During times of war, maintaining basic personal hygiene becomes a monumental challenge. In Gaza, where people are displaced and living in tents, the everyday acts of caring for hair, teeth, and cleanliness become nearly impossible.

So, the question is: How do Gazans manage these essential aspects of life when war strips away access to basic supplies? How can they care for their bodies in such severe conditions?

Brushing teeth without a toothbrush

Under the harsh blockade in Gaza, toothbrushes and toothpaste are either unavailable or far too expensive for the average person. In the absence of these items, people have had to turn to alternative methods to maintain oral hygiene.

For me, I relied on natural materials like miswak, a teeth-cleaning twig with antimicrobial properties. Miswak has been used for centuries in the Middle East, and its fibers can effectively clean teeth.

Others, like my mother, used salt or baking soda, when they were available.

For many, however, even these simple solutions are out of reach, and the lack of proper oral care can lead to severe dental issues, further adding to suffering.

Combing hair without a comb

For those who escaped with their lives but lost all their possessions under the bombardments and now are without access to basic grooming tools, like combs or brushes, caring for their hair becomes a daily struggle. Without these tools, people often resort to using their fingers to detangle their hair, a slow and often painful process, especially for those with longer hair. This adds to the overall discomfort and stress of living in a war zone.

In some cases, women braid their hair to keep it neat and manageable for long periods, reducing the need for frequent combing.

For many, personal hygiene takes a backseat to pressing issues of survival, but the human need for dignity and self-care remains strong despite the enormous challenges.

Bathing in the absence of water

Perhaps the most significant challenge is bathing. In many conflict zones, access to clean water is a luxury, and even when water is available, it is often contaminated. In such situations, people must ration their water carefully, prioritizing drinking over bathing. Some attempt to clean themselves with damp cloths or wet wipes if they are available, while others use rainwater when possible. However, with the scarcity of clean water, maintaining personal cleanliness becomes almost impossible, leaving many people vulnerable to infections and disease.

Often, when we go to stand in long lines to get water to wash, we return empty-handed and are unable to wash, so we are forced to use a sweat powder, which absorbs the sweat and hides its smell.

The psychological impact of these struggles

The inability to maintain personal hygiene under these oppressive conditions has a profound psychological impact. Personal hygiene is not only a matter of physical health; it is deeply tied to a person’ s sense of dignity and self-worth. For many, the lack of hygiene strips them of a sense of normalcy, deepening the trauma caused by war. Feeling dirty, unkempt, and powerless to change these circumstances, creates feelings of shame and helplessness, exacerbating the emotional toll of war. These challenges compound the mental health struggles that many face in war-torn areas, where survival is often the only focus.

Personal experience with hygiene during war

Having lived through such circumstances, I have firsthand experience with the suffering caused by the lack of access to basic hygiene. During the war, the shortage of water and toothpaste led to toothaches that added to the already-overwhelming stress of the situation. Simple tasks like brushing my teeth became a daily challenge, and the pain from untreated dental issues made it difficult to concentrate on anything else.

I suffered from toothache throughout the war. There were no painkillers, and dentists had closed their clinics and were rarely open. Finally, after much trouble, we moved to a new location and I was able to have my teeth treated there.

My mother also faced her own struggles in caring for herself during this time. Living in a tent, she had to wear her hijab all day, and without a comb, she found it challenging to manage her hair. Despite these difficulties, she remained resilient, finding ways to care for her hair as best as she could in such dire conditions. Her strength during these moments was a source of inspiration for me, even when everything around us seemed to be falling apart.

The international community must provide relief

Despite these conditions, Gazans are still resilient and finding ways to adapt and survive. We share what little we have with our neighbors and support each other through our common hardships. However, the world must realize that these survival methods are not enough.

The people of Gaza need immediate relief and an end to the violence that has left them living in conditions unfit for human beings.

To conclude, the ongoing war and blockade have created an untold humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where basic hygiene needs such as brushing teeth, grooming hair, and bathing have become luxuries that many can no longer afford. Gazans are forced to rely on creativity and resourcefulness to maintain their dignity, but the international community must intensify its efforts to alleviate suffering and provide them with the necessary support to live in safety and with basic human dignity.