An Iranian who is said not to have washed for around 60 years died a few months after taking a shower.
It couldn't have been the shower - could it?
The “dirtiest man in the world” was 94 years old.
This unofficial title was until recently borne by an Iranian known as Amou Haji.
As the
Guardian
quotes local media, the man had not bathed with soap or water in more than 60 years.
Cleanliness would make him ill, he feared, according to a report in the
Tehran Times
.
After some villagers persuaded him to wash again in 2022, Amou Haji died a few months later.
According to the
Guardian
, the less than glorious title of 'world's dirtiest man' now falls to an Indian man who hasn't touched his skin in decades.
Is Amou Haji's death related to his ablution weeks earlier?
Most likely not.
This is supported by his old age and the fact that a shower has no dangerous consequences - in most cases.
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For many, the daily shower is part of their morning routine - but there are also people who "underdo it" when it comes to hygiene.
© Imago
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Inflammation, scalding, allergies: the wrong shower has consequences
There are actually circumstances that can make a shower harmful to health.
The
Handelsblatt
lists designer showers here, for example, in which it often only becomes clear after a long trial and error how to optimally regulate the temperature.
But most of the time you are already in the shower and experimenting around there: "Then you have the choice of either dying by scalding or being hit by an ice-cold jet of water," says the
Handelsblatt
.
Shower survey
In fact, scalding can occur if you are exposed to the hot water for too long.
Too frequent showering can also have negative effects.
The
AOK
informs that people with sensitive skin that tends to dryness should not shower every day.
The water dries out the skin, which can lead to irritation and itching.
The damaged acid mantle would allow bacteria, fungi and allergy-causing substances to penetrate the skin better.
The result: inflammation, fungal diseases or allergies.
Do you pee in the shower? You can find out why this isn't a bad idea here.
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Death in the shower: how it can happen
Most fatal accidents happen in the home.
Older people in particular are at risk, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
In 2020, a total of 11,699 people over the age of 85 died in an accident.
6,914 were domestic accidents.
Not only climbing on ladders harbors risk potential.
A slippery floor in the kitchen or bathroom can also be life-threatening.
If soap residue collects in the shower tray or bathtub in addition to water, the shower becomes a slippery slide.
A fall can be fatal if your head hits hard tiles or edges.
List of rubrics: © Imago