Wash and brush up?

The aim of this article is to highlight the consequences of poor hygiene on employability, inclusion and quality of life and suggest possible ways of making sense of this phenomenon and working positively with the person concerned.

The article takes the form of an introduction to some of the main themes that could shape the research agenda and improve practice.

This is an under‐theorised topic in which little is known from the perspective of people who neglect their personal hygiene.

Preventative work may be effective and small investments have a substantial impact on quality of life.

Such individuals may well be subject to the negative judgements of others and their difficulties should be taken seriously.