it’s completely normal to notice changes in hygiene habits after rape. Trauma can deeply affect how someone relates to their body and daily self-care. Here are some common patterns survivors experience — and why they happen:

💧 1. Over-cleaning or excessive bathing

Many survivors feel an intense urge to “wash away” what happened. They might:

• Take multiple showers a day
• Scrub their skin harshly
• Use strong soaps or cleaning products
  This often stems from feelings of contamination or shame, even though what happened was not their fault.

🌫️ 2. Avoiding bathing or hygiene

On the other end, some survivors may avoid hygiene routines altogether:

• Not wanting to shower or change clothes
• Avoiding mirrors or touching their own body
  This can happen when being in contact with your body feels unsafe or brings back flashbacks.