Which is more hygienic to take – a bath or a shower?

There aren’t as many scientific studies on this topic as one might expect. It primarily interests medical professionals focused on infection prevention and control.
A few years ago, a team of Canadian researchers analyzed the results of seven previous studies dedicated to in a tub versus taking a shower. Ultimately, the scientists found only minor differences between the two methods. Notably, they discovered a “reduction in Clostridium difficile bacteria on the skin of infected patients” specifically after showering.
Surveys typically show that people feel cleaner after a than after a bath. However, scientists have yet to reach a consensus on whether regular body washing is genuinely beneficial for health.
Our skin is home to countless bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that form our microbiome. Opponents of frequent washing argue that it disrupts this microbiome, potentially harming our health.

At the same time, authors of some studies suggest that bathing in a tub may be beneficial in certain ways. For instance, participants in a recent randomized study conducted by Japanese researchers took either showers or baths for two weeks. Meanwhile, the scientists measured their physical and mental health indicators, as reported by IFLScience.
It turned out that taking a significantly improved these indicators, especially regarding reduced fatigue, stress, pain, skin condition, and overall well-being.
“Submerging in water, unlike showering, has a hyperthermic effect that enhances blood flow and helps eliminate metabolic waste. This immersion improves both the physical and emotional aspects of quality of life,” the researchers wrote in their report.
After reviewing the results of these and other studies, one can conclude that, in terms of hygiene, there isn’t a significant difference between taking a bath and a shower. The exception would be situations where you need to scrub off dirt or paint. In all other cases, wash in whichever way you prefer.
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