Thankfully Outdated: Bad Hygiene Practices From The Past

In the past, people used various hygiene practices that would be considered outdated and even unsanitary by today’s standards. From not bathing regularly to using toxic substances in beauty products, the hygiene practices of the past may shock us. Let’s explore some of the bad hygiene practices from history that are thankfully no longer in use.

In the 18th century, lead-based makeup was all the rage among the aristocracy. Women would apply a white powder called ceruse, which contained lead, to achieve a pale complexion. However, lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health issues, including lead poisoning. Thankfully, modern makeup products are free of such harmful ingredients, ensuring the safety of consumers.

In the 19th century, the miasma theory was prevalent, which suggested that diseases were spread through polluted air. This misguided belief led people to avoid bathing, as they thought it would open up their pores to ‘bad air.’ Fortunately, the advent of germ theory in the 19th century debunked the miasma theory, leading to better hygiene practices and disease prevention.

Before the discovery of bacteria as the primary cause of tooth decay, ancient civilizations believed in the myth of tooth worms. It was thought that tiny worms burrowed into teeth and caused pain and decay. This led to ineffective treatments like rinsing the mouth with urine to kill the supposed worms. With modern dental science, we now know the real causes of tooth decay and have access to proper oral hygiene techniques.

Bloodletting, the practice of draining blood from a patient to cure illness, was a common medical treatment in the past. Physicians believed that balancing the bodily humors through bloodletting could restore health. However, this practice often did more harm than good, leading to infections and weakened patients. Thankfully, modern medicine has advanced beyond such archaic practices to provide safe and effective treatments.

In ancient Rome, urine was used as a mouthwash in a misguided attempt to promote dental hygiene. The ammonia in urine was believed to have sterilizing properties, although the smell and taste were likely unbearable. Thankfully, the development of modern oral hygiene products has rendered such practices obsolete, providing effective and pleasant alternatives for maintaining oral health.

During the Middle Ages, bathing was often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. Many believed that water could carry disease, leading to infrequent bathing practices. It was not uncommon for people to go weeks or even months without bathing, resulting in poor hygiene and unpleasant body odor. Fortunately, with improved knowledge of hygiene and sanitation, regular bathing has become a standard practice in modern society, promoting cleanliness and overall health.

In the 19th century, corsets were popular among women as a way to achieve an exaggerated hourglass figure. However, these tight garments constricted the waist and ribs, leading to a myriad of health issues such as difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and organ damage. Thankfully, modern fashion trends have shifted towards more comfortable and body-positive clothing styles, prioritizing both fashion and health.