Maintaining proper personal hygiene and good sanitation is important to prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria and viruses that cause sickness and even death in severe cases. Good health begins when you identify the causes of illnesses so you can take measures on how to avert and treat them.
In a research that linked poverty with clean water and sanitation, the study shows that access to potable water and sanitation is determined by households’ income. Those with adequate incomes have better access to clean water and basic sanitation facilities like toilets or latrines. This is why hygiene and sanitation related diseases are prevalent among the poor communities in the country. The dismal situations pose serious health hazards to those people who are living in these communities. Diseases can transmit easily without a proper system to separate waste from water and food.
What are the common hygiene and sanitation related diseases that you must be aware of? Let us take a closer look.
8 Diseases Caused by Poor Hygiene and Lack of Sanitation
Hygiene Related Diseases
1. Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin infection that is caused by a fungus. The circular rash is usually red and itchy. The fungi can live on surfaces, skin, and household items like towels, clothing, and bedding. The medical terms of ringworm are “tinea” or “dermatophytosis.” Other names are based on where it is located on the body like the ringworm on the feet is called “athlete’s foot.”
2. Body Lice
Body lice live and lay eggs on clothing then move to the skin to feed. It is one of the hygiene related diseases that spread through person-to-person contact. The disease is common to people who live in crowded conditions and with poor personal hygiene. Symptoms include rashes, red bumps on the skin, intense itching, and darkened or thickened skin, especially near the waist or groin area.
3. Scabies
The scabies mite digs into the upper layer of the skin where it stays and lays eggs. Common symptoms include intense itching, sores, pimple-like rashes, and thick bumps on the skin. It is spread when a person comes in close contact with someone who has scabies mites. Scabies spread quickly when people live in crowded places with poor hygiene conditions.
4. Adult Head Lice
Head lice infest the head and neck and then attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. Lice only move by crawling. Head lice infestation is one of the hygiene related diseases that affect self-esteem and confidence. It is also commonly spread by close person-to-person contact.
Sanitation Related Diseases
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is caused by several bacteria, viruses, and protozoans. It drains a person of water and electrolytes which can lead to death for many who do not have an oral rehydration solution. Proper sanitation facilities and frequent hand washing are essential to eliminate diarrheal deaths.
6. Cholera
Another type of the most common sanitation related diseases is cholera. It is caused by contact with waste from an infected person either directly or through food and water. Observance of good sanitation is now the first line of defense to control this disease and prevent deaths.
7. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi through contaminated food or water. As one of the sanitation related diseases, typhoid fever is sometimes transmitted from direct contact with an infected person. Persons who are infected carry the bacteria in their intestinal tract and bloodstream. The symptoms are prolonged high fever, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea or constipation. Some patients may have a rash. In severe cases, typhoid fever may cause severe complications or even death.
8. Dysentery
Dysentery is caused by either bacteria or an amoeba. It is an infection of the intestines. Dysentery can usually clear up on its own without any treatment. But it can transmit easily in communities that have no system to separate wastes from food and water.
ALSO READ: Bathroom Cleaning Supplies that Simplify Sanitation and Maintenance
It is essential to understand the different hygiene and sanitation related diseases to develop healthy habits and implement preventive measures that can curb the spread of various illnesses. The observance of proper hygiene and good sanitation practices like frequent hand washing, drinking clean water, and correct disposal of waste is the first line of defense to avoid health risks that may affect the body and even cause death.
Having good hygiene and sanitation begins with you at home. The use of cleaning and disinfectant products can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses that cause hygiene and sanitation related diseases. BestLab is your source of high-quality personal hygiene and sanitation products. It has a wide range of personal and home care products such as high-quality alcohol, disinfectants, sanitizers, face wipes, air humidifiers, dishwashing liquid, and more.
Are you looking for sanitation and disinfectants for your home and workplace? Check out Best Lab’s personal care and disinfectant products today.
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