8 Common Mistakes People Make When Washing These Body Parts

We all shower or bathe regularly, but are we actually getting clean? It turns out, there are a few common areas we might be neglecting or washing incorrectly. Let’s dive into 5 body parts you might be washing wrong and how to do it right:

1. Feet

Feet are one of the parts of the body that should be washed with soap. However, many of us neglect this part of our body, thinking that the soap and water that runs down our bodies will be enough to clean it. But these areas are often harboring the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, especially if you wear sandals or flip-flops, don’t wear socks, or just sweat a lot.

That’s why dermatologists say it’s important to scrub your feet with a pumice stone every day, in addition to washing them with soap.

No matter what kind of shoes or socks you wear, the space between your toes should also be thoroughly cleaned. To prevent the spread of bacteria and germs, wash your toes with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a towel.

2. The Scalp

We often focus on washing our hair, but what about the scalp itself? It’s easy to forget that your scalp needs a good scrub too. Use a shampoo and gently massage it into your scalp with your fingertips.

3. Back of the neck

This part of your body can often be warm and moist. This is especially true if you have long hair or exercise regularly. These favorable conditions can be tempting to body mites and bacteria. To prevent the spread of bacteria, washing your neck daily with soap and an exfoliating bath sponge or wet washcloth can be crucial.

4. Eyes

Washing your eyes with soap can damage the cornea and sclera, so it is not a good idea. That’s why the eyes have lacrimal glands (the glands that produce tears). They are responsible for cleaning and protecting the eyes from debris and other irritants.

Using unscented baby shampoo is a safe way to clean the eyelids and eyelashes. Mix about half a teaspoon of shampoo in a cup of warm water, and then dip a soft washcloth in the mixture. Gently rub your eyelids (back and forth) with the washcloth. Rinse with water.

5. The Ears

While you might clean the outside of your ears, the inner ear canal can be easily forgotten. Avoid using cotton swabs, as these can push earwax further into the canal and potentially damage your eardrum. Instead, use a damp washcloth to gently clean the outer ear and leave the inner ear canal alone. If you have excessive earwax buildup, consult a doctor.

6. Groin

The groin should be washed thoroughly every day, according to a dermatologist. This part of your body has folds and creases that can harbor harmful bacteria. This can lead to ingrown hairs, infections, and unpleasant odors. The groin is also one of the most sensitive areas of your body. The most effective way 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 you can’t get rid of all of them just by washing your hands. Doctors say that bacteria and debris that are invisible to the naked eye can be removed by soaking a cotton swab in warm, soapy water and swabbing it under your nails.

8. Arms and legs

As long as they are not dirty, your arms and legs do not need to be washed thoroughly on a daily basis. The skin on these parts of the body generally doesn’t produce much oil. If you wash them with soap every day, your skin will become dry and lifeless.

Bonus: Soaping your body before shampooing your hair.

Skin irritation and the appearance of acne on your body can result from using a conditioner on your hair. Dr. Day recommends the following regimen to avoid this and to remove any leftover conditioner and shampoo from your skin: “Shampoo, rinse, apply conditioner, wash your body, and then rinse off the conditioner and body wash at the same time.”

Keeping your body clean is essential, but daily showers might not be as necessary as you think. So, how often should you really be showering? Let’s find out!