. It is therefore essential to include them in our bath 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 slough off dead skin cells that may have built up from sweat or friction from clothing. Also, if you choose to use a scrub or loofah on your buttocks, be sure to rinse all the folds thoroughly to avoid skin irritation or infection. After rinsing the area with warm 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 throughout your daily activities. So don’t forget those hardworking cheeks!
