Dermatologist reveals 3 body parts you aren't washing enough - and the results are simply horrifying
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While most of us probably like to think that we are quite clean and take good care of our personal hygiene, it turns out that many people actually ignore specific areas when washing themselves.
The debate over washing your feet in the shower has rumbled on for years, but it turns out that this is the least of your worries, as there are far grosser areas of the body that are allegedly not always kept as clean as they should be.
Lindsey Zubritsky, widely known as Dermguru on social media, revealed the three body parts you will want to give some extra attention to next time you shower.
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In her video, she explained: "I'm a dermatologist and these are the places you definitely need to be washing more often than you currently are."
1. Behind the Ears
The first spot people likely do not wash enough is behind the ear, and a simple check can tell you if you need to dedicate more attention to it. Zubritsky suggests running a finger behind your ear, adding: "If you notice a smell or if you feel something, you should be washing that area more." She explained that this is a common zone for dandruff or other oily buildup to accumulate if neglected in the shower.
2. The Belly Button
The second, and arguably even grosser spot on the list, was the belly button, which can lead to some pretty repulsive consequences if ignored. "This is a very common area to collect sweat, dirt, and debris buildup," she warned. "In fact, if you don't clean it enough, you'll accumulate so much debris and dirt that you'll develop a 'navel stone' that looks like this."
Yes, failing to clean your belly button can create a navel stone known clinically as an omphalolith, which looks exactly as unpleasant as it sounds.
3. Under the Fingernails
Finally, cleaning underneath your fingernails should never be skipped, as they can harbor serious bacteria. She explained: "You are absolutely not cleaning your fingernails enough. When you take a shower, you really need to get underneath your nails with a scrubbing brush to get rid of the dirt, debris, and buildup."
The Unseen Threat: MRSA Colonization
Zubritsky added that these three specific areas are common harborages for MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a strain of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics. "If you keep getting bacterial skin infections or folliculitis, you might be colonized with MRSA in these areas," she warned.
In her post's caption, she added: "There is a right way and a wrong way to wash your body… and certain areas are more prone to getting dirty than others. Ears, belly buttons, and underneath the fingernails are common places where people can harbor a bacterial infection like MRSA. Make sure to wash these areas every day when you shower. If you continue to suffer from staph infections on your skin, be sure to see a dermatologist. We might recommend treatments like bleach baths, a decolonization regimen, or a Hibiclens wash."
Social Media Reaction
Understandably, her followers were quite shocked, commenting: "Lord have mercy, I thought you were going to say something like feet or your back—why would those areas not be cleaned every day?" and, "The dirty belly button!! An area we all forget way too often."
Another user wrote, "People barely wash their hands," while others were in complete disbelief, adding: "I lost it at the navel stone part, what on earth," and, "What??? There is no way that happens to people!!!"
