Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Maintaining Hygiene
• Part 2 of 2: Preventing Disease

Personal hygiene is important not only to look good, but also to prevent the onset and spread of infectious diseases. Taking proper precautions will protect you from various diseases and prevent you from spreading them. Read this article to learn how to practice personal hygiene to improve your appearance and prevent infections.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Maintaining Hygiene

1. 1 Take a shower every day. It is the best way to get rid of dirt, sweat and germs accumulated throughout the day and prevent hygiene-related illnesses. Also, taking a daily shower will help you look and feel good all day long.
   • Use a loofah, sponge, or towel to gently scrub your entire body, removing dead skin cells and dirt.
   • If you don't want to wash your hair every day, then put on a shower cap and wash your body with soap and water.
   • If you don't have time to shower, then use a hand towel to wash your face and armpits at the end of the day.
2. 2 Find a daily cleanser. Remember that facial skin is more sensitive than other parts of the body. You can wash your face while showering or separately at the sink.
   • When choosing a cleanser, consider your skin type. If you have very dry skin, avoid foods high in alcohol, as these will dry out your skin. If you have very sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic products that contain less harsh chemicals.
   • If you use a lot of makeup, look for a cleanser that also works as a makeup remover. Otherwise, buy a separate makeup remover and remove all makeup before washing your face at the end of the day.
3. 3 Brush your teeth every morning and evening. Regular brushing of your teeth helps prevent gum disease, which can lead to various diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is especially important to brush your teeth after eating sweets and acidic foods, which can cause dental erosion.
   • To keep your gums healthy, carry a touring toothbrush and toothpaste with you and brush your teeth between meals.
   • Floss your teeth every night to prevent gum disease - gingivitis.
     
     
4. 4 Use deodorant. An antiperspirant helps control sweat production, and a deodorant covers up the unpleasant odor of sweat. Try to use natural, non-aluminum deodorants to reduce the health risks associated with conventional deodorants.
   • If you choose not to use deodorant on a daily basis, then apply on the days when you want to avoid excessive sweating or on special occasions.
   • If you are not using deodorant, then wash your armpits with soap and water to avoid unpleasant odors.
5. 5 Wash your clothes. Basically, shirts should be washed every time you put them on; and pants and shorts can be worn several times before being washed.
   • Remove all stains from your clothing before wearing it.
   • Iron any folds and remove any unwanted lint and hair from the garment.
6. 6 Cut your hair every 4 to 8 weeks. It doesn't matter if you want to keep your hair short or grow it out, cutting your hair will help keep your hair healthy, get rid of split ends and have beautiful, clean hair.
7. 7 Cut your toenails and fingernails regularly. Not only will this keep your hands and feet looking tidy, but it will also help prevent burrs, brittleness, and other nail problems. How often you should cut your nails depends on your desired nail length. To solve this, look at your daily activity. If you spend a lot of time typing on your computer or playing the piano, then short nails are the best choice. If you prefer long nails, that's fine too, but they should also be trimmed periodically so they don't break.
   • Use an orange stick to remove dirt from under your nails to prevent bacterial infections.

Part 2 of 2: Preventing Disease

1. 1 Wash your hands with soap and water. This is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and not transmitting germs yourself. Wash your hands after using the restroom; before, during and after cooking, before eating; before and after contact with patients; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and also after contact with animals.
   • Always carry hand sanitizer with you in case you are unable to visit the bathtub to wash your hands.
     
     
2. 2 Clean the surfaces in your home regularly. You should wipe the kitchen counter, floors, shower, and dining tables at least once a week using either soap and water or regular household cleaners.
   • Consider using environmentally friendly detergents that contain less harsh chemicals than conventional detergents.
   • Always dry your shoes on the doormat before going home. Also, before entering the house, take off your shoes and leave them at the door and ask your friends to do the same. This will prevent dirt from spreading throughout the house.
     
     
3. 3 Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. This is very important if you want to avoid transmitting germs to the people around you. After coughing or sneezing, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.
4. 4 Don't share your razor, towel, or makeup with other people. As this increases the likelihood of spreading staphylococcal infections. If you gave someone your towel or clothes, be sure to wash them.
5. 5 Change your tampons regularly. Women who use tampons should change them at least once every 4 to 8 hours to reduce the likelihood of getting toxic shock syndrome (a fatal infection that can occur when using tampons). If you plan on sleeping for eight hours, then wear a pad overnight instead of a tampon.
6. 6 See your doctor periodically. Regular visits to your doctor can help identify diseases and infections early, which can help treat them more easily. See your PCP, dentist, gynecologist, cardiologist, or other doctor (depending on your individual needs). See your doctor whenever you think you are sick or have an infection.