What's That Rash? Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?
Jan 14, 2025
The podcast dives into the fascinating debate over daily showering, especially in the heat of Australian summer. It unravels the evolution of hygiene practices through history and cultural perspectives. Experts weigh in on maintaining skin health versus cleanliness, discussing the microbiome's role. The conversation highlights varying global showering habits and the ecological impact of personal hygiene routines. Plus, they bust myths around cleanliness and diet, emphasizing the real benefits of hand-washing and keeping clothes clean.
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Historical Hygiene Practices
- Historical hygiene practices varied greatly depending on culture and resources.
- Full-body immersion was rare, with most cultures prioritizing cleanliness of hands, face, and feet.
Dermatologist Advice
- Dermatologists recommend using non-soap cleansers to preserve the skin's natural oils and microbiome.
- This helps reduce skin irritation and conditions like eczema.
Bathing Habits Then and Now
- Norman Swan mentioned he used to have two baths a week growing up in Scotland.
- Now he sometimes showers twice daily, highlighting the cultural shift in hygiene habits.