5 areas of the body that almost no one cleans well (and that can affect your health more than you think)

We all think we bathe well: soap, shampoo, deodorant, and that’s it. But the truth is that there are parts of the body that are forgotten, almost always out of habit or because we don’t think about them. And although they may seem like minor details, these oversights can cause irritation, bad odor, discomfort and even promote minor infections.

In this article you will learn about the 5 areas that are most neglected and how you can take care of them correctly with simple routines that anyone can apply.

1. The navel: small, but very forgotten

It may sound strange, but the belly button is a place where they accumulate:

• dead skin
• sweat
• soap residue
• Lint from clothes

As it is a humid, warm and poorly ventilated place, bacteria can multiply more easily. Studies of the human “microbiome” have shown that the navel contains a wide variety of microorganisms, which is normal, but only becomes a problem if there is irritation, strong odor, or discharge.

How to clean it properly

• Use a cotton swab with warm water and mild soap.
• Clean slowly, making circles, without pressing too hard.
• Make sure to dry well afterwards, because humidity is what promotes irritation the most.

If there is persistent redness, intense odor or discharge, it is advisable to consult.

2. Behind the ears: a classic that goes unnoticed

Behind the ears accumulate:

• sebum (natural oil from the skin)
• Dust
• Leftover hair products
• trapped moisture

If it is not cleaned well, unpleasant odor, irritation and flaking may appear.

How to care for it

• In the shower, wash behind your ears with mild soap and your fingers or a soft washcloth.
• Rinse thoroughly and dry the entire area, including the crease where the ear meets the head.
• If you have long hair, set it aside for a few seconds to allow the skin to finish drying.

3. Armpits: more important than they seem

Armpits don’t just sweat: they also contain glands and folds where bacteria find an ideal environment. The strong smell doesn’t come from the sweat itself, but from how bacteria break down certain compounds in sweat.

If there is poor hygiene or constant humidity, irritations, pimples and mild skin infections may appear.

How to wash them well

• Use mild soap and rinse thoroughly, making sure there is no residue.
• Dry the area very well; trapped moisture worsens odors and irritation.
• If you have sensitive skin, try simpler deodorants, without alcohol or strong perfumes.

4. The groin: an area that requires special attention

The groin has folds where the following accumulate:

• sweat
• Heat
• friction
• humidity

This environment favors irritations known as intertrigo, which are sometimes complicated by fungi or bacteria. In addition, when the groin is bothersome, many people walk differently without realizing it, causing pain in the hip, knees or back.

How to keep it in good shape

• Use pH-balanced soaps.
• Wash gently, paying attention to all the folds.
• Dry very well, without leaving moisture.
• If you sweat a lot, you can use a specific talcum powder recommended by a professional.

5. Your feet: the basis of your mobility

The feet are often the most overlooked part, but they are critical for stability, balance, and independence.

Over time, you may develop:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Moisture between the toes
• Fungi
• Ingrown toenails
• painful corns

These problems are not only aesthetic. Pain and discomfort can cause a person to walk less, move around unsafely, or be more at risk of falling.

Recommended Foot Routine

1. Daily wash with mild soap.
2. Thorough drying, especially between the toes.
3. Hydration on the sole and heels (avoid between the toes).
4. Straight nail cut, without leaving them too short.
5. For corns, use soft pumice stone, don’t try to remove them all at once.

If there are wounds that won’t heal, swelling, or persistent pain, it’s important to seek professional care.

Conclusion: small care that makes a big difference

Paying attention to these five areas — belly button, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and feet — can help prevent:

• irritations,
• bad smells,
• discomfort when walking,
• mild infections,
• social and emotional discomfort.

You don’t need to change your entire routine: just add small daily habits to keep your skin healthy and your body more comfortable and functional.

Disclaimer

This article is informational and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or personalized medical advice.
If you have pre-existing health conditions, sensitive skin, wounds, infections, persistent pain, or questions about your particular situation, always consult a healthcare professional.
Hygiene routines should be tailored to each person according to their age, mobility, skin condition, and specific needs.

👉 Follow our page, like 👍, and share this post. Every click can make a difference—perhaps saving your own life or that of a loved one.