The Black Plague was a lethal killer in 14th century Europe. What unusual way did people try and save themselves from the disease?

Answer: By covering themselves in a thick layer of sweat, grime and dirt. Common medical thinking at the time was that diseases were vapors which entered through the skin. Thus, covering yourself in this way was meant to act as a prophylactic.

Source: Nasty Medical Practices by Kelly Regan Barnhill

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