We all take regular showers or bathe, but are we truly clean? It turns out there are a few typical spots we may be overlooking or washing wrongly. Let’s look at 8 body parts you might be bathing incorrectly and how to do it properly:
1. Feet
The feet are one of the body parts that should be cleansed with soap. However, many of us ignore this portion of our bodies, believing that the soap and water that runs down them will suffice to clean it. However, these areas frequently host the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, especially if you wear sandals or flip-flops, do not wear socks, or sweat excessively.
Regardless of the type of shoes or socks you wear, the space between your toes should be completely cleansed. To avoid the transmission of bacteria and germs, wash your toes with soap and water and thoroughly dry them with a towel.
2. The Scalp
We often focus on shampooing your hair, but what about the scalp? It’s easy to forget that your scalp also requires a good scrub. Apply shampoo to your scalp and massage it gently with your fingers.
3. Back of the neck
This area of your body is often warm and damp. This is especially true if you have long hair or work out regularly. These favorable settings may be appealing to body mites and germs. Washing your neck with soap and an exfoliating bath sponge or wet washcloth every day can help prevent bacteria from spreading.
4. Eyes
Washing your eyes with soap can harm the cornea and sclera, thus it is not recommended. That is why the eyes contain lacrimal glands (tear-producing glands). They clean and protect the eyes from dirt and other irritants.
Unscented baby shampoo is a safe approach to clean your eyes and lashes. Dip a soft washcloth into a cup of warm water mixed with roughly half a teaspoon of shampoo. Gently rub your eyelashes back and forth with the washcloth. Rinse with water.
5. The Ears
While you might clean the surface of your ears, the inside ear canal is easily overlooked. Avoid using cotton swabs since they might push earwax deeper into the canal, potentially damaging your eardrum. Instead, use a damp washcloth to gently clean the outer ear while leaving the inner ear canal alone. Consult your doctor if you have an excessive buildup of earwax.
6. Groin
A dermatologist recommends that you properly cleanse your groin every day. This area of your body contains folds and creases that can host deadly microorganisms. This can cause ingrown hairs, infections, and unpleasant odors. The groin is one of your body’s most sensitive places. The best approach to clean it is with gentle soap and a washcloth.
7. Under the fingernails
Different bacteria can live in the area under your nails, and simply washing your hands will not remove all of them. Doctors claim that bacteria and dirt that are undetectable to the naked eye can be eradicated by soaking a cotton swab in warm, soapy water and swabbing it under your nails.
8. Arms and legs
Your arms and legs do not require daily thorough washing as long as they are not dirty. The skin in various areas of the body normally produces little oil. If you wash them with soap every day, your skin will dry up and become lifeless.
