The doors to travelling have opened yet again. While most of the people are packing their bags to rejuvenate the situation outside is not the same.
Due to the current covid-19, pandemic there have been few but significant additions in the list of precautions.
Here are some personal hygiene tips women should keep in mind while travelling:
1. Skin and hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is a very important part of protecting from Covid-19 infection. Regular washing of the hands with soap and water for 20 sec or using alcohol based sanitizer is essential. Keep the nails short and clean. Facial-skin can become dry, so it’s good to have skin moisturiser particularly for facial skin. Using correct SPF sunscreen will prevent sunburns. Perineal skin and area near groin can get chafed by sweat and give rise to fungal infection. Dusting powder may help to prevent skin infections at a bay.
2. Intimate hygiene
The need to use un-clean, soiled public toilets can make you vulnerable for urine infections. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid holding urine for a very long time. Use anti- bacterial baby wipes to clean toilet seats or carry disposable toilet seat covers to avoid infections. Always, wipe from front to back after urinating. Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes while travelling.
3. Care during menstruation
If it’s planned travel then you can change the timing of periods with the help of your gynecologist in advance. It’s important to carry menstrual pads or tampons or cups along with waste-disposal bags or zip-lock bags. It may be a good idea to have some painkillers for painful periods.
4. Sexual care
It’s important to continue your regular method of contraception during travel to prevent unplanned pregnancies. It’s essential to have access for the use of a barrier method or condom as well to prevent sexually transmitted infections, particularly with new partners. Always pass urine immediately after intercourse to prevent urine infections.
5. Mouth and general body hygiene
Bad breaths can be avoided by use of antibacterial mouthwash and regular brushing. Body deodorants and anti-perspirants prevent bad body odours.
6. Double facial masking
Wearing double cloth or combination of N-95 or surgical masks and cloth mask is the basic requirement in the current pandemic. Avoiding touching of the face, mask and safe disposal or washing of cloth masks are important to protect from Covid-19 infections while travelling.
