Prone To Exposure To Kuman, Often Touching 8 Parts Of This Body Can Cause Diseases

JAKARTA - Unknowingly, we often touch our faces, look into certain parts of the body. Even though small habits like this can pave the way for germs and viruses to enter the body.

According to dr. Beth Oller, a family doctor at the Rooks County Health Center, Kansas, hands are the dirtiest part of the body because they come into contact with various surfaces every day.

"Our hands touch our cellphones, door handles, keyboards, and many other objects that are full of germs," explained dr. Oller, quoted from The Healthy page.

Germs that stick to hands such as norovirus, Salmonella, E. coli, flu virus, to COVID-19 easily move to other more sensitive parts of the body.

Here are 8 parts of the body that should not be touched often because it can trigger disease.

1. Eyes

The eyes are a very sensitive body area.

"The input of mucus in the eyes is thinner and easily penetrated by germs than the skin," said dr. Oller.

Putting your hand into your eyes can move the virus that causes the flu, or small dust particles that can scratch theUDE. As a result, the eyes can feel sore, red, and infection.

2. Ear

Sneering or cleaning your ears with your fingers is not a good idea. According to research in 2024 at PLOS One, this habit can lead to blockage of ear impurities, fungal or bacterial infections (swimmers's ear).

Small wounds that can be the entry point for germs. According to dr. Oller, your nails are home to germs and bacteria.

"Cleaning the ears should be done according to the doctor's advice, because the ears need a little dirt (earwax) to stay protected," said dr. Oller.

3. Nose

Nosing may feel trivial, but it can disturb natural microbiomes, namely a collection of good bacteria that protect the respiratory tract. Research at Communications Biology (2024) found that changing the nose microbiome could increase the risk of asthma, allergies, respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, to internal ear infections.

"Putting fingers into the nose not only brings germs in, but also changes the balance of good bacteria which is important for the immune system," explained dr. Oller.

4. Mouth

The mouth is the main pathway for germs to enter the body. According to mLife (2024) research, the mouth has the second largest microbiome after the intestines, and its imbalance can trigger various diseases such as gum inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

"Taking your mouth with dirty hands is the fastest way the virus gets into the body," said dr. Oller.

So avoid the habit of biting nails, holding your lips, or supporting your chin with your hands.

5. Face

Often without realizing it, we touch our faces when we think, are tired, or stressed. But this can worsen acne. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hands carry oil and bacteria that can trigger acne.

Research at Cosmetics (2023) also explains that simply by attaching your face to your hands can cause acne mechanica, namely acne due to pressure and friction.

6. Pusar

Pusar turns out to be among the dirtiest parts of the body.

"Pusar is a breeding ground for bacteria, because the location is difficult to reach and still dirty even though it's been bathing," said Dr. Glenner Richards, director of a microbiological laboratory in Microban International.

The research by the Belly Button Biodiversity Project found that one human navel can contain more than 60 different types of bacteria. If you touch it with dirty hands frequently, this bacteria can cause irritation or skin infection.

7. Buttock Area

The habit of not washing hands after leaving the toilet can be fatal. Dr. Richards explained that touching the buttocks area can spread bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus into his hands.

"The mandate of this area can move to the mouth or eyes, and be the cause of infection," he said.

So never ignore hand hygiene after going to the bathroom.

8. Nails

Nails are favorite places for germs and mushrooms.

"Even after washing hands, germs can still hide under nails," said dr. Oller.

That's why medical personnel always wear gloves. Long nails or fake nails can also store more bacteria that are difficult to clean even with soap or hand sanitizer.