Let's face it: we all wipe our butts and most of us do it at least once a day, probably without much thought. But there are many ways to get your cleaning wrong, and they can lead to some less than positive health effects.
To find out how we can all be kinder to our asses, we give you the best tips to keep in mind when looking for toilet paper.
The 5 most common mistakes when cleaning your butt
Clean from back to front
When you were first taught how to clean up after pooping, your parents probably taught you the front-to-back movement. There's not much of a mystery either: You wipe yourself with toilet paper starting at the front of your genital area and moving back past the anus.
It is vital to go only in this direction, as cleaning from back to front can increase the spread of harmful bacteria to the urethra . Women, especially, are at a higher risk of exposing their urethra to unwanted bacteria (fecal matter), which can travel to the bladder. If this happens, it can lead to a urinary tract infection or other problems.
If for some reason you cannot reach the back, you can reach between the legs from the front and wipe back from there.
You clean yourself too hard
It's not pretty, but we've all been through it. After finishing, you can't seem to remove the excess from your butt. In an effort to be completely clean, you clean harder and harder.
Do your best to avoid this habit, as it can cause anal injury and lead to bleeding, pain, and itching. As you probably already know, the perineal area is sensitive and highly vascular, which means that there are many vessels and nerves that can be damaged. That is why it is recommended to use a patting motion when cleaning, to gently cleanse the area.
You get up to clean
Once you've finished relieving yourself, can you clean up on your feet? Or do you stay seated? The latter is the best option.
It all comes down to a simple anatomy: When you're sitting, your buttocks are spread apart, allowing you to clean the anal opening more easily. If you stand up, you naturally tighten your cheeks, making it less likely that you can get really clean.
Looking for the wrong toilet paper
Don't be fooled by outlandish claims about toilet paper packaging.
For example, if it is ' infused with aloe and vitamin E ', it could create a burning sensation if your skin is sensitive. If it is ' ultra strong' it could contain a formaldehyde which is not only considered irritating to the skin, but may also be linked to cancer. And while recycled toilet paper is better for the environment, these brands tend to have a rougher texture, and therefore rougher for the butt.
Instead, choose a simple one. Look for one that is unbleached, without dyes or perfumes. Your favorite is the seventh generation unbleached toilet paper.
You use wet wipes
You'd think using wet wipes would be more hygienic and less traumatic for your butt, but this can lead to other problems.
Wet wipes can cause a rash known as contact dermatitis because many contain fragrances and preservatives, such as MCI (methylchloroisothiazolinone), which can damage the sensitive skin of the anus.
If you enjoy the feel and ease of wet wipes, you can make some homemade wipes, so you know they are free of all the bad stuff.
- Start with your favorite paper towel and cut it in half.
- Place in a jar and add four cups of warm distilled or boiled water.
- Add a few drops of a mild baby soap.
- Add a tablespoon or two of coconut oil.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and drain most of the water.
- Store in a tightly closed container and use as needed.
