There's one spot on the body that most people routinely ignore in the shower—and no, it's not their toes. It's something even more subtle, but dermatologists say is just as hygiene-sabotaging. If you think you're clean, check this spot.
If you think that water and shampoo, which casually slip past your ears while you shower, do a thorough enough job - the sad truth is: you haven't passed a basic hygiene exam. Dermatologist Dr. Roger Kapoor of the American clinic Beloit Health System warns that this place - right behind the ears, where the ear meets the scalp - is a real breeding ground for dirt, dead skin cells and oil. If you think you're clean, check this place.
“I always recommend that people be conscious and thorough in washing the skin behind their ears,” Dr. Kapoor tells SELF. Parades"This is the part of the body that easily catches all the dirt possible - and no one goes looking for it."
Well, except maybe when checking if you really installed your AirPods correctly.
Small corner – big problems – if you think you're clean, check this place
What happens if you ignore this microscopic hygiene pocket? Nothing good. Long-term neglect leads to…
- Infections: Bacteria happily invade through micro-injuries (such as piercings or scratches), and in rare cases even cause sepsis – a dangerous condition where the body loses control of its own immune response.
- Eczema: A moist, warm, and oily environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The result? Itchy, red, and flaky skin. And that's right behind your ear, where you least need the discomfort.
- Pimples and acne: Clogged pores, oil, sweat and – voilá – veritable nests of pimples that no Instagram filter can hide.
- Unpleasant smell: Yes, that subtle smell of butter? It might not be coming from the kitchen… Think you're clean!
Shampoo? Not enough. Hands? A must.
If you thought you "covered everything" in the shower because you shampooed your hair, you didn't. Kapoor warns that shampoo slides off your skin too quickly and doesn't have time to do its job. Recommends gentle soap gel and thorough washing with fingersto really reach every hidden corner. That way you'll be clean.
Glasses – secret carriers of bacteria
And another surprise: your best fashion accessory – your glasses – are not innocent. Their arms, which rest right on that neglected area, can easily transfer bacteria and further fuel the infection. The solution? Disinfect them occasionally before they disinfect you.
Brits, thanks for the reminder.
Finally – a refreshing (or worrying?) dose of research:
- Plumbworld 2020: 49 % Brits don't wash their feet. 60 % skips the toes. (Does this mean British hygiene ends above the ankles?)
- YouGov 2019: Only half of Britons shower every day. 1 % – and this is no joke – just once a month.
So what to do?
If you don't want your body to betray you because of an inch of neglected skin, remember the golden rule: There is no room for secrets behind the ears, let alone bacteria.. Next time you step into the shower, take a few extra seconds. Your health will thank you – and so will your friends.
PS: If you've ever thought, "This can't really be that important" - just think about how often you heard this as a child: “Did you wash behind your ears?” But mothers really weren't talking nonsense.
