Personal Hygiene During Puberty

1Why hygiene matters more now

At puberty, sweat glands work harder, the skin makes more oil, and new hair traps sweat. Germs that feed on sweat cause body odour. Without good hygiene you can also get pimples, rashes, itching and infections of the private parts.

2Every day, for everyone

• Bathe every day with clean water and soap, especially the armpits, feet and private parts.
• Wear clean, dry cotton underwear and change it every day.
• Wash underwear with soap and dry it in the sun. Sunlight helps kill germs. Iron it if you can.
• Never share towels, underwear or razors.
• Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet.
• Wash your face to help with pimples, and do not squeeze them.
• Keep your nails short and clean, and brush your teeth.

3For boys

• Wash the penis and scrotum every day with clean water and mild soap.
• If you are not circumcised, gently pull back the foreskin, wash underneath it, rinse, and move it back into place. A whitish substance can collect there and cause a bad smell or infection if it is not washed away.
• Circumcision should only be done at a health facility by trained health workers.

4For girls

• Wash the vulva (the outer part) every day with clean water. Use mild soap only on the outside.
• There is no need to wash inside the vagina. It keeps itself clean, and soaps or perfumes inside can cause irritation.
• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back, so that germs from the anus are not carried towards the vagina and urethra.

5Menstrual hygiene

• Use a clean sanitary pad: a disposable pad, or a reusable cloth pad.
• Change the pad every 4 to 6 hours, or sooner when it is full.
• Wash your hands before and after changing a pad, and wash the private area at least twice a day during your period.
• Wash reusable pads with soap and cold water, dry them in the sun, and store them clean and dry.
• Wrap a used disposable pad in paper and put it in a bin or in the place your school provides. Never throw pads in the open or in a flush toilet.
• Carry a spare pad in your school bag. Many Rwandan schools have a girls' room with water and pads; ask your teacher if you need help.

Boys have a job too: be respectful, and never tease a girl about her period.

Try it yourself

Try each one on your own first, then tap Show answer to check.