Introduction
Throughout history, humanity has endured the pain and fear of countless diseases. From leprosy and plague to mysterious infections, many illnesses have changed the face of eras — and some have disappeared in the most inexplicable ways.
Yet, among the pages of history lie strange and terrifying diseases whose stories still astonish us today — both scientifically and mystically.
Let’s explore six such forgotten “nightmares” that once haunted humankind.
6. Exploding Tooth Syndrome – A 19th-Century Horror
In the 19th century, medical journals began to report strange phenomena: people’s teeth seemed to explode.
In 1817, a man suffering from unbearable toothache suddenly heard a loud crack — and the pain vanished.
Over the following decades, this phenomenon was reported several times — teeth appeared to burst from within, creating a small “bomb-like” explosion inside the mouth.
According to scientists, this bizarre event was caused by the chemical composition of dental fillings. At that time, fillings were made of lead, tin, and silver. When these metals reacted with hydrogen, they could form small electrochemical “batteries.” The resulting charge buildup occasionally led to a micro-explosion inside the tooth.
Thus, the “exploding tooth” syndrome became a dreadful curiosity of its time — and then vanished without a trace.
5. Chlorosis – The Mysterious “Green Disease” of Young Women
In the 18th and 19th centuries, a strange illness spread among young women in Europe. Their skin turned pale green, menstruation stopped, weakness and heart palpitations appeared. Doctors named the condition chlorosis.
Physicians of the time attributed the disease to women’s “virtue” — claiming that the absence of sexual activity was the main cause. The illness was even dubbed “the virgin’s disease.”
Years later, it was finally revealed that this “mysterious ailment” was nothing more than iron-deficiency anemia — easily treatable with iron supplements.
For nearly two centuries, however, this misdiagnosed condition destroyed the health of thousands of women and became a tragic symbol of medical ignorance.
4. The “National Hotel Disease” – Washington’s Nightmare of the 1850s
In the 1850s, Washington’s famous National Hotel became the site of a deadly outbreak. Hundreds of politicians and officials staying there suffered from swelling of the tongue, intestinal inflammation, severe diarrhea, and exhaustion. At least 40 people died.
Even then–President James Buchanan fell ill twice from the same mysterious disease.
After long investigations, it was discovered that the tragedy was caused by a broken sewage pipe contaminating the hotel’s water supply.
In truth, the illness was likely a form of dysentery or Legionnaires’ disease, though at the time many believed it to be a political conspiracy.
3. “Phossy Jaw” – The Industrial Tragedy of the 1800s
During the Industrial Revolution, a horrifying disease spread among workers in match factories. Their teeth began to ache, their jawbones rotted, and their faces became covered with glowing phosphorous sores.
This condition was called “phossy jaw,” caused by exposure to white phosphorus used in match production. The chemical damaged bone tissue, leading to necrosis and deformity.
Thousands suffered disfigurement and death. Only in 1906 was the use of white phosphorus in match manufacturing officially banned — half a century after the disease was first identified.
2. The Plague of Athens – One of History’s Most Terrifying Epidemics
In the 5th century BCE, a devastating disease struck Athens with such ferocity that even the Spartan warriors besieging the city abandoned their conquest in fear.
The historian Thucydides wrote that victims first suffered from high fever, sore throat, and inflamed eyes, later developing bloody diarrhea and fatal dehydration.
Nearly two-thirds of Athens’ population perished.
Historians still debate the disease’s true nature — possible causes include typhus, smallpox, plague, or an Ebola-like virus.
This disaster remains one of the earliest recorded examples of an epidemic reshaping both society and politics.
1. The “Glass Delusion” – The Psychological Nightmare of the Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, a strange psychological disorder spread: people believed their bodies were made of glass and that the slightest movement would cause them to shatter.
Victims would remain motionless for hours, some refusing to leave their beds for days. Even King Charles VI of France suffered from this illness — he believed he was made of glass and ordered his guards to handle him gently so he wouldn’t “break.”
This syndrome, known as the “glass illusion,” became one of history’s most famous examples of mass psychosis.
Interestingly, the disorder spread through social imitation — people who heard of the king’s condition began to exhibit similar symptoms themselves.
Conclusion
For centuries, the human body and mind have remained an intricate mystery — caught between science and superstition.
These six historical diseases reveal one undeniable truth: humanity battles not only biological infections, but also psychological and cultural epidemics.
Modern medicine protects us from many dangers, yet the strange plagues of the past still whisper a warning — every era has its own “disease,” only its form changes.
What must never change are our reason, our science, and our compassion.