In several Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, applying bat blood on girls’ bodies is a common practice that is believed to inhibit body hair growth. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and public perceptions of the effectiveness of bat blood in preventing hair growth. A survey consisting of both manual and online closed-ended questions was distributed to 120 participants, including 90 non-professionals and 30 dermatologists and virologists. The results showed that 97% of participants had heard of the practice, with 71% having personally undergone it. Participants were generally knowledgeable about the steps involved in the procedure, scoring an average of 3.69 out of 5, and most agreed that key practices—such as using warm, fresh blood, performing the procedure immediately after birth, and incorporating olive oil or saline in the body bath—were essential. Furthermore, participants strongly believed in the effectiveness of the practice, with an average score of 3.86, especially among older and less educated women. On the other hand, experts expressed concern about possible risks, such as infections or skin allergies, rating this concern at 4.34. While the traditional belief in the efficacy of bat blood persists in the region, more clinical and laboratory research is needed to assess the potential health risks associated with this practice.
