The Care and Cleaning of You

Sharon FickleyBSN, RN

Martha Jefferson Hospital

Why are We Here Tonight?

Talk about changes affecting the care of your body between the ages of 10 and 18

Understand why personal hygiene becomes more important (and maybe challenging) during these years

What’s Happening Here, Anyway?

Puberty brings many changes to your body. These changes are caused by a complex interaction between your brain, hormones, and all of your body systems.

Why Does Personal Hygiene Matter to Me?

As your hormones change, it is sometimes harder to keep a neat, clean appearance

You’ll notice changes in your hair and skin, and may notice body odor, especially after exercise

Why Hygiene Matters (con’t)

Proper body care is important to maintain healthy hair, skin, and nails

Kids who don’t keep clean may have trouble making or keeping friends

Parents, teachers, and other adults appreciate good personal hygiene

Some Interesting Facts

Many adolescents don’t seem to respond to their own bodily changes

May be reluctant to shower, wash hair, brush teeth, clean nails, etc.

Often becomes battle ground between parents and children

Most teachers say there’s a real need for more emphasis in this area

Some Hygiene Basics

Don’t share personal items such as combs, brushes, lipstick, chap stick, mascara, and earrings, just to name a few.

Why?

Wash Those Hands!!!

Hand washing is the single best way to prevent transmission of germs and the consequent illness.

Wash Those Hands!!!

One of the most common ways to get a cold is to rub your nose or eyes with unwashed hands

Just think about all the things you’ve touched today!

1 in 5 people don’t wash hands after using bathroom!

Germy Business

Only 32% of people in a 2005 survey said they wash hands after sneezing or coughing

21% washed hands after handling money

42% washed hands after handling animals – just think about what goes in their mouths!

It’s More Than Just a Quick Rinse

Use warm waterUse soapRub hands together hard for 15 seconds

– can sing “Happy Birthday”Rinse under warm waterMay want to use paper towel to flush or

to open door in public bathrooms

All About Hair

About 100,000 hairs on your headSebum is the natural oil in hair

Covers straight hair better than curly Makes straight hair appear shinier

Still More About Hair

Different hair types need different types of care

Type and amount of shampoo and styling product should be right for your hair type

Treat all hair types gently, especially when wet – prevents breakage

Head to Toe Changes

Hair may seem oily and hard to keep clean

Sebaceous glands make more oil – maybe too much!

Hair may appear greasy soon after washing

What Will Help?

Wash hair at least once a dayMay need to be more often if active Use shampoo and/or conditioner for oily

hairBe sure to rinse hair very wellKeep hair off face, especially during

sports activities

Other Hair Treatments

Keep hair cut often enough to prevent split ends

Hair style to fit lifestyle!Be careful if coloring or perming hairUse other chemical treatments carefully

What if My Hair is Dry?

Don’t wash dailyUse proper shampooAvoid heat styling products and harsh

chemicalsTry not to color hair too frequently

Dandruff? UGH!

Not contagious of dangerous – just embarrassing!

Recent evidence suggests fungal causeCan try non-prescription shampoosConsult your doctor if doesn’t get better

Skin

All About Skin

Why do I Have to Deal With Acne?

Almost all teens, and many adults, develop acne at some time or times during life.

Why Now?

Pores in the skin contain sebaceous glands which make sebum (remember, it coats the hair!)

As your body changes and develops, glands may become overactive, causing pores to clog.

Why Does This Have to Happen?

Too much sebum and many dead skin cells clog pores

Bacteria becomes trapped inside pores and leads to swelling and redness – ACNE!

Acne can be painful, embarrassing, annoying, and downright hard to get rid of.

Myths About Acne

Tanning clears up skin Chocolate causes acne Greasy foods cause acne

Acne Myths (con’t)

The more you wash your face, the less you’ll break out

Popping pimple makes them go away faster

Don’t wear makeup if you want clear skinUsing more medicine helps stop

breakouts faster

What Should I Do?

Use MILD soap and water to wash face twice a day

Choose makeup labeled “oil-free” or “nonacnegenic”

Remove all makeup dailyKeep hairsprays and gels away from

faceWash face well after exercise

What Else Can I Do?

Use over the counter acne medications to treat periodic breakouts

Remember that acne won’t last foreverRemember that you probably notice

more than others doAsk your parents to take you to the

doctor if acne persists

Do I Smell Something in Here?

Bathing and Other Daily Tasks!

Kids are not used to “smelling” when they sweat

Body odor may begin to appear in the middle elementary years

During puberty, hormonal changes cause body odor to become stronger and often offensive

Why DOES This Matter?

Many adolescents don’t notice that they have body odor

Can become a daily battle to have them shower

Keep it Simple

Kids – try to believe that your parents have your best interests at heart

Parents – set ground rules and stick by them

Smelling Better Every Day!

Bathe or shower daily using mild soap and warm water

Apply deodorant or antiperspirant & deodorant after showering

Keeping it Clean

Change your underwear, socks, and clothes each day or after exercising

Wear cotton material if you find that you’re sweating a lot

Remember to allow shoes time to air out, especially after exercise or if they get wet

Shaving

How to Eliminate Unwanted Hair

Ask your parents if it’s ok for you to shave

Ask your parents to help you choose and buy the type of razor they think is best

Use a shaving cream or gel that’s right for your skin type

Shave Safely

Razor should have relatively new, sharp blade

GO SLOWLY!!!Be carefulGirls – don’t try to shave your lip! If you

have concerns about hair here, talk to an adult you trust about what’s best to do

Troubles with Shaving

Folliculitis - “razor bumps”Can be painful Ingrown hairsTry Safety RazorMay need to talk to dermatologist if

severe

You Only Get One Set

Take Care of Those Teeth

Floss and Brush, but Don’t Rush!

Often said that tooth and gum health is picture of overall health

Plaque causes decay, which leads to cavities – and this is only the beginning!

Twice a Day Keeps Holes Away

Brush 2 times a day to prevent decayBrush from where tooth and gum meet to

the chewing surface, with brush at 45-degree angle

Floss carefully and gently If you have braces, try to brush teeth or

at least rinse mouth at school

What About the Paste?

Fluoride the most important ingredientWhitening agents fine, but may not

noticeably change color of teeth. Tooth color has much to do with genetics

Smoking, coffee can change tooth color Talk to your dentist if you are self-conscious

about the color of your teeth

See that Dentist

A few facts: Prevention is the best route for dental care Cleaning should be twice a year Checks teeth, gums, and bone structure 84% 17-year-olds have cavities 60% 15-year-olds have gingivitis

A Few Words About Piercing

Talk to your parents!Some places on body can be very

irritated by piercingSome places tend to more infectionTongue piercings may damage teethTongue, cheek, lip piercings may cause

gum problems

To Pierce or Not to Pierce?

Body piercing is a personal decision between you and your parents. The

same is true for tattooing. Please understand that while piercings do not have to be permanent, tattoos, in most

circumstances, are. There can be significant health risks, especially with tattoos, so parents and kids, PLEASE

TALK!!!

Piercing Safety

Investigate piercing salon firstBe absolutely sure that the shop you

choose: Is CLEAN Has personnel who practice good hand

washing Personnel use disposable gloves Uses disposable or sterilized instruments

Piercing Safety (Con’t)

Does not use a piercing gun – not sterile Uses only new needles with each client Disposes of sharp needles in special

container

More on Piercing

Watch for allergic reactionsBe sure jewelry is made of non-toxic

metal, such as surgical steel, solid 14 or 18-karat gold, niobium, or titanium

Piercing Risks

Most piercings performed and cared for properly do fine. But there are risks, and if you choose to pierce one or more body parts, you need to know these risks.

Piercing Risks

Chronic Infection Significant Bleeding Scarring Hepatitis B or C Tetanus Allergic Reactions to Jewelry Local Infection/abscess Inflammation or nerve damage

Resources for Teens and Parents

www.kidshealth.orgwww.nlm.nih.gov