Common hygiene habits that are detrimental to health -

One way or another, some of these habits cause more harm than good. Click to know more.

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Handwashing is important -

It is crucial to wash hands regularly to maintain good health and reduce the transmission of illness. This is especially so after coming into contact with potentially unclean surfaces.

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Using Q-tips -

Removing excessive earwax using a Q-tip may seem beneficial, but it often does more harm that good. The act of pushing earwax deeper into the ear canal can lead to complications, potentially resulting in lasting damage to the eardrum and canal. Caution is therefore advised when using them. 

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Wash your hair daily if necessary -

Your scalp naturally produces oils that are necessary for maintaining healthy and shiny hair. Shampooing helps remove dirt and excess oil. However, excessive shampooing can result in dry and less vibrant hair.

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Not washing hair at all -

Neglecting hair hygiene has negative consequences. Along with a bad odor, it can result in bacterial accumulation and subsequent hair follicle obstruction, potentially causing infections. It is recommended you wash your hair every two to three days.

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Using the phone while on toilet isn't advisable. -

While it may be tempting to use your mobile device in the bathroom and browse social media, keep in mind that cell phones can harbor numerous germs. These microbes can easily transfer to other surfaces, including your face.

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You're using my razor! -

Sharing razors is highly discouraged due to the risk of spreading skin infections such as staph, as well as the potential transmission of serious viruses like hepatitis and HIV.

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Not caring properly for eyelash extensions -

Improper care of eyelash extensions can have negative effects. The glues involved can be toxic and cause various levels of harm to the eyes, potentially resulting in impaired vision or inflamed corneas.

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Insufficient dental care -

It can be tempting to rush through your toothbrushing routine, especially in the mornings when you're still groggy. However, it's important to dedicate a solid two minutes to brushing your teeth, twice daily as per the recommended minimum requirement.  

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Cleaning vegetables -

To avoid food poisoning, it's important to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them, as the bacteria present can be harmful. Additionally, consuming pesticides on unwashed produce can increase the risk of serious health issues.

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Keeping your toothbrush near the toilet -

Placing your toothbrush near the toilet poses a risk of cross-contamination due to an unseen cloud of tiny particles released during flushing, potentially compromising hygiene and cleanliness.

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Dirty towels -

A shower towel can harbor bacteria, mold, and yeast within days due to lingering moisture. To prevent this, it is recommended the towel be replaced every three to four days to maintain good hygiene and reduce the risk of contamination.

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Wearing contact lenses while sleeping -

Sleeping while wearing contact lenses may result in eye irritation. In more severe circumstances, it can cause corneal abrasion or infection. Be kind to your peepers and give them a break by removing contacts before going to bed. 

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Leaving in tampons for too long -

Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially life-threatening infection that can occur if tampons are not changed frequently enough, although it is very rare.

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Warm showers -

Hot showers can have adverse effects on the body, such as parching the skin and removing essential oils. The high temperature may also lead to a decrease in blood pressure by expanding outer blood vessels. It is therefore advisable to limit the duration of hot showers.

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Too much moisturizer -

Maintaining proper moisture balance is crucial for healthy skin. However, excessive moisturization can worsen dryness and cause clogged pores and blackheads. To ensure optimal results, moisturize your body every other day, allowing it to retain its natural oils.

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Walking without footwear -

Flip-flops and water shoes serve a purpose. Therefore it is advisable to wear them when using public pools or showering at the gym. This is due to the fact that shower floors can accumulate sweat, hair, and urine, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and mold—something you definitely don't want to encounter!

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Washing your bedding -

It is important to regularly change your bedding to prevent the buildup of large amounts of particles, such as human skin cells. Aim for changing your sheets at least every two weeks.

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Using kitchen sponges for extended periods -

Sponges have a strong attraction to germs, increasing the risk of infections such as salmonella. Regardless of the duration of sponge usage, it is advisable to replace it regularly to maintain good hygiene.

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Too much mouthwash -

Mouthwash can actually be too harsh for some. Alcohol-based mouthwashes tend to dehydrate the mouth. It's better to instead use mouthwash sparingly throughout the week.

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Nail care -

Regularly trimming your nails is important to prevent the spread of infections caused by dirt and bacteria. It's worth noting that nail clippers can also harbor bacteria and fungal spores. To keep them clean, scrub them with rubbing alcohol.

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Sleeping with makeup -

Sleeping with your makeup on is a common skincare error. Failing to cleanse your face daily can result in clogged pores, causing blackheads and pimples. Moreover, leftover makeup can travel beneath your eyelids, causing irritated hair follicles along the lash line and even severe skin infections.

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Reuse unwashed water bottles -

Refilling your disposable plastic water bottle frequently or refilling your reusable water bottle without proper cleaning is highly unsanitary. Neglecting to wash it allows bacteria to accumulate, potentially causing food poisoning.

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Your TV remote -

TV remotes are frequently neglected during cleaning, resulting in a buildup of germs and viruses. It is advisable to include them in your cleaning routine.

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Regularly washing bras and underwear -

It's useful to change your underwear daily to maintain good hygiene. In the case of bras, be mindful as they can accumulate oils and bacteria, leading to skin issues like acne and rashes.

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Hands on your face -

Resting your face on your hands is a common habit that may have unintended consequences. Consider the possibility that this action could introduce dirt to your face and potentially block your pores. Explore alternative sitting positions to avoid this.

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Rarely showering -

Maintaining personal hygiene is vital, and a brief daily shower suffices. Overall, employing soap and water effectively safeguards against acne, rashes, and potentially critical infections.

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Insufficient hygiene following toilet usage -

Ensuring proper hygiene after using the restroom will maintain cleanliness of underwear and prevent unpleasant odors. Always wipe from front to back to deter bacteria.

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Keeping your bath sponge intact -

To prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast, ensure your washcloths and loofahs dry thoroughly after each use and replace them regularly.

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Sharing your hairbrush -

Sometimes it's wiser to prioritize oneself, even when it comes to personal items like hairbrushes. This is because sharing them can lead to the spread of lice and skin rashes, posing potential risks. It's safer and more advisable to refrain from sharing hairbrushes with others to maintain personal hygiene and avoid these issues.

Sources: (Eat This, Not That!) (The Healthy) (Healthline)

See also: The biggest women's health myths

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