THE hygiene It is a fundamental aspect of taking care of our health and well-being. However, there are a number of common practices that can compromise this hygiene and, instead of protecting us, can lead to proliferation of germs and bacteria in our environment. THE Dr. María Marcos, dermatologistadvises avoiding certain habits. From not lowering the toilet seat to overusing bath sponges and ear sticks, it’s essential to know our practices and take steps to improve our health.
Adopt healthier habits, like lowering the toilet lid, change sponges regularlyd, avoiding unnecessary use of ear sticks and taking a shower with lukewarm water can make a difference in quality of life and overall well-being. It should be noted that hygiene and health education is crucial to promote a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
1. Toilet seat
One of the most common and harmful habits in many homes is not lowering the toilet lid before flushing. This simple negligence can have more serious consequences than it seems. Several studies have shown that when flushing a toilet, microparticles of water containing leftover excrement can be expelled into the air and spread up to 1.5 meters around the toilet. This phenomenon is known as “aerosolization” and can contribute to the spread of germs and bacteria in the bathroom.
These microparticles may contain pathogens such as E. coli and norovirus, which can cause gastrointestinal illness and other infections. Therefore, a simple practice that we should all adopt is to lower the toilet lid before flushing. Furthermore, it is recommended clean the toilet and surrounding surfaces regularly.
2. Bath sponges
Bath sponges are a focus of bacteria accumulation if they are not properly maintained. Although they may seem useful for applying gel, in reality they can become a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. One study found that kitchen sponges, like bath sponges, can harbor more than 300 different types of bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli.
In fact, sponges are kept in a humid and warm environment, which encourages the proliferation of germs. To minimize these risks, it is essential change the bath sponge regularlyideally every two or three weeks. You may also consider alternatives such as loofah or silicone sponges, which are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
3. Ear sticks
THE ear stickscommonly used to clean the ears, may seem harmless, but their use can lead to health problems. Instead of removing earwax, they can push earwax further into the ear canal, which can lead to the formation of earwax blockages.
Additionally, improper use of ear sticks can damage the eardrumwhich could have serious consequences. Injuries to this part of the ear can cause severe pain and affect hearing in the long term. It is therefore essential to educate people about the proper use of these products. Ear cleaning is not necessary for most people because earwax is removed naturally.
Instead of using ear sticks, you can opt for safer methods to maintain the ear hygiene. For example, using a damp cloth to clean the outside of the ear may be enough to maintain cleanliness without risking hearing health.
4. Shower
Showering is an essential practice for maintaining good personal hygiene, but showering more than once a day with hot water and soap can have harmful consequences. negative effects on the skin. The skin has a skin barrier that protects it against moisture loss and the penetration of germs and harmful substances. However, excessive use of hot water and soap can break down this barrier, leaving skin exposed and vulnerable.
This can lead to dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity of the skin. In addition, by removing too much natural sebum, you run the risk of making the skin prone to infections because the natural defenses are weakened. It is also important to note that the use of antibacterial soaps is not always necessary and can contribute to dysregulation of the skin microbiome.
To maintain healthy skin, the dermatologist’s recommendation is very clear: shower once a day or every other day, depending on physical activity and each person’s individual needs. In addition, it is essential to use lukewarm water rather than hot and opt for mild, fragrance-free soaps which does not irritate the skin.
