7 Parts Of Body You Should Not Touch With Your Hands- Number 2 Will SHOCK You
Our hands are powerful tools we use every day, but they’ re also a major vehicle for germs. According to Kelly Reynolds, Ph. D. , an associate professor at the University of Arizona’ s Zuckerman College of Public Health, ” Research shows that hands play a major role in the transmission of germs. Even after proper washing, hands and fingers are rapidly re- contaminated from the surrounding environment. ”
The issue intensifies if you wear rings or keep your fingernails longer than 2 millimeters. Studies from the University of Nebraska reveal that such habits increase microbial activity on your hands. Mark E. Rupp, M. D. , a professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, stresses that maintaining clean, short nails is vital to reducing bacterial transmission. To stay healthy, it’ s equally important to avoid touching certain body parts unnecessarily. Here are seven areas you should keep your hands off:
Your Ear Canal
As tempting as it may be to scratch an itch or remove wax, never stick your fingers— or anything else— into your ear canal. The thin skin lining the ear canal is highly sensitive and prone to damage, warns Dr. John K. Niparko of the University of Southern California. Inserting foreign objects can lead to infections like swimmer’ s ear or even a ruptured eardrum. If you experience persistent itchiness or discomfort, consult an otolaryngologist to identify and treat the root cause.
Your Face
Touching your face can lead to a host of issues, from breakouts to illnesses. Germs from contaminated surfaces can easily transfer to your skin when you touch your face, increasing your chances of infection. Additionally, your fingers produce oils that clog pores, potentially causing acne. Dermatology experts, like Dr. Adnan Nasir, advise keeping your hands away from your face unless you’ re washing or applying skincare products.
Your Butt
Aside from necessary hygiene practices like wiping and washing, you should avoid touching your butt. According to Jared W. Klein, M. D. , Ph. D. , bacteria around the anus can be harmful and transfer easily to your hands. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom to minimize the risk of spreading germs.
Your Eyes
Your eyes are particularly vulnerable to germs, which can cause infections ranging from pink eye to more severe conditions. Kimberly Cockerham, M. D. , an ophthalmology advisor, cautions against rubbing your eyes, even if they’ re itchy or irritated. Instead, use sterile eye drops or consult an eye doctor to address the underlying problem.
Your Mouth
It’ s a bad habit that many of us are guilty of: touching our mouths. Research from the UK indicates that people touch their mouths an average of 23. 6 times per hour when bored. This behavior significantly increases the likelihood of transferring germs to your mouth. A study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that 25– 33% of germs on fingers end up in the mouth. Try to break this habit by keeping your hands busy with other activities.
The Inside of Your Nose
Nose- picking isn’ t just socially unacceptable— it’ s also unhealthy. A 2006 study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology revealed that habitual nose- pickers were 51% more likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This increases the risk of infections in the nose and other parts of the body. If you must remove a blockage, use a clean tissue or consult a doctor if the problem persists.
The Skin Under Your Nails
The area beneath your nails can harbor a shocking amount of bacteria, including staph. Consultant dermatologist David De Berker, MRCP, explains that long nails are breeding grounds for harmful microbes. Regular cleaning with a gentle nail brush can help reduce bacterial buildup. Avoid picking at your nails or the surrounding skin, as this can lead to trauma and infections like onycholysis, where the nail separates from the nail bed.
Why It Matters
Every time you touch your face, scratch an itch, or bite your nails, you risk transferring germs to sensitive areas of your body. These germs can lead to infections, illness, or skin issues. The solution? Practice good hand hygiene, including frequent washing and keeping your nails trimmed. And when it comes to these seven body parts, remember the golden rule: hands off!
By being mindful of where your hands wander, you can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful bacteria and keep yourself healthier overall.
