Source: Extra Practice

Why is maintaining good personal hygiene extremely important during adolescence? Provide two specific reasons.

Model Answer

Maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial during adolescence for several reasons. Firstly, the increased activity of sweat and sebaceous glands during this period leads to more sweating and oily skin, making adolescents more prone to body odour and acne. Regular bathing and cleansing help prevent these issues. Secondly, proper hygiene is essential for preventing infections, especially in genital areas, as the body becomes more active and certain bodily changes occur, making adolescents potentially more susceptible to bacterial or fungal growth if cleanliness is not maintained.

Explanation

Grading points: Explanation linking increased gland activity to body odour/acne, and prevention of infections, with clear reasoning.