While common, there are multiple reasons why someone stop showering depending on the individual. The reasons can range from not feeling secure and in control in the bathroom anymore, to early signs of dementia and psychological issues.
Occasionally, the refusal to shower could be linked to certain mental health problems. For example, teens with serious depression may lack the interest and energy to shower. 2 But taking a shower won't be the only problem they'll struggle with; depression could also lead to academic and social problems.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health.
Beyond temporary lethargy or a bad day, consistently not wanting to take a shower can be a symptom of depression, fibromyalgia, or a phobia; whilst physical pain can also be a reason – in which case, the best course of action is to see your doctor for the best guidance.
Showering too often can affect the barrier function of the skin. Healthy skin has a natural layer of oil and bacteria that help keep it from drying out. On the flip side, not showering enough can cause body odor, acne, and even skin infections.
Every two, three or even four days is acceptable as long as you don't stink up the place. She said, generally, the organisms naturally found on her skin protect us from picking up harmful germs.
People who avoid bathing due to ablutophobia can get into trouble at work or school and may become socially isolated and depressed. Their self-image and self-esteem can suffer. Children with ablutophobia can face a greater risk of bullying, particularly as they approach their teen years.
Several ADHD traits can make it hard to maintain personal hygiene. Being easily distracted can make you forego things like taking a bath or brushing your teeth. Being sensitive to hygiene products can also pose a challenge. Of course, there are instances of being forgetful with activities that concern cleanliness.
If you're caring for someone who won't wash, try getting them involved with activities that are followed by showers, such as swimming. It may help if they see other people showering.
Per Dr. Sperling, some people with dry or sensitive skin benefit from less frequent showers. However, if you don't fall into that category, daily showers are a-okay, albeit not necessary to maintain good hygiene in most cases.
It's that your mental state makes you feel too fatigued to do so. This is often because fatigue itself is a symptom of depression.
Great Britain has the lowest rate of showering per week, at 83 percent. However, the English do love their baths: they have the most baths out of every country, with 32 percent of people bathing each week. Germany comes at a far second, at just 20 percent.
However, indifference to hygiene tasks, including showering, brushing teeth, doing laundry or brushing hair, is a common symptom of mental health conditions (particularly depression). As a health care professional and someone living with depression, I can speak to the very real manifestations of this symptom.
The Himba people live in one of the most extreme environments on earth with the harsh desert climate and the unavailability of potable water. However, their lack of bathing has not resulted into lack of personal hygiene.
Generally, she says, "you should be showering, bathing or cleansing yourself every two to three days." Though, if you're working out or engaging in an activity where you are sweating a lot, you may have to shower more often. The biggest problem that may stem from not showering enough? The stink.
wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers. avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. clean and disinfect surfaces you use often such as benchtops, desks and doorknobs. clean and disinfect objects you use often such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes.
OCD likes to disrupt anything in its wake, including the things we must do on a daily basis. OCD can make it hard to eat, go to the bathroom and especially shower.
Showers may be utilized by OCD individuals as a place to “check out” of the sensory and anxiety overload that is life. Excessive showering can lead to chronic lateness, inability to get out of the house, and routine absence from the family system.
Aside from helping the planet, Dr. Chen says it can also benefit your skin. "Showering less helps strengthen your immune system by keeping disease-fighting bacteria living on your skin. It also allows us to preserve more of our microorganisms and the skin's natural oils," she says.
In the United States, most people bathe daily but, in other countries, many people bathe only 2-3 times per week or less. Many times it can come down to habit and ritual, as daily showers can help people feel more awake, avoid body odor, relax tight muscles or simply because that's what they've been taught to do.
What's the worst that can happen if you leave a few dead skin cells lingering on your back? The most likely consequence will be a dull complexion. Again, it won't kill you. But it can lead to back acne, better known as bacne.