Problems with Showers (Sensory Issues)

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I really hate showering. I hate the sensation of being naked and having airflow across my entire body, I hate the transition from dry to wet, I hate the feeling of the water pounding down on me, I hate being cold when I get out of the shower, and I hate having to towel off afterward. If I take a bath instead, I don't feel like I'm really clean - I look at the water when I'm done and ready to drain and don't see how I can possibly not still have soap residue on me and in my hair.

I'm not showering as often as I should because of these issues, and while I don't stink because I keep up with other things like using deodorant and changing clothes, my hair really starts looking like it needs to be washed after a couple days. Any ideas about how I can make showering less horrible for me?

There are different types of shower heads that can help. Many have different spray patterns that you can choose. How about a hand held shower spray which also has selectable spray patterns?

If the bath alternative is off-putting because of the dirty water. You may wish to consider a second bath as a sort of "rinse cycle". This would be similar to the public bathing in Japan where preliminary washing is expected prior to entering the bath.

Thank you for suggesting this, it probably would not have occurred to me. I tried it today and getting in and out was still a problem, but it was much better to have the water surrounding me than to have it falling on me. It uses more water, but I figure since I only need to cleanse every two or three days instead of every day like many people do, I figure it probably works out to be about the same amount of water as someone who showers every day uses.

I feel the same way about showering, especially this time of year (in the northern hemisphere). But I have been able to lessen the shock to my senses. I recommend you get two things: a portable heater and a hand held shower head. If you are in the US, Lowes has both and they are not very expensive. If there is no Lowes near you, try your nearest building supply store. Then you can always ask Amazon.

Portable heaters start at about $20. If you get one that has a temp indicator, rev it up to 80 degrees (F) or so when you start to shower. That should get things nice and warm so when you get out, the water on you doesn't instantly turn to ice, or at least feel like it does.

Hand held shower heads start about $30 but are worth their weight in gold. Nor are they very difficult to install. Generally they come with everything you need. And you can almost do it with bare hands but a pair of slip joint pliers come in handy. Once its installed, you can begin your shower by holding it near the drain while you get the water to the desired temperature, then you can start aiming the water on your feet, then slowly work your way up. Finally once you are comfortably wet with WARM water, you can hang it up and continue with your shower. Use a gentle spray for general washing and a single, harder stream for hair washing and rinsing.

Hope you have gentle showers from now on.

What about the old fashioned way with a basin full of water and a wash cloth?

For some reason as a teenager I preferred that method. I prefer showers now.

If your hair is greasy there is the possibity of washing it without having a shower. Just lean over the bath and wash just your hair. Not letting it get too long also helps.

I would wash my hair every day that I know I am going to be around people for a reasonable amount of time - work or going out somewhere important (appointments, day-trips etc).

I hate showers not only because they are easily becoming unpleasant (for example due to too cold or too hot water, also feeling of coldness after going from warm shower cubicle to another part of bathroom), but also due to fear of infection (which, paradoxically, makes me to avoid showering due to fear of dirty towel or need of changing pants) and the fact that my mentality considers showering useless and waste of time, it does not need close contacts with people in which being clean and well-kept is important, rudely speaking, it has being elegant and fresh in a&%. I got last shower above two weeks ago, maybe later, I do not remember. Not changing pants is much worse than not showering. Unchanged pants and intimate parts (and their surroundings) smell much more than rest of the body and other clothes.