Which is better, taking a shower or in a bathtub?

What are the features of each one?

Which is better for hygiene?

The answers are in this comprehensive report.

Bathing in the bathtub is calm and relaxing, while the bathtub is quick and refreshing.

In this report, published by the American magazine "the healthy", author Emily DiNozzo sheds light on the difference between washing in the bathtub or in the shower, by addressing the advantages and disadvantages of each, based on the opinion of internal medicine specialist Nikit Sonpal. and bacteriologist Philip Tierno.

Which is better for hygiene?

According to Dr. Sonpal, choosing between one of the two bathing methods depends on the individual's personal priorities. "A shower is usually more effective for cleaning the body and getting rid of bacteria and dirt, while bathing in the bathtub is useful in stimulating the nervous system, exfoliating the skin and relaxing muscles," he says. .

Bathtub Advantages

Bathing in the bathtub frequently reduces stress and fatigue, because relaxing in the bathtub calms nerves and improves mood after a stressful day, explains Dr. Sonpal.

Sunpal says bathing in a bathtub reduces hemorrhoid pain, helps regulate core body temperature, and exfoliates dead layers of skin.

Tierno recommends washing the body with some water after showering, to get rid of any soap residue or other products.

shower benefits

Sonpal explains that taking a shower exposes the body to less water, and the less water your body is exposed to, the less likely it is for the skin to lose its natural oils.

Hot showers may also help relieve migraines and headaches, and improve blood circulation, because running water stimulates blood flow to the surface of the skin.

He adds that this method of showering also allows water to mix with soap on your body to effectively remove sweat and dirt from your skin.

In addition, taking a cold shower provides many health benefits for your body.

Cleaning the shower and bathtub is essential

A bathtub is often dirtier than a shower, Tierno says, as bacterial biofilm - a group of microorganisms that stick together and spread on surfaces - would develop on any surface that interacts with water.

Bacteria on surfaces, such as a bathtub, create a biofilm that enables microorganisms to multiply and cause infection.

Although many people may clean a bathtub after using it, they can only get rid of the delicate biofilm in the tub itself by using a strong bristle brush that is able to remove it.

The same goes for the shower bottom, which may contain biofilm and fungi that can lead to tinea pedis or other infections, especially if you have a cut in your foot or an immunosuppression (a problem with the immune system caused by disease or medication that weakens it). , according to Tierno.

Should I shower in the shower instead of in the bathtub?

Sonpal says that if the purpose of showering is just to clean the body, then a shower might be the best option.

But if a person wants to relieve their chronic pain, relieve fatigue, or just relax, a tub bath may be the best option.

Both the bathtub and shower serve a purpose that provides some health benefits, so Dr. Sonpal recommends listening to your body every day to see which option is best for you. Although Tierno likes to take a shower, he's okay with taking a bath in the bathtub as long as you keep the tub clean, and it's also important to keep the shower clean.