Hygiene

HYGIENE I.

Factors Affecting Hygiene - ability to perform daily self-care ADL – activities of daily living (bathing, brushing teeth / hair, etc.)

A.

SKIN CARE 1. Developmental Considerations - careful handling of infants is required to prevent injury to and infection of the skin and mucous membranes - child’s skin requires special care and attention to cleanliness following play activities and during toilet training - adolescent’s skin has enlarged sebaceous glands and increased glandular secretions which disposes them to body odor and acne 2.

Health State - very thin and very obese people tend to be more susceptible to skin irritation and injury - fluid loss through fever, vomiting, or diarrhea reduces fluid volumes (dehydration) and makes the skin appear loose and flabby - excessive perspiration, often associated with being ill, predisposes for breakdown - jaundice (condition caused by excessive bile pigments) patients are more likely to scratch and cause open lesions with the potential for infection - diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, often cause lesions that require special care B.

CULTURE - people in North America place a high value on personal cleanliness and feel unclean if they don’t shower or bathe at least once daily - people from many other cultures often find a weekly bath sufficient and may feel no need to mask normal body odors - different cultures may also influence whether bathing is private or communal activity C.

SOCIOECONOMIC CLASS - socioeconomic class and financial resource often define hygiene options available to individuals D.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES - including religious beliefs, may dictate ceremonial washings and purifications, sometimes as a

prelude to prayer or eating E.

DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL - children learn different hygiene practices while growing up - family practices often dictate practices - adolescents become more concerned about personal appearance, adopting new measures - older people begin to bath less frequently, possibly due to limitations and drier skin F.

HEALTH STATE - disease or injury may reduce a person’s ability to perform hygiene or motivation to follow usual habits