As we get older, everyday personal care can become a little different.

The skin becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile with age. Older adults may also produce less sweat and natural skin oil, while some areas of the body can remain warm and moist. These changes can make certain parts of the body more prone to irritation, odor, fungal infections, and other skin problems.

A viral image claims that people over 60 should wash five “overlooked” areas every day. The exact wording is more dramatic than the medical evidence supports: you don’t necessarily need to scrub every part of your body every day. In fact, excessive washing, hot water, and harsh soaps can make aging skin drier and more irritated.

What matters is knowing which areas deserve particular attention and how to clean them gently.

Here are five commonly overlooked areas.

1. Behind the Ears

The area behind the ears is easy to forget during a shower.

Oil, sweat, dead skin cells, hair products, and other residue can accumulate in the folds around the ear. This can sometimes lead to unpleasant odor or irritation.

How to clean it

During your normal shower:

Gently wash behind both ears.
Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser if needed.
Rinse thoroughly.
Pat the area dry rather than rubbing aggressively.

There is no need to scrub vigorously.

Older skin can be more fragile and prone to irritation, so gentle cleansing is preferable to aggressive scrubbing.

One important warning

Don’t put cotton swabs deep inside the ear canal simply because you’re cleaning the area around your ears.

The outside of the ear and the ear canal are different things. Earwax normally has a protective function, and inserting objects into the ear can cause injury.

2. Under the Armpits

The armpits are another area where sweat and bacteria can accumulate.

Although older adults may sweat less than younger people, the underarms can still become warm and moist, particularly in hot weather or while wearing multiple layers of clothing.

Cleaning the armpits can help remove:

Sweat
Body oils
Deodorant residue
Dead skin cells
Dirt and microorganisms

The key is gentle washing

You don’t need harsh antibacterial soap or vigorous scrubbing.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle cleansers for mature and sensitive skin because stronger products can contribute to irritation and dryness.

After washing, dry the area carefully.

If the skin is persistently red, painful, cracked, or itchy, don’t simply keep scrubbing it. Persistent irritation may have another cause and may require medical evaluation.

3. Between the Toes

The feet deserve special attention because they’re often covered by socks and shoes for much of the day.

One particularly easy area to overlook is between the toes.

Moisture trapped there can encourage irritation and fungal growth.

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends carefully drying between the toes after bathing because moisture remaining in these areas can increase the chance of skin infection.

A simple routine

After washing your feet:

Gently wash between each toe.
Rinse away the cleanser.
Dry the tops and bottoms of your feet.
Carefully dry between every toe.
Put on clean, dry socks.

Don’t aggressively scrape or cut the skin between the toes.

Why Foot Care Becomes Especially Important With Age

Your feet aren’t just a hygiene issue.

They can also provide clues about your overall health.

Older adults can experience:

Dry skin
Cracked heels
Thickened skin
Blisters
Cuts
Swelling
Changes in color
Fungal infections

People with diabetes need to be especially careful. The National Institute on Aging recommends keeping the feet clean and checking them for problems, while dermatologists recommend daily inspection for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, and discoloration in people with diabetes.

Check your feet regularly

If you have difficulty seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask someone you trust to help.

A small wound can be easy to miss.

If a foot wound doesn’t heal, becomes increasingly red or swollen, produces drainage, or becomes painful, seek medical advice.

4. Skin Folds

This is actually a group of areas, rather than one specific body part.

Examples include:

Under the breasts
Around the abdomen
Groin
Between the buttocks
Other places where skin touches skin

These areas can trap heat and moisture.

A condition called intertrigo can develop when skin repeatedly rubs together in warm, moist areas. It can cause redness, irritation, and sometimes infection.

The important part isn’t just washing

Drying matters just as much.

After bathing, gently pat these areas dry.

Avoid vigorous rubbing because friction can damage fragile skin.

If necessary, loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help reduce moisture and friction.

What Does Intertrigo Look Like?

It may appear as:

Red or darker irritated skin
Burning
Itching
Tenderness
Cracking
Moist or weeping skin
An unpleasant odor

Sometimes a secondary fungal or bacterial infection can develop.

If you notice a persistent rash, especially one that is painful, spreading, cracking, bleeding, or producing fluid, it’s better to have it assessed rather than repeatedly washing or applying random home remedies.

Mayo Clinic recommends medical evaluation for skin-fold rashes that produce oozing sores, cracked skin, or bleeding.