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“Six Body Parts: When Cleaner May Mean More Prone to Illness”

Are you aware that there are six body parts that become more prone to infections and diseases when kept extremely clean? If not, then you need to read the article below and make some changes to your daily habits!

Administrator

13 July, 2024

Maintaining personal hygiene is important, but overdoing it can do more harm than good. Here are six body parts that can be prone to health issues if kept too clean:

6 Body Parts That Are More Prone to Illness the Cleaner They Are

1 Ears

Many people have the habit of cleaning their ears frequently, unaware that this can lead to ear infections. Le Tran Quang Minh, Master and Doctor (Director of Ho Chi Minh City ENT Hospital) states that any intervention can disrupt the natural self-cleaning process of the outer ear canal and cause health issues.

Over-cleaning can damage the delicate hair cells in the ear. Dr. Minh advises that instead of frequent ear cleaning, one should get regular ear check-ups to detect any earwax buildup (which can cause hearing difficulties). The body has a self-cleaning mechanism that naturally pushes out earwax.

2 Hair

Lynne Goldberg, a hair care expert in Boston, states that “over-shampooing can be more harmful than you think.” Frequent shampooing can strip the hair and scalp of their natural oils, leading to dryness and an overproduction of oil.

For normal hair, shampooing once or twice a week is sufficient. If you have oily hair that tends to get greasy quickly, you can increase the frequency to three to four times a week. For chemically treated hair, limit shampooing to once or twice a week to avoid further damage.

3 Nose

According to healthline, picking your nose frequently can damage the nasal cavity, cause nosebleeds, sores, and infections. Your fingernails can leave tiny wounds or break small blood vessels.

The nose has a self-cleaning mechanism, so there’s no need to clean it too often. If you have issues like a stuffy nose or sinusitis, use a nasal rinse to clear the congestion without causing harm.

4 Teeth

According to the Wall Street Journal, dentists estimate that 10-20% of the population suffers from tooth enamel erosion and gum problems due to over-brushing. Brushing too hard or too frequently can wear down tooth enamel and damage the gums and periodontal tissue.

The ideal frequency is brushing three times a day for two to three minutes each time, avoiding vigorous brushing, and waiting at least 30 minutes after a meal to avoid damaging the enamel.

5 Face

While washing your face helps remove dirt, oil, and prevent acne by keeping pores clear, over-washing can be detrimental to your skin. Dr. Truong Anh Thu, a pharmaceutical scientist, recommends washing your face no more than twice a day to avoid stripping away the protective layer of oil. Using exfoliating cleansers too often can make your skin more vulnerable to external factors like pollution and dirt.

6 Vagina

Many women are concerned about gynecological problems and tend to over-clean or douche their vaginas. However, Dr. Truong Anh Thu warns that using vaginal cleansers can disrupt the balance of good bacteria and pH levels, leading to itching, odor, and irritation.

Using a showerhead to douche can kill both good and bad bacteria, disrupting the natural balance and increasing the risk of yeast infections and other bacterial infections. Simply cleanse the external vaginal area gently with unscented soaps or feminine washes once a day, paying attention to the perineum between the vagina and anus to prevent bacterial spread.

These seemingly harmless habits can have negative consequences for your health. We hope this article has provided valuable insights to help you adjust your daily hygiene routine and maintain a healthy body.

Frequently asked questions

While it is important to maintain good hygiene, over-cleaning certain body parts can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels, leading to potential health issues. For example, the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism and a delicate ecosystem that can be easily disturbed by harsh chemicals or excessive washing, potentially causing infections or irritation. Similarly, the skin produces natural oils that form a protective barrier, and excessive cleaning can strip away these oils, leading to dryness and an increased risk of skin conditions.

It is generally recommended to clean your ears 2-3 times a week. Over-cleaning your ears can push wax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages and potential hearing issues. It is important to use gentle methods, such as wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth and avoiding inserting anything into the ear canal.

The vagina has a slightly acidic pH level, which is maintained by good bacteria (lactobacilli). This acidic environment helps prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and maintains a healthy vaginal ecosystem. When this pH balance is disrupted, such as through excessive cleaning or the use of harsh chemicals, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Over-washing your face can strip away the natural oils that protect your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and even acne. It is important to use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to maintain the skin’s natural balance. Additionally, avoid excessive exfoliation, as this can cause micro-tears in the skin, making it more susceptible to infection and other skin problems.

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms (mostly bacteria) that live in our digestive tract. These bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, often caused by factors like antibiotics, stress, or a poor diet, can lead to digestive issues, inflammation, and an increased risk of certain diseases.

Signs of over-cleaning your body include dry and irritated skin, frequent infections or inflammation, acne breakouts, and digestive issues. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your hygiene routine accordingly. Maintain a gentle and balanced approach to cleaning, and seek medical advice if any persistent issues arise.