What happens to your skin if you cannot access showers or soap...

By Meghan Freebeck | Simply the Basics

After a few days without a cleansing shower, we can already see… and smell… the consequences! Our hair becomes oily, we have an unpleasant body odor, people may be less inclined to sit next to us. But what happens beyond those few days, when a person must go weeks or even months before they are able to get clean?

We outline some of the consequences of being unable to cleanse your skin below

Bacteria Buildup

Up to 1,000 species of bacteria live on your skin, but most of these germs are actually good for us—they work to push out the “bad” bacteria or break down skin secretions to produce natural moisturizers. Bathing is our second line of defense against some of the nastier bacteria, so if you don’t regularly bathe and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, you’re exposing yourself to harmful germs that could get you sick.

That balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria on our skin can be upset by not washing enough. If you don’t wash your body, it makes it easier for germs that cause actual skin infections to flourish. If you didn’t wash at all, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells and oil would start to accumulate, and infections or ongoing skin conditions can become more serious, more difficult to manage, and harder to undo.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis neglecta is a skin condition characterized by patches of thick, brown plaques that occur when you don’t bathe for a very long time, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Dermatitis literally means "neglecting the skin." Dermatitis is a general term that describes a common skin irritation. It has many causes and forms and usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash. Or it might cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust or flake off. Three common types of this condition are atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Build up of Dead Skin

You shed millions of skin cells every hour. And without regular cleaning, some of that dead skin can build up on the surface of your skin. The end result? Skin irritation, says Dr. Aishah Muhammad, M.D. “Dead skin and grease naturally gather on the top layer of skin,” she said, “and by not washing, this buildup can leave your skin feeling itchy and dry.”

Other skin irritation, like dryness or red, inflamed patches that you don’t usually experience, can build. This can likewise be the result of dirt or dead skin cells that accumulate on your skin over time.

Initially, said dermatologist Dr. Lauren Ploch, the skin would become oily or dry and become infected with fungus or yeast and then bacteria. The dirt on the skin could then cause warty growths. Dr. Caroyln Jacob, director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, said the oily parts of your body would collect dirt and pollutants. This would happen most in places where your body produces the most oils, such as your underarms, behind the ears, on the neck and under a woman's breasts.

Infections

If your skin is unable to prevent or fight bad bacteria and fungi, an infection can happen. Our skin is our defense to the environmental toxins and debris we encounter on a daily basis. If not cared for properly by washing, then we allow the opportunity for a fungal infection like ringworm or a life threatening bacterial infection, such as staph.

You also may suffer life threatening infections from cuts or wounds. If you haven't washed and you suffer an abrasion, the building bacteria on your skin means you may be more likely to suffer a soft tissue infection, notes Rokhsar. "While infection may not be a concern in the beginning, carrying a large load of bacteria on the skin can pose a problem if the skin barrier were to become compromised in some way. i.e. through a cut or scrape.”

Doctors especially warn people to watch out for the groin area. You're likely to get rashes or something called intertrigo, a yeast and inflammation combination that goes from itchy and red to burning and painful.

Taking a shower after coming into contact with surfaces like these can help keep you healthy and hopefully stave off various infections.

Bugs and Parasites

Bugs, bacteria, and parasites like to hide under the nails, in the groin, behind the ears, or armpits when not washed routinely. According to Dr. Carl Edwards, “Small droplets transmitted through the air will hold bacteria. Bugs that live in the gut for example are designed to survive in a warm wet environment, such as under fingernails.” By not washing, you are more likely to have a number of different bugs on your hands and face. This puts you at risk of developing a cold or infection as bugs may be present and can leave your body fighting off their effects.

Body Odor

While sweat doesn’t have an odor itself, when it mixes with the natural bacteria on your skin, that is when we experience body odor. There are two different types of sweat glands that can lead to various aromas: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are found all over the body and open directly onto the surface of the skin, while the apocrine glands are found in areas near hair follicles, like your armpits and groin. 

It could take weeks to return to normal!

Undoing the damage caused by not showering not only takes weeks of cleansing, but often more medicated intervention such as a topical cream, antibiotics, or ointment.

For most people, the solution is simple - regular showers! However, for people with limited access to running water, showers, or hygiene products, the solution is far more difficult. Simply the Basics works to ensure everyone has access to solutions, for many this is by providing “shower-free body wipes”, but we also ensure that our service partners always are stocked with hygiene supplies, cleaning products, and soap for their shower services.