Hygiene
SS men and prisoner functionaries noted the appearance and cleanliness of prisoners. Dirty clothing, an unwashed body, or an unshaved face frequently served as a pretext for inflicting punishment. The poor sanitary conditions in the camp, however, made staying clean and well‑groomed nearly impossible for the majority of prisoners. The paucity of sanitary facilities in blocks usually holding 600 to 750 prisoners limited the use of them. Prisoner functionaries restricted also access to the facilities, usually permitting prisoners only a few minutes to relieve themselves and wash before going out to work and upon returning.
The limited possibilities for washing and washing clothes, along with the overcrowding in the barracks made lice, which were the carriers for typhus, a plague in the camp. Although there were bathhouses in the camp, prisoners used them on an irregular basis, usually as part of what was known as “general delousing.” Before showering they had to undress, turn over their clothing for disinfection purposes, and then wait naked, usually outdoors regardless of the weather, for it to be returned. Many fell ill and died within the process.