Knowra Personal hygiene Personal hygiene Personal hygiene consists of practices that keep the body and items that contact it clean, helping limit odors, discomfort, and the spread of some infections.
Handwashing : Cleaning the hands with soap and water or, when appropriate, an alcohol-based hand rub. Hand cleaning is a central routine for reducing transfer of microbes between people and surfaces.
Soap : A cleansing substance whose molecules help disperse oils and suspend dirt in water. Soap loosens oily soil so rinsing can carry it away from skin and hands.
Skin : The body’s outer organ, forming a protective barrier and supporting sensation and temperature regulation. Most body-cleaning practices act on skin, whose barrier can be damaged by excessive washing.
Healthcare-associated infection : An infection acquired while receiving care in a healthcare setting. Hand hygiene and clean equipment help reduce infections transmitted during medical care.
Oral hygiene : Care of the teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth through cleaning and related preventive practices. Mouth care prevents plaque buildup and supports oral health as part of bodily cleanliness.
Surfactant : A substance that lowers surface tension and can help mix substances such as oil and water. Many cleansers work through surfactants that lift and disperse grime.
Pathogen : A biological agent capable of causing disease in a host. Preventing pathogen transmission is one reason hand and body cleanliness matter.
Body odor : A smell produced when skin secretions and other compounds interact with microorganisms or the environment. Washing and changing clothing can reduce odor, though odor is not itself proof of poor hygiene.
Bathing : Washing the body with water, commonly using soap or another cleanser. Bathing removes sweat, dirt, and some microbes from the skin.
Skin microbiome : The community of microorganisms living on the skin and its surface. Ordinary washing removes some microbes while leaving much of the skin’s resident community intact.
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