Good personal hygiene works a lot more that just providing you with a presentable appearance. Personal hygiene includes every day habits which are helpful in maintaining the body cleanliness. The most important ones include regular brushing, bathing, shampooing the hair, hand wash, applying deodorant, and wearing clean clothes. However, being ignorant about good hygiene practices may lead to certain consequences. These consequences may vitiate health issues to social and professional effects.
To keep you informed, this editorial includes some of the mildest as well as most serious consequences of poor personal hygiene. Just go through…
Body odor
Body odor is one of the most common results of poor hygiene practices. The main cause of body odor is interaction of sweat and bacteria created by the apocrine glands. Unwashed sweat makes the thriving bacteria and the byproducts cause the smell which is commonly referred as body odor. Additionally, body odor may also be a result of improper bathroom habits which also cause urine or feces odor.
Bad breath
Another noticeable result of improper hygiene is bad breath. The basic cause of developing bad breath is being irregular with brushing and flossing of teeth. Bad breath is an outcome of two factors. Primarily, bacteria feeds on food that sticks that sticks into the teeth. As and when bacteria digest this food, the result is mouth odor. Additionally, the food also gets stuck into the teeth and gets rotten over time thus producing a foul smell.
Dental diseases
Besides causing bad breath, improper dental hygiene also leads to certain dental diseases. If the food particles as well as bacteria are allowed to sit on your teeth, it leads to the formation of plaque on the teeth. The bacteria existing in this plaque releases acids which are responsible for breaking down the teeth enamel?
With this process moving on with time, the result is formation of hard substance, known as calculus, on the teeth. This calculus is responsible for gums’ irritation which further increases to convert into gingivitis (responsible for gums inflammation) and gum diseases in near future. These gum diseases are responsible for infection which may further lead to teeth destruction.
General illness
Hygiene practices, like regular hand wash, are the best ways to avoid diseases of different diseases. The reason is that hands are in continuous contact with the face as well as the environment thus providing for easy transportation of germs from an infected surface or person to the mouth or nose. Washing the hands with soap and water is helpful in reducing the bacteria content on the skin thus reducing the possibilities of infectious diseases like salmonellosis, common cold, influenza, typhoid, hepatitis A, staph infection, and streptococcus.
Infection in the urinary tract
Generally, infections in urinary tract are a result of bacteria called Escherichia coli which resides usually in the intestines. If, in any case, this bacterium gets capable of reaching the urethra, it may move towards the kidneys and bladder thus leading to fever, pain, and problematic urination. Therefore, to lessen the chances of getting infected with this bacterium, it becomes really important to follow and maintain proper hygiene habits as regards to toilet manners. Ensure washing your hands with water and soap every time you use the toilet. As an effective alternative to water and soap, you can also use alcohol jelly.
Boils
Boils can be explained as skin infections resulting due to bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium resides on the skin. Being ignorant with proper skin hygiene may lead to accumulation of this bacterium thus allowing it to penetrate through the skin even via a hair follicle or any small puncture or cut. Adding further, this bacterium can lead to serious problems like pus-filled abscesses which can be treated only through drainage method followed by antibiotics. The best way to avoid the occurrence of this bacterium is taking frequent and regular showers thus reducing the possibilities of your skin getting infected.
Ringworm
As suggested by the name, ringworm is not the disease of any worm. It is rather an infection resulting from mold-like fungi organisms which cause infection to the skin layers. It looks like itchy and scaly rash which appears like a ring with middle skin being clear. Ringworm spreads through contact with an infected surface, person, or animal. This disease can be prevented by thorough hand wash after dealing with pets or working in the garden. If possible, try taking a shower after indulging in contact activities.
Body lice
Body lice refer to insects which thrive and produce eggs in clothing and bedding. These insects crawl on the skin many times a day to feed themselves through your blood. Generally, these insects bite in areas like armpits, groin, and waist. These areas are convenient for them to creep from clothing to the skin. To avoid body lice, ensure taking regular bath followed by wearing fresh clothes. The clothing and bedding should be washed in machine in hot water featuring a temperature of 130degrees. Follow the washing procedure by drying the clothes and bedding in high-heat drying cycle. Also, avoid sharing your clothes and bedding or coming in contact with an infected person.
Influenza
Poor hygiene practices can be an important cause of various influenza types. Catching germs by breathing the air of an infected person or coming into contact with a sick person can lead to instant influenza. However, if you have to spend time with an infected person, the best way is using a face mask to prevent the virus from catching you.
Depression
Depression is one of the indirect consequences of poor personal hygiene. It begins from a common feeling of low self-esteem plus low self worth brought about by poor hygiene. The affected person does not feel good about himself. An abrupt change in a person’s desire to look after the body and making efforts on being presentable may indicate the arrival of serious problems with the mental health.
Social problems
The society expects you to maintain personal hygiene to a specific extent. When a person ignores the cleanliness and care of the body, he may find himself ostracized by family, friends, and society as well. A repulsive smell from your body, tooth decay, or dirty and unhygienic clothes may adversely affect situations like finding a date, making friends, or finding a new job. Personal hygiene may also detach from the society thus leaving you alone.
Wrapping up, as it is important to practice good personal hygiene for a good social life, it is also essential to avoid the spread and development of various infections and diseases. Regular bathing and brushing and thorough hand wash are the best ways to prevent the attack of bacteria, fungus, virus, and parasites thus maintaining the body health in long run. It is, therefore, essential to avoid being ignorant with good habits of personal hygiene to stay healthy.
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