Personal hygiene is the process of keeping your body clean and well groomed. A variety of different tools are used to maintain personal hygiene, including hair care products, soap, toothbrushes and deodorant. Poor personal hygiene can lead to problems with both appearance and health. Understanding the cause for personal hygiene problems can prevent health issues and lead to timely solutions.
Types
Personal hygiene involves a wide variety of individual processes that encompass many different regions of the body. Oral hygiene, hair and skin care, hand-washing, bathing and wound care are all vital parts of hygiene. Male- and female-specific hygiene practices, such as cleaning of the genitals, also play an important role in overall cleanliness.
Causes
Personal hygiene problems are usually caused by inadequate or infrequent hygiene practices. Failure to perform other basic self-cleaning functions, such as brushing and flossing the teeth or bathing, can lead to hygiene problems like body odor and bad breath, which may in turn affect relationships and self-esteem. Personal hygiene standards vary from person to person. For instance, some people wash their hair daily, while others do so less often. Standards and practices regarding hygiene usually stem from a combination of learned behavior, cultural customs and personal preference.
Effects
Failure to maintain adequate personal hygiene can result in illnesses of all kinds. According to Harvard Health Publications, poor oral hygiene may increase the risk for heart disease by producing plaque-causing bacteria in the arteries. Bacteria in the mouths of people with gum disease may enter the bloodstream and produce toxins that harm blood vessels, although the connection is poorly understood. Poor hand-washing practices increase the likelihood of contracting contagious illnesses such as influenza and food-borne illnesses like Salmonella infection. Infrequent washing of the hair and face can lead to buildup that triggers acne breakouts and skin infections like impetigo.
Prevention/Solution
Good oral hygiene is an important component of overall health and cleanliness. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months to maintain effectiveness, according to the American Dental Association. Regular dental cleanings, daily flossing and use of anti-microbial mouthwashes can also help remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth.
Deodorant containing an anti-perspirant may be helpful for preventing body odor caused by excess sweating. Bathing practices such as frequent washing of the hair, face, genital area and feet are important for removing dirt and dead skin cells that can trap bacteria and cause odor.
Hand-washing is vital for preventing food poisoning and contagious infections like cold and flu. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used only when soap and water are not available, as they are slightly less effective against bacterial spores, protozoa and some viruses, according to Food Poisoning Journal.
Considerations
Because hygiene standards vary, so do the risks for personal hygiene problems. The choice to avoid certain products like perfumes and artificial chemical ingredients does not necessarily affect personal hygiene as long as basic cleanliness practices like bathing and tooth brushing are observed.
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