8 Things That Can Happen to You If You Stop Showering

Have you ever imagined how much your life would change if you stopped showering for a few days? Getting in the shower is something most of us take for granted. However, skipping this healthy habit for multiple days can actually be detrimental to our health in many different ways. Let's find out the 8 things that can happen to your body.

DISCLAIMER: CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE OF MEDICAL ADVICE. SEEK GUIDANCE OF YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING YOUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

1. Fungal infections

On top of infectious diseases, fungus, and other similar skin infections will take over and cause a lot of trouble. Fungus can live on your skin, inside your mouth, and on your genitalia. Children, pregnant women, and overweight people are most likely to develop fungal infections.

However, one of the biggest factors is, of course, poor hygiene. So cleaning those areas well is the most important step in becoming healthy again.

2. Scalp issues

Going without showering for three days can lead to scalp issues such as increased oiliness, dandruff, and itchiness. The accumulation of sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells can clog pores, potentially causing irritation or acne. Additionally, the growth of bacteria and fungi due to poor hygiene may result in infections or scalp inflammation. Maintaining regular scalp hygiene is essential for preventing these problems.

3. Body odor

This one may be one of the most obvious consequences, but it bears mentioning. When you don't shower for days, sweat and bacteria accumulate on the skin. Clothing, bedding, and furniture may absorb these oils, leading to lingering smells reminiscent of a thrift shop or sour milk.

While some individuals might not perceive their own odor due to olfactory adaptation, others may find the scent unpleasant. Maintaining regular hygiene practices helps prevent these odors and promotes personal comfort.

4. Drop in self-esteem

Poor hygiene may lead to social rejection, bullying, and low self-confidence. Additionally, individuals with low self-esteem might neglect personal hygiene, creating a cycle that further diminishes self-worth. Maintaining personal hygiene is a form of self-respect and is associated with better mental health, including lower levels of stress and depression.

5. Skin infections

Imagine the amount of bacteria and germs that we get every time we touch our mobile phones, door handles, and toilet seats. If you don't wash your body, the germs and bacteria will enter your system through your hands, nose, or mouth, giving you the common cold or even hepatitis A. However, let's make it clear that hepatitis A is usually transmitted after ingesting contaminated food and water or after coming into contact with another infected person.

When you were taught as a child that washing your hands is important, the same also applies to the entire body. Not showering can be really dangerous.

6. Poor mental health

When you stop showering for days, your poor hygiene may lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, as individuals might feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance and odor. This embarrassment can result in social withdrawal, further exacerbating feelings of isolation and depression.

Additionally, neglecting personal hygiene can contribute to low self-esteem, as individuals may feel they are not meeting societal standards or their own expectations for self-care. Maintaining regular hygiene routines is essential for promoting positive mental health and well-being.

7. Clogged pores

Without regular cleansing, sweat, oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells accumulate on the skin, leading to clogged follicles. These blockages can result in whiteheads or blackheads, and if bacteria infect the plugged follicles, they may cause papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts. Maintaining regular hygiene, including daily showers, helps remove these impurities and reduces the risk of acne.

8. Irritating existing skin conditions

Once you stop showering, any existing skin problems you have are likely to worsen over time. You'll start scratching your skin as bacteria and dirt start working together to cause the itching sensation. Scratching and itching might cause your skin to break and, in turn, become infected. That being said, forgoing showering can cause a lot of problems for people with pre-existing dermatological issues, like eczema.

On the other hand, showering too often can lead to extremely dry skin, as you strip your skin from its natural oils. So, it's best to find the right balance.

Are you sure you are doing everything right when it comes to your daily hygienic habits? Maybe you are, but maybe you make small mistakes that can actually have a severe impact.