Current Status



Thanks to research, new investigation procedures, surveys and the global availability of information, we now have a much better understanding of the different aspects of personal hygiene.

Microbiological Data
A large number of pathogenic micro-organisms involved in personal hygiene problems can now be identified, mainly:

  • Bacteria: Enterobacteria, Staphylococci, Corynebacteria, Propionibacteria, etc.
  • Fungi: Malassezia furfur, Candida Albicans, etc.
  • Viruses: Herpes simplex virus, Papillomavirus.
  • Parasites: Lice, etc.

    These micro-organisms make up the two large flora groups which exist on the body:

  • Resident flora, composed mostly of bacteria, grows in the folds of the skin, sebaceous hair follicles and on mucosal tissues. It is usually non-pathogenic and sometimes even beneficial.
  • Transitory flora, from surrounding people and objects, or the digestive tract. It can be pathogenic.

    Adequate personal hygiene limits the spread of transitory flora and reduces the risk of contamination, while resident flora quickly recovers.

    The aim is indeed to prevent contamination by potential pathogenic germs, either from self-contamination when a person transfers germs from one area of their body to another (e.g. orofaecal infection via the hands), or from cross-contamination when germs are caught from another individual. Simple hygiene and vigilance against potential sources contamination are generally enough to reduce the risk.

     

    Personal Hygiene in Europe
    Although the correct behaviour seems simple, the actual picture is quite different.

       

    The figures* speak for themselves:

  • 90% of people do not wash their hands before eating. Toilets were most used after a meal.
  • 25% wash their hands only with water and not soap.
    		•  
     

  • 34% do not dry their hands after washing them
  • 25% carry the E. Coli bacteria after leaving toilets but only 4% have it on entering

    * Source: Studies carried out in the fast-food industry

     

    		•     


    These revealing figures concern the adult population, supposedly more aware and responsible than children. The risks are well documented, but only known and recognized by a minority. The majority of the population seems ignorant of, or refuses to comply with, basic personal hygiene rules, without regard for either their or others' health.

    Allergies

    Allergens are everywhere in our environment and permanent attention is required for sensitive people. Personal hygiene alone cannot significantly reduce the risk, but can help reduce allergies from skin contact.
    An allergenic substance such as latex, a material often in contact with the skin for some people, may cause little or no reaction if it is washed off immediately.

    It is also important to wear clean clothes.