Maintain Monsoon Hygiene With These Tips

Monsoon is a great time to enjoy with friends and family at home but can be inconvenient if you have to step outdoors. The season is a welcome relief after the oppressive Indian summer but if proper precautionary measures and hygiene tips are not followed, you could develop infections, fall sick and be homebound. This would spoil your plans, and your mood and will result in being counter-productive.

During the monsoon season, there is water everywhere and we all know that water is extremely important in our lives. Rainwater contains a ton of viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the dampness combined with humidity and a compromised immunity increases the risk of developing infections from water-borne diseases.

Keeping these factors in mind, in this article we have made a list of hygiene tips for monsoon wellness.

1.   Clean-up With Soap and Water

Whenever you step out, make sure to clean your hands with soap and water after coming back or reaching your destination. Even at home, do make it a point to clean your hands with antibacterial soap and water from time to time. Soap is more effective than a sanitiser because the surfactants present in soap help to lift microbes and soil from the skin. To ensure thorough cleaning, scrub your hands with the soap for 20 seconds thoroughly, especially your nail and between fingers.

2.   Menstrual Hygiene for Women

Maintaining menstrual hygiene for women during this season can be a challenge given there is so much humidity and dampness around. Monsoon reduces the pH levels in the vaginal area making one proneto fungal infections. Clean the vulvas with soap and water frequently and avoid douching which kills off the good bacteria present in the region. As per recommended hygiene protocols, it is alright to change your sanitary pad every 6-8 hours normally but during monsoon, you should change your napkins every four hours, your tampons every two hours and menstrual cups in intervals of eight hours. Do not shave your intimate area too often as pubic hair plays an important role in spreading bacteria and preventing infections.

3.   Avoid Tight Clothes and Underwear

Wearing tight underwear and tight clothes will increase sweating as humidity is high during this season. The combination of humidity and tight clothes will cause infections, urinary tract infections, rashes and swelling. To avoid such discomfort wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes which are skin-friendly and comfortable.

4.   Stay Hydrated

Do not forget to stay hydrated as the humidity causes excessive sweating which in turn leads to loss of minerals and salts from the body and in general dehydration. Swap your milk tea or coffee with herbal teas that boost immunity. Try to incorporate fruits into your diet. If you cannot eat them whole, make  fresh juice and have it on the go.

5.   Avoid Closed Shoes

Wearing closed shoes during the monsoon season is not recommended because it promotes sweating. Additionally, when you or your feet get feet, the socks remain wet for a long time. The sweat combined with dampness will increase bacterial growth and infections. Wear any kind of open shoes and wash your feet immediately after you reach home or wherever you are headed. If office protocols mandate wearing closed shoes, you can keep a pair in the office that you can slip into after you reach.

Conclusion:
Taking care of your health and hygiene is mandatory throughout the year but you should be extra vigilant during the monsoon season as rainwater combines with water from drains and comes into contact with your body and causes a multitude of infections. On top of the tips mentioned, ensure to eat healthy during the season, keep trying as much as possible and use mosquito repellent to safeguard yourself from vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Sources:
www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/
www.lifebuoy.in/health/infection-and-prevention/
www.thephylife.com/blogs/news/10-rain-friendly-grooming-tips-for-men
www.onlymyhealth.com/monsoon-hygiene-tips-for-healthy-monsoon
www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-handwashing.html