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    The Fist Bump Myth—Why You Can’t Escape Your Microbial Cloud

    • person Yuval Bibi
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    The Fist Bump Myth—Why You Can’t Escape Your Microbial Cloud
    I always remind my patients: you’re not stepping into a sterile operating suite. You’re living in your home, your workplace—spaces teeming with microbes from you, your colleagues, your family, your friends, and even your pets. Yet, to this day, many still cling to the ritual of fist-bumping, a holdover from the COVID-19 scare. When I ask why, the answer’s usually the same: “It cuts the transmission of COVID and other nasty infections.” They think they’re saving lives by ditching the handshake. Spoiler alert—there’s no solid evidence that fist-bumping is safer or reduces the spread of any disease compared to shaking hands. Let’s break this down.

    We’re all surrounded by a microbial cloud—think of it as an invisible aura of bacteria, viruses, and fungi shedding from our skin, drifting out of our nostrils, mouth, and digestive tract. This cloud doesn’t just hover around us; it mingles with the microbial clouds of other people, pets, and even inanimate objects—fomites—like clothes, sheets, furniture, countertops, you name it. Everything in your environment is perpetually “seeded” with these microbes. No amount of fist-bumping can change that. You can’t escape it, and honestly, you shouldn’t try too hard. Human-inhabited spaces have always been microbial playgrounds.

    So, does the fist bump do anything? Despite the lack of evidence, let’s consider the mechanics. Microbes don’t care if you bump fists or shake hands—they’re already floating around, landing on surfaces, and hitching rides on your skin. The idea that a fist bump meaningfully curbs transmission—good microbes or bad—is wishful thinking. It’s not making a dent in that microbial exchange. And here’s the kicker: you’re not in a surgical suite. Your home, your office—these places are alive with the microbes of everyone and everything in them. Fist-bumping won’t save you from that reality.

    Humans have coexisted with our microbiomes since forever. It’s not just inevitable—it’s normal. Instead of clinging to rituals like fist-bumping, let’s shift to a smarter approach. Shake hands. Touch your face. Give a hug now and then. You’ll be fine. The microbial world isn’t something to fear or flee—it’s part of us. So, drop the fist bump, embrace the handshake, and live sensibly with the microbes around you.

    If you found this helpful, subscribe to Dr. Bibi's Newsletter for cutting edge skincare and share this article. For further insights into skincare simplification, check out my book "Sick Skin - Skin Care Made Simple" on Amazon, now available in audio.

    Watch “Fist Bumping is Nonsense..." on YouTube.

    Thanks for reading and God bless.

    Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist