Sinai Medical Center in New York explains the effects of not washing your body. From foot fungi to body odor, from bacteria to dandruff, dead skin accumulates. Fungi can grow between the toes and in the pelvic areas. Abrasions or wounds can more easily become infected. Skin infections are common, as is intertrigo. Social life and health can be severely compromised.
What Happens if You Don’t Wash?
Different are the case for people who stop washing without alternatives. Cameron Rokhsar, at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, describes similar consequences.
How Many Days Without Washing?
Specialists recommend washing every 24 hours. If you don’t wash for more than a day, nothing happens. If you don’t wash, body odors develop and dirt and bacteria accumulate on the skin for a long time. Acne and eczema can emerge. However, a certain amount of time is needed. At least a week. Children, until puberty, tend not to smell. The Rock takes three showers a day.
Reasons for Avoiding Hygiene
Ablutophobia is a pathological and unjustified fear. Some avoid hygiene due to fear or aversion to water.
Effects of Month-Long Neglect
Poor cleanliness alters the balance of bacteria and facilitates infections. Dirt, sweat, and oils accumulate. Diseases like dermatitis neglecta can emerge.
Frequency of Washing
There is no exact rule. Between daily and once a week, it’s better every 2/3 days. Washing too often is counterproductive. It alters the pH and dries out the skin. Those with oily skin or who exercise may wash more often. Water temperature influences. A hot shower relaxes, a cold one wakes you up and is good for the skin.