Objectives Define hygiene Differentiate between hygiene and sanitation Understands factors associated with hygiene Know the components of hygiene Know types of bath Comprehend the guidelines of bathing Appreciate the need for appropriate clothes at work Understand benefits of handwashing
Introduction Personal hygiene are practices performed by an individual to care for one's bodily health and well being through cleanliness. Many people equate hygiene with 'cleanliness' but hygiene is a broad term including personal habits choices as how frequently to bathe ,wash hands, trim fingernails and change clothing. It also includes keeping the environment clean and pathogen free.
Definition Hygiene is the science of health and its maintenance. Hygiene generally refers to the set of practices associated with the preservation of health and healthy living. The focus is mainly on personal hygiene that looks at cleanliness of the hair, body, hands, fingers, feet and clothing, and menstrual hygiene.
Personal hygiene Personal hygiene is a concept that is commonly used in medical and public health practices. It is also widely practiced at the individual level and at home. It involves maintaining the cleanliness of our body and clothes. Personal hygiene is personal, as its name implies. In this regard, personal hygiene is defined as a condition promoting sanitary practices to the self. Personal hygiene is the self-care by which people attend to such functions as bathing, toileting, general body hygiene, and grooming.
Cleanliness and personal hygiene Cleaning in many cases is removing dirt, wastes or unwanted things from the surface of objects using detergents and necessary equipment. Hygiene practice focuses on the prevention of diseases through the use of cleaning as one of several inputs . Hygienic practice encompasses both cleaning for the removal of physically observable matters and the use of chlorine or any agent for the removal of microorganisms. The hygiene practice aims at preventing the spread of disease causing organisms. Cleaning is a means to achieve this task.
Component of hygiene Face and body (skin) hygiene Fingernail & toenail hygiene • Ear hygiene • Hair hygiene • Foot hygiene Menstrual hygiene • Environmental cleanliness g are components personal hygiene : • Face hygiene Following are components personal hygiene : • Face hygiene • Fingernail & Toenail hygiene • Ear hygiene • Hair hygiene • Foot hygiene • Environmental cleanliness • Fingernail & Toenail hygiene • Ear hygiene • Hair hygiene • Foot hygiene • Environmental cleanliness F Following are components personal hygiene : • Face hygiene • Fingernail & Toenail hygiene • Ear hygiene • Hair hygiene • Foot hygiene • Environmental cleanliness ollowing are components personal hygiene : • Face hygiene • Fingernail & Toenail hygiene • Ear hygiene • Hair hygiene • Foot hygiene • Environmental cleanliness
Hygienic care Early morning care is provided to clients as they awaken in the morning. This care consists of providing a urinal or bedpan to the client confined to bed, washing the face and hands, and giving oral care. Hour of sleep or PM care is provided to clients before they retire for the night. It usually involves providing for elimination needs, washing face and hands, giving oral care, and giving a back massage.
Factors influencing hygiene Culture : Some bathe or shower once or twice a day, people from some other cultures bathe once a week. Some cultures consider privacy essential for bathing , whereas others practice communal bathing. Body odor is offensive in some cultures and accepted as normal in others . Religion : Ceremonial washings are practiced by some religions. Environment : Finances may affect the availability of facilities for bathing. For example, homeless people may not have warm water available; soap or shampoo. Developmental level : Children learn hygiene in the home. Health and energy : Ill people may not have the motivation or energy to attend to hygiene. Personal preferences : Some people prefer a shower to a tub bath. The time of bathing varies (e.g., morning versus evening).
Importance of personal hygiene Preventing faeco -orally transmitted diseases: The fingers may get contaminated with one’s own faeces , either directly or indirectly. Activities during defecation and child bottom-washing are additional opportunities for the contamination of the fingers that facilitate the transmission of infections. Aesthetic values of personal hygiene: A person with clean hands is proud while eating because they feel confident of preventing diseases . A teacher in a school is always happy to see their students with clean faces and eyes, and dressed in clean clothes. Social impact : A person with poor personal hygiene might be isolated from friendship because telling the person about the situation might be sensitive and culturally difficult.
Component: skin care The skin is the largest organ of the body. It serves five major functions : 1. It protects underlying tissues from injury by preventing the passage of microorganisms. The skin and mucous membranes are considered the body’s first line of defense . 2. It regulates the body temperature . 3. It secretes sebum, an oily substance 4. It transmits sensations through nerve receptors, which are sensitive to pain, temperature, touch, and pressure . 5. It produces and absorbs vitamin D in conjunction with ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Common skin problems ABRASION : Superficial layers of the skin are scraped or rubbed away . Area is reddened and may have localized bleeding or serous weeping . EXCESSIVE DRYNESS : Skin can appear flaky and rough . AMMONIA DERMATITIS (DIAPER RASH) : Caused by skin bacteria reacting with urea in the urine . The skin becomes reddened and is sore . ACNE : Inflammatory condition with papules and pustules . ERYTHEMA : Redness associated with a variety of conditions, such as rashes, exposure to sun, elevated body temperature. HIRSUTISM : Excessive hair on a person’s body and face, particularly in women.
Bathing The body has nearly two million sweat glands. Moistened and dried sweat and dead skin cells all together make dirt that sticks on to the skin and the surface of underclothes. The action of bacteria decomposes the sweat, thereby generating bad odour and irritating the skin. This is especially observed in the groin, underarms and feet, and in clothing that has absorbed sweat. Skin infections such as scabies, pimples and ringworm are results of poor body hygiene . The first task in body hygiene is to find water, soap and other cleansing materials. Taking a bath or a shower using body soap at least weekly is very important to ensuring our body stays clean. B athing can be every day or after periods of sweating or getting dirty.
Purpose of bathing 1 . Cleansing the skin Removes perspiration, bacteria, which minimizes skin irritation and reduces chance of infection 2. Stimulation of circulation Warm water and gentle strokes from distal to proximal increase circulation and promote venous return 3. Improve self-image 4. Promotes feeling of being refreshed, relaxed 5. Reduction of body odors Especially in axillae and pubic areas 6. Promotion of Range of Motion Movement of extremities while bathing
Types of bathing • Complete bed bath. The nurse washes the entire body of a dependent client in bed. • Self-help bed bath. Clients confined to bed are able to bathe themselves with help from the nurse for washing the back and perhaps the feet. • Partial bath (abbreviated bath). Only the parts of the client’s body that might cause discomfort or odor, if neglected, are washed: the face, hands, axillae, perineal area, and back. • Towel bath. This bath is similar to a bag bath but uses regular towels. It is useful for clients who are bedridden and clients with dementia. The client is covered and kept warm throughout the bathing process by a bath blanket. • Tub bath. Tub baths are often preferred to bed baths because it is easier to wash and rinse in a tub. Tubs are also used for therapeutic baths. • Shower. Many ambulatory clients are able to use shower facilities and require only minimal assistance from the nurse.
Guidelines for bathing Provide Privacy Maintain Safety Maintain warmth Promote the patient’s independence as much as possible 5. The genitals and the anal region need to be cleaned well because of the natural secretions of these areas. 6. Dry the body with a clean towel after thorough rinsing. 7. Change into clean underwear after a bath. 8. Changing sweat soaked clothes after each bath is advised.
Mouth: Oral Hygiene A. Maintains the healthy state of the mouth Cleanses teeth of food particles, plaque, and bacteria Massages the gums Relieves discomfort from unpleasant odors and tastes. Refreshes the mouth and gives a sense of well-being and stimulate appetite. . Frequency d epends on condition of patient’s mouth. Some patient’s with dry mouth or lips need care every 2 hours. Usually done twice a day or after each meal b. Assistance Needed Does the patient need assistance to do oral care *The nurse can help patients maintain good oral hygiene by: 1. Teaching them correct techniques 2. Actually performing for weakened or disabled patients.
Oral hygiene c. Abnormalities Loose or missing teeth Swelling and bleeding of gums Unusual mouth odor Pain or stinging in mouth structures Brushing Major concerns are: Thoroughness in cleansing Maintaining the condition of the oral mucosa. Procedure for Conscious Patient: Upright position
Brushing: Unconscious Patient Safety is of utmost importance Prevent aspiration Positioning—lateral position with head turned to the side or side-lying. Position back of head on a pillow so that the face tips forward and fluid/ secretions will flow out of the mouth, not back into the throat. Place a bulb syringe or suction machine with suction Keeping the mouth open Use a padded tongue blade to open the patients mouth and separate the upper and lower teeth. Never place your hand in the patient’s mouth or open with your fingers. Oral stimulation often causes the biting –down reflex and serious injuries can occur. Keep equipment that may be needed nearby e.g. suction device .
Denture care Clean dentures as frequently as natural teeth Dentures are the patient’s personal property and should be handled with care because they can be easily broken . Care: Remove before going to bed – allows gums to rest and prevents buildup of bacteria. Store in a labeled container covered with water or denture cleaner if available Tips to remember: Use gauze or washcloth to grasp front of dentures to prevent from slipping Place wash cloth or paper towel in sink while you are cleaning the dentures Work close to the bottom of the sink in case you drop them. Use tepid water
Hands washing Before starting to work After: Handling raw ingredients Smoking, eating or drinking Using a handkerchief or tissue Touching any dirty object or surface Touching any part of your body Cleaning or taking out garbage Using the washroom
Hand washing activity Wet hands Soap (20 seconds) Scrub back of hands, wrists, between fingers, under fingernails, arms almost to elbows Rinse Towel dry (single use towel) Turn off taps with towel Open door with towel Discard towel in appropriate manner
Critical at work or home After using the toilet (or disposing faeces ) • After changing a baby’s diaper (nappy) and disposing of the faeces . • Immediately after touching raw food (e.g. chicken or other meat ). • Before preparing and handling cooked/ready-to-eat food. • Before eating food or feeding children. • After contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g. rubbish bins, cleaning cloths, food contaminated surfaces ). • After handling pets and domestic animals. • After wiping or blowing the nose or sneezing into the hands ( respiratory hygiene ). • After handling soiled tissues (your own or others’, e.g. children).
At work • Before and after contact with an infected wound. • After contact with blood or body fluids (e.g. vomit). • Before and after dressing wounds. • Before giving care to an ‘at risk’ person (e.g. attending delivery, attending a baby). • After giving care to an infected person.
Hair care A person’s appearance and feeling of well-being often depends on the way their hair looks and feels Keeps hair clean and distributes oil evenly along the hair shaft. Assessment while brushing: Scalp lesions, abrasions Dandruff Parasitic infestations Quality of hair Appearance
Feet and nails Usually part of the bath Purpose: Eliminate sources of infection and decrease odors Assessment: Color , shape length, texture of nails Condition of skin around nails and between toes and fingers – swollen , inflamed, callused, lesions, temperature. Soak the hand or foot to soften the cuticles Thoroughly cleanse and dry Trim the nails ONLY if you have permission or it is allowed at that institution. Teach patient and family that nails should be cut – straight across. Show close attention to the feet and nails of the diabetic patient and the elderly. If feet and nails are in bad condition– notify doctor so a consult can be ordered with a podiatrist
Eye care Assessment: Abnormal lesions Discharge Tearing Presence of any infection Use of Visual Aids (contacts, glasses) Wash around the eyes with a warm moist washcloth with warm water—no soap! Clean from the inner canthus to the outer canthus of the eye. Pay special attention to the inner canthus . Provide special care for the eyes of unconscious patients. May need to tape the eye lids shut if unable to blink and protect own eyes
Ear care Usually requires minimal care Cleanse the external auricle with washcloth when bathing Avoid insertion of objects into the ear Hearing aids: Check that the device is functioning correctly and clean any body oils or cerumen from the hearing aid Make sure the hearing aid is off and volume is down before insertion Insert hearing aid in ear by pulling earlobe downward while pressing the hearing aid inward Turn on and adjust volume Ask the patient if comfortable and can hear !
Armpit and bottom These are body parts that easily get sweaty and where ventilation is very poor. After puberty, our sweat gains a specific and unpleasant odour which may be offensive to others. The armpits and the bottom should be washed daily . Anal cleansing is the hygienic practice of cleaning the anus after defecation. The anus and buttocks may be cleansed with clean toilet paper or similar paper products. Water may be used. Hands must be washed with soap afterwards. The use of rags, leaves, stones, corn cobs, or sticks must be discouraged as these materials can damage the skin.
Menstrual hygiene The vagina is able to clean itself; no special care is needed other than washing the external genitals . Washing the outer genital area with clean water must be a daily practice . Change tampons and sanitary napkins or pads regularly . Always wash your hands before and after handling a tampon or pad. Clean and soft cloths can be used in place of sanitary pads. The use of dirty cloths must be discouraged . Menstrual blood-absorbing items must be properly disposed of in a burial pit or other appropriate method.
Perineal care Can be embarrassing for the nurse and the patient. Should not be overlooked because of embarrassment . If the patient can do it themselves—let them. Hand them the washcloth and ask if they would like to “finish their bath.” Those patients who may need the nurses assistance: Vaginal or urethral discharge Skin irritation Catheter Surgical dressings Incontinent of urine or feces
Clothes We usually have two layers of clothing. The internal layer is underwear (or underclothes) such as pants , vest and T-shirt. These are right next to our skin and collect sweat and dead skin cells, which can stain the cloth . Underwear must be washed more frequently than the outer layer of clothing . Clothes hygiene is an important aspect of one’s dignity. Changing used clothes for clean ones every day is recommended. Washing dirty clothes requires adequate clean water, detergents. If possible, the washed clothes should be ironed to help the destruction of body lice and nits. Boiling water or insecticides can be used to destroy clothes infestation.
Proper dressing Clean uniforms No tears Closed toe shoes, no heels Clean foot ware Hair restraints Hairnets , beard nets No jewelry No visible body piercing No nail polish, false fingernails No false eyelashes
What not to do at work No eating No drinking No smoking No spitting No chewing gum
If you are ill Inform your supervisor if you exhibit any of the following symptoms : jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) diarrhea vomiting fever sore throat with fever boils or cuts discharges from ears, nose or eyes excessive coughing or sneezing.
Sanitation Sanitation means the prevention of human contact with wastes, for hygienic purposes. It also means promoting health through the prevention of human contact with the hazards associated with the lack of healthy food, clean water and healthful housing, the control of vectors ( living organisms that transmit diseases), and a clean environment . It focuses on management of waste produced by human activities.
Types of sanitation • Basic sanitation : refers to the management of human faeces at the household level. It means access to a toilet or latrine. • Onsite sanitation : the collection and treatment of waste at the place where it is deposited . • Food sanitation : refers to the hygienic measures for ensuring food safety. Food hygiene is similar to food sanitation. • Housing sanitation : refers to safeguarding the home environment (the dwelling and its immediate environment). • Environmental sanitation : the control of environmental factors that form links in disease transmission. This category includes solid waste management, water and wastewater treatment, industrial waste treatment and noise and pollution control. • Ecological sanitation: the concept of recycling the nutrients from human and animal wastes to the environment.
Summary and conclusion 1. Personal hygiene is a necessity for our daily activities. It is very important for the protection of our health and helps to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. 2. Personal hygiene has social and aesthetic values. An individual who follows the practice of proper personal hygiene gains confidence, pride and dignity. 3. Personal hygiene applies to all parts of the body, but hand hygiene is the most important for public health. 4. The procedures that apply in personal hygiene (such as handwashing and oral hygiene) need to be followed strictly to gain the best results. 5. The promotion of personal hygiene should aim to change human behaviour . (information impacts on knowledge and practice). 6. The promotion of personal hygiene must be well planned in order to bring positive changes .
Questions What are the components of personal hygiene Which hygiene is the most important When are we expected to report to our supervisors List out the type of sanitation you know Outline the guidelines for bathing