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7 bathing and showering mistakes to avoid

7 bathing and showering mistakes to avoid

Bathing and showering are essential parts of our daily hygiene routine, but sometimes we make mistakes that can affect our skin and overall health. While these are some of the most basic and simple activities of the day, some tips can enhance this self-care experience further. This article discusses 7 common bathing mistakes people make. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you make your skincare routine more efficient in maintaining good health and hygiene.

Taking hot water showers
This can be especially comfortable when there’s a nip in the air or even after a long exhausting day of work. But hot showers are notoriously famous for rinsing the natural oils off the skin. This can leave the skin to be dry and flaky. If you suffer from skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, hot showers should not be considered at all. It can cause flare-ups due to dry skin and dehydration. Also, always keep the baths short, just 10 mins. In fact, a lot of people might enjoy a hot shower after a workout, but studies suggest that a cold shower after a workout can help relax the muscles even more. And this can also help keep the pores of the skin closed. Some even take ice baths right after their workout, and while this may seem extreme, these baths can help relax the muscles tremendously after a hectic workout.

Not showering after exercise
Do you usually wait too long in your sweaty clothes to take a shower after the gym? You may feel lazy, but your skin can feel irritated with the sweat and dirt clogged in the pores. A lot of people also complain of acne due to sweating, and one way to avoid skin issues is to immediately take a proper bath after the workout to clean all the bacteria and dirt from the skin.

Wrong soap
This goes not just for soaps but for shampoos, conditioners, and any other bathroom products you may use. It is very important to be mindful of your skin type and needs and choose the most appropriate product. If you are allergic to scented products, then make sure you buy mild soaps with no scents. If you have a skin condition, always get a dermatologist-recommended product that will not irritate your skin and scalp further. There are several DIY remedies that can help keep your skin clean using natural ingredients. They are easily available on the internet.

Moreover, even using the same soap in excessive quantities can cause skin irritation and rashes. It can also cause hair color to fade prematurely among individuals who may have dyed their hair. Thus, using the wrong soap or using any soap excessively should be avoided.

Dirty towel
Towels can harbor many bacteria, fungi, and several other germs which are invisible to the naked eye. Using a dirty towel to wash after a shower is almost like not taking a shower altogether. It is always recommended to wash your towel often and have enough clean towels in the home. It is also recommended that you do not frequently share towels with others, especially those whose personal hygiene habits you are unaware of. This can cause skin infections or other issues.

Unclean shower head
The showerhead can contain many bacteria and other germs that can irritate the skin. It may seem like self-cleaning equipment; however, a regular scrub to the showerhead is necessary to ensure it is not harboring infections. Also, many areas may sometimes get unclean water which can clog the pores of the shower head, making the bathing experience a hassle. Therefore, regularly fixing up this piece of equipment will ensure a quick, stress-free shower.

Over exfoliation
Another common mistake people make while taking showers is over-exfoliation. Exfoliation is an important step of skincare and personal care, but over-exfoliation can strip away the natural oils of your skin. This can also be responsible for causing inflammation and skin irritation leading to red, patchy skin. Dermatologists suggest doing exfoliation once or twice a week. However, always use gentle products which are not too harsh on the skin. Instead of using physical exfoliation, some even suggest using chemical exfoliation every couple of months, depending on the skin type and lifestyle. Speak to your dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis of the skin and the necessary treatment for the same.

Not moisturizing
Moisturizing right after a shower is highly recommended. In fact, many dermatologists recommend using your skincare products on damp skin for better absorption. Being aware of your skin type will help you choose the right moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated and plump throughout the day.

Proper bathing practices are essential for healthy skin. If one experiences itchy skin or scratching despite proper hygiene, it could be the result of an underlying skin condition, like prurigo nodularis. This condition is characterized by raised nodules on the skin’s surface, inflammation, and discomfort. Those who face persistent skin issues should consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Sometimes, upgrading to the right accessories can also make a huge difference. For instance, getting the right kind of bathroom fixtures, like sink faucets, can make tasks like shaving, grooming, washing your face, and cleaning the sink easier. You should compare different types of bath sink faucets, as each is designed to serve a specific purpose. Popular options include center-set, single-hole, vessel, wall-mounted, and widespread sink faucets.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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12 signs of constipation that shouldn’t be ignored

One of the most important functions of the human body is to expel waste material to ensure a healthier and more efficient digestive system. Unfortunately, about 16% of adults in the country grapple with constipation symptoms, characterized by difficulty passing stools regularly. Although the condition is typically not life-threatening, severe constipation may lead to health conditions like hemorrhoids and fecal impaction. Some early warning signs that indicate one may be constipated are listed below. Passage of stools less than thrice a week A tell-tale sign of constipation is infrequent passage of stools, defined as less than three bowel movements a week. Such infrequent bowel movements for an extended period can cause discomfort and loss of alertness, interfering with the ability to complete one’s daily activities. Hard, dry stools The colon muscles typically act slowly among constipation patients. Consequently, stools move through the colon more slowly than usual, causing excessive water absorption in the colon and hard, dry stools. For this reason, one needs to stay hydrated, especially when dealing with constipation symptoms. Gas and bloating Constipation is often accompanied by the accumulation of gas in the stomach, causing severe bloating and discomfort. At such times, it is advisable to avoid processed and deep-fried foods, replacing them with healthier alternatives like foods rich in insoluble fiber to give the body the push required to empty the bowels. Some other effective tips to remedy gas and bloating due to constipation are avoiding chewing gum, increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and remaining physically active. Nausea and loss of appetite Since stools pass through the colon slowly when one is constipated, the concentration of bacteria in the colon increases, causing one to feel nauseated and triggering a loss of appetite. Skipping meals is common among people with constipation. Fatigue Some studies suggest that the accumulation of bacteria in the colon due to constipation can cause increased fermentation of stools, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and fatigue. Constipation-induced fatigue can also be caused by reduced absorption of nutrients and less conversion of nutrients into cellular energy. Tenesmus Tenesmus, a common sign of constipation, is characterized by a tendency to evacuate the bowel right after passing stools. It is caused by severe inflammation, which affects the rectal nerves. Strained bowel movements An evident symptom of constipation is the slowing down of stool passage in the colon, which increases the pressure needed to remove stools from the body. Such force can cause strained and painful bowel movements, sometimes leading to swelling of veins around the anus or tearing of anal skin, a condition known as anal fissure. Vomiting Constipation slows down the entire digestive system, which causes delays in food reaching the intestines. As a result, individuals suffering from constipation may experience vomiting. Mood and anxiety issues Studies have demonstrated that constipated individuals are more likely to develop mood and anxiety issues than those with healthy digestive systems. Furthermore, individuals with constipation are more susceptible to being diagnosed with anxiety than those without the condition. Constipation increases one’s risk of reabsorbing toxins that must be removed from the body, contributing to the onset of mental health issues. Abdominal pain The bloating and flatulence caused by constipation can also lead to sharp pain in the abdomen. Sometimes, one may also experience abdominal swelling. Bowel incontinence Chronic constipation can cause the weakening of the muscles in the intestines and rectum. Sometimes, it may also trigger rectal nerve damage, leading to fecal incontinence. Cramps Tightness in the abdominal muscles during constipation can lead to severe abdominal cramps, worsening pain, and discomfort. Chronic constipation can hamper one’s ability to perform daily activities efficiently and affect physical and mental well-being. Although fibrous foods are often advised to manage this condition, the type of fiber eaten makes a significant difference. Soluble fibers in foods like oats, bran, and beans convert to a gel-like substance in the stomach and slow digestion. In contrast, insoluble fiber sources like cabbage, broccoli, legumes, and potatoes move faster through the digestive system, preventing constipation. Thus, one can add foods rich in insoluble fibers to the meal plan to fight constipation symptoms. Some other measures to overcome this condition include avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, drinking plenty of water, avoiding dependency on laxatives, and staying away from fast foods.

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