The World's Dirtiest Man Didn't Bathe With Water Or Soap For Over 60 Years For A Heartbreaking Reason

Amou, who was well-known in his local community in Iran for his decision to avoid washing, led a life that was not just notable for his anti-washing stance but also for his overall unique lifestyle. 

The man, who lived to be 94 years old until his passing in October 2022, had some unusual habits. 

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According to "The Tehran Times," he would eat animals that had died on the roads and smoke a pipe filled with animal feces.

Porcupine meat was reportedly a favorite of his, and he consumed an impressive 1.5 gallons of water a day.

Just before he passed away, villagers from his local community successfully encouraged Amou to take a bath, after many years during which his skin had become covered in "soot and puss."

However, Iran's IRNA news agency reported that Amou became ill shortly after he began washing again for the first time in years and died a few months later.

During his lifetime, Amou kept his hair short in a very unconventional manner. 

The elderly man hadn't washed for decades. Credit: YouTube/Rajasthan vlogs

Instead of using scissors, he is said to have burnt his hair off, aligning with his non-conventional approach to life.

The underlying reason Amou avoided bathing for so long is believed to be ablutophobia, which is described as an "overwhelming fear of bathing, cleaning, or washing." 

This condition is classified as an anxiety disorder, falling under the category of specific phobias, according to Healthline.

Amou Haji passed way in October 2022. Credit: YouTube/Rajasthan vlogs

Discussing ablutophobia, Dr. Siva Yechoor from The Toledo Clinic was quoted by "The Blade" saying:

"Ablutophobia is extremely rare. Right now, we see it more often in people who are older."

"They refuse to get cleaned up, but it's more of an avoidance behavior than a phobia." 

He further explained the demographics of those he has seen develop the condition, stating:

"What happens with them is they are usually younger people who had some sort of traumatic experience."

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"We had a man in his 20's who had an almost death experience in a body of water, and developed this aversion and fear of even going into the shower or taking a bath."

The development of ablutophobia may also be influenced by genetics and brain function. 

Symptoms of the condition include "sweating, rapid heartbeat, panic attacks and difficulty breathing."

Like many other mental health conditions, ablutophobia is treated through therapy. 

Individuals might be recommended to try "cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), as well as exposure therapy." 

Moreover, "Betablockers or sedatives" may also be prescribed to help with the symptoms of the condition.