Even if you’re a fan of long showers, you may not be paying enough attention to certain parts of your body when you wash. GP Jen Caudle shared in a TikTok video the five areas not cleaned often enough.
- According to an IFOP/CAMX study carried out in June 2022, 65% of French women take a shower every day. Women are slightly more likely than men to have this habit (68% vs. 63%).
- A study, carried out in 2008 by the University of Colorado, listed a total of 4,742 bacterial species on the hands of around fifty volunteers.
- The most frequent were Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Lactobacillus.
The lack of hygiene naturally leads to the appearance of bad smells. But above all, this increases the risk of infections and fungal infections. This is why Dr. Jen Caudle, also a professor at Rowan University (USA), reviewed on her account TikTok the five parts of the body that are not sufficiently cleansed.
The navel where many bacteria live
The doctor, followed by 100,000 Internet users, explains in the short film: “It’s true, a lot of people don’t wash their belly button at all. Guys, this is getting gross. Please wash your belly button.”
If this hollow area is neglected too much, bacteria are likely to grow there and bad odors too. In some cases, an infection may occur. However, it is usually mild in adults.
In another video, Dr. Caudle recommends cleaning the belly button with soap, water, and a cloth. What if it’s too thick to fit in? “This is currently the time I recommend the cotton swab. I don’t recommend it for a lot of things, but it’s one of the things I do suggest it”explains the doctor.
Behind the ears to eliminate sebum
People also often forget to wash “behind the ears, the top of the ear, and also the lobe”, warns the doctor. For her, it is important to regularly pass the washcloth in this area otherwise you risk seeing dirt and sebum accumulating there.
On the other hand, do not use a cotton swab to clean your ear canals. They can cause lesions or ear plugs.
Under the fingernails where dirt is trapped
If the Covid epidemic has reminded us of the importance of washing our hands regularly, many still make a mistake: not cleaning under the nails. “That’s where a lot of dirt gets trapped – our fingernails. We don’t think about it often”explains the doctor.
For the record, to rid the hands of dirt and pathogens, it is recommended to:
- wash them with water and soap (preferably liquid);
- for 30 seconds;
- rubbing fingernails, fingertips, palms and outsides of hands, knuckles and wrists;
- they must then be dried with a clean towel or in the open air.
Legs and toes too often forgotten
For Dr. Caudle, many people don’t pay enough attention to the legs. In her video, she says: “I want you to wash your legs. I’m not talking about letting the soap run down your legs in the shower, I’m talking about washing your legs, please wash your legs.”
Another frequently overlooked area: the toes. This can lead to yeast infections and other infections. “Go between the toes. Be sure to wash them. You want to make sure you prevent infections of all kinds. So be sure to deliberately wash your toes, and the rest of your body for that matter”concludes the expert.
