While we see medical scrubs everywhere in UAE hospitals and clinics, their history is surprisingly interesting! This blog post dives into the fascinating evolution of these comfortable and practical garments, from their humble beginnings to what we wear today. We'll also explore some interesting facts specifically relevant to the UAE healthcare landscape.

From Nuns' Habits to Modern Scrubs: A Historical Journey

Did you know medical scrubs have roots in religious garments?

• Evolving from Religious Garments: In the past, nuns often served as caregivers for the sick and injured. Their floor-length habits offered some level of protection and practicality for this role.

• Florence Nightingale's Influence: The renowned nurse Florence Nightingale is credited with advocating for a more practical and comfortable uniform for nurses. Her influence led to the introduction of shorter dresses and simpler shirtsleeves in the late 19th century.

Beyond the Hospital Walls: Practical Uses of Scrubs in the UAE

While primarily associated with healthcare settings, scrubs have found uses beyond the hospital walls in the UAE:

• Lightweight and Sturdy: Made from lightweight yet durable materials, scrubs are ideal for backpackers and adventurers in the UAE. They allow for unrestricted movement and can withstand the rigors of travel.

• Comfort and Ease of Use: Many professionals in the UAE, from veterinarians to dentists, appreciate the comfort and functionality of scrubs. The ease of movement and cleaning makes them a practical choice for various professions.

Distinguishing Roles: The Importance of Uniformity

In a busy healthcare environment, it's crucial for patients and staff to easily identify medical professionals. Here's where the concept of differentiated uniforms comes in:

• Color Coding for Roles: The practice of using different colored scrubs to distinguish between surgeons, doctors, and nurses is credited to Florence Nightingale. This color coding helps patients and colleagues quickly identify the roles of various healthcare professionals in the UAE.

A Timeline of Scrubs Evolution in Healthcare

Let's take a historical journey through the evolution of medical scrubs:

• Early 19th Century: Nurses wore floor-length dresses, prioritizing respectability over comfort.

• Post-WWI Transformation: After World War I, dresses were shortened into skirts to allow for greater mobility. This change was particularly welcomed by nurses working in fast-paced environments like those found in the UAE.

• 1950s and 1960s: Green-colored scrubs became popular to address eye strain caused by bright lights in operating rooms. This shift also aimed to minimize the spread of infections.

• 1970s and Beyond: The ease of cleaning and perceived hygienic benefits of scrubs led to their widespread adoption across the medical field in the UAE.

From Surgical Greens to Everyday Scrubs

The language surrounding scrubs has also evolved over time:

• "Surgical Greens": Initially, scrubs were referred to as "surgical greens" due to their prominent color in operating rooms.

• The Origin of "Scrubs": The term "scrubs" likely originated from the practice of surgeons changing into these garments before "scrubbing in" for surgery.

A Change in Headwear: The Discontinuation of Nurse Hats

Nurse hats were once a standard part of the healthcare uniform in the UAE. However:

• Discontinued Practice: This practice was discontinued, primarily due to resistance from male nurses who found the hats impractical.

Beyond Street Clothes: The Rise of Scrubs in Surgery

Prior to the 1940s, surgeons often wore:

• Unhygienic Attire: Shockingly, surgeons used to wear street clothes and butcher's aprons during surgery! This posed a significant hygiene risk.

• A Shift Towards Scrubs: Thankfully, the importance of proper hygiene in surgery was eventually recognized, leading to the adoption of scrubs in the UAE.

Modern Scrubs in the UAE: Options and Features

Today, medical professionals in the UAE have a wide variety of scrubs to choose from, catering to the warm climate:

• Non-Surgical Scrubs: These are designed for staff working outside operating rooms and come in various colors and styles, perfect for the UAE's warm climate.

• Surgical Scrubs: Typically green or blue, these scrubs are specifically designed for use in sterile environments.

• Style Variations: Scrubs come in a variety of styles, including short-sleeved, V-neck, and long-sleeved options with features like knit cuffs for added comfort