INTIMATE IRRITATION: FORGET IT WITH PROPER PERSONAL HYGIENE

INTIMATE CLEANSER, THE BEST FRIEND OF FEMALE AND MALE INTIMATE HYGIENE

Personal hygiene is the first step to prevent numerous conditions and is even more important when it comes to the most intimate parts of each of us, particularly the female ones, which are physiologically most at risk. While one must consult a doctor at the onset of these ailments, it is possible to prevent the onset of irritation, burning, or other issues. In fact, by observing some small personal hygiene rules and using a good intimate cleanser, candida, gardnerella, cystitis, and any other type of intimate irritation will be just a bad memory. The habit of proper intimate hygiene should therefore be taught from childhood so as to avoid the onset of discomfort in adulthood.

The main causes of intimate discomfort

Our grandmothers did not suffer from many of the intimate ailments that modern lifestyle has brought upon us. There are indeed many causes for such conditions, most of which are linked to a sedentary lifestyle, diet, and clothing.

A large part of the inflammations and infections that affect the intimate parts, especially in women, derive from certain bacteria that, under normal conditions, populate the intestinal or vaginal bacterial flora but that, in the presence of certain triggering factors, proliferate uncontrollably.

The introduction of refined foods, rich in hidden sugars, has created a fertile ground for these bacteria and at the same time has weakened the other components of the flora that are responsible for countering them.

Another triggering cause is stress, which, by causing a weakening of the normal immune defenses, can lead, in more predisposed subjects, to imbalances in the composition of the intimate bacterial flora.

It may seem strange, but clothing is one of the main causes of the onset of intimate irritation. Especially in women, the genital area is in itself a more humid and warm area compared to the rest of the body and therefore constitutes the ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria. Non-breathable garments such as nylon or generally all synthetic fabrics, by not allowing air to circulate, contribute to overheating the area and preventing perspiration, creating ideal conditions for bacterial proliferation.

The same applies to the habit of a sedentary lifestyle; by sitting all day, in fact, one contributes to decreasing the perspiration of the genital area and increasing its temperature. Finally, tight trousers and jeans, besides being less breathable than our grandmothers' skirts, compress the area and create friction, irritation, and lesions more prone to infections.

In these circumstances, therefore, proper intimate hygiene becomes even more important, as many of the other good healthy habits for our most precious bacterial flora are lacking.

But, how should one wash their intimate female parts?

It is essential to cleanse only the external intimate parts and never the internal ones. While vaginal douches are effective if carried out under medical advice for the treatment of certain conditions, they are nevertheless unnecessary for daily intimate hygiene or may even be harmful because they alter the balance of the bacterial flora.

Cleansing should always be done from top to bottom so as to avoid contamination with the bacteria present in the intestine. Avoid the shared use of underwear and towels, which must always be strictly personal, to avoid contagion, and washing at 90°C, which allows for the elimination of present bacteria. In case of ongoing infections, dry the area with paper, so as to be sure that the towel used daily has not become a breeding ground for the bacteria responsible for the irritation.

It is advisable to wash once or twice a day with a good natural intimate cleanser, alternating with washes using only water. In fact, excessive use of intimate soap can also lead to alterations in the bacterial flora or excessive dryness of the tissues. It is possible to increase the number of washes during the period of the cycle, remembering to change both external pads and tampons often. In the latter case, use is not recommended during nighttime hours.

The characteristics of the best intimate cleanser

Every gynecologist will tell you that the use of an intimate cleanser, specifically designed and formulated for female intimate hygiene, already eliminates over 50% of the chances of contracting an intimate disorder.

The reason for the need to use an intimate cleanser instead of common soap lies in its pH. During childbearing age, in fact, the vaginal pH is slightly acidic and is around 4.5. Since its alteration can lead to imbalances in the bacterial flora, it is appropriate to use acidic intimate cleansers with a pH between 3.5 and 5.5. Conversely, traditional soaps have an alkaline (greater than 7) or neutral pH and are therefore not recommended for intimate hygiene.

The use of deodorants and scented sprays is absolutely contraindicated, as they could irritate the skin or create allergic reactions. For the same reason and given the delicacy of the area, avoid cleansers containing petroleum-derived surfactants, dyes, and other potentially toxic and irritating substances. It is always better to prefer intimate cleansers that are as natural as possible, for example based on Marseille soap, which is hypoallergenic and completely biodegradable, and in its olive oil-based version, allows for not altering the skin's pH and avoiding irritation.