Page 174 - LECTURE NOTES

Tips on personal hygiene for every day items

Here are some important points that the health extension worker needs to consider in

addressing the promotion of personal hygiene, which is important in the prevention, and
control of common skin infections:

- Wash your body with warm water and soap preferably every day to remove dust and dirt

- After showering or bathing ensure dry yourself thoroughly. Take special care to dry
yourself between your toes, under your armpits and in the groin region.

- Regular exposure of the skin to air and sunlight is beneficial

- After bowel action, ensure the anal area is cleansed form the front backwards and
not in the reverse direction. This reduces the chance of infections being passed to

an individual’s sexual organs.
- Wear the right size and type of clothes to suit local weather wearing

- Change your clothes, especially underwear, socks, stocking or tights on a regular
basis- preferably daily

- Launder towels, washcloths, sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and bedclothes on a

frequent and regular basis.
- After washing, hang clothes and if possible, iron it before wearing

- Do not share wash cloths or towels
- Do not share brushes, combs, toothbrushes or toilet articles

- Keep washbasins, toilet seats, bathrooms, kitchens and fixtures thoroughly clean.
- Use disposable tissues instead of handkerchiefs

- Use paper towels or tissues in the kitchen

- Items which can not be washed such as mattresses, thick rugs pillows should be
given an outdoor airing in bright sunlight when possible

- Air your living accommodation for several hours on a dry sunny day.

7.12.4. Leprosy

Leprosy is caused by mycobacterium leprae. Mycobacterium leprae is probably as
communicable as M. tuberculosis. However, the portal of entry, method of spread,

genesis of lesions, and manner of dissemination are still unclear.

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