In a recent thread, a comment was made that implied that unpleasant body odor and poor hygeine are an inevitable consequences of obesity. It got me wondering whether this is a common stereotype and whether a lot of people are having hygeine issues they don't know how to address.
My belief is that there are some hygeine issues that need to be addressed differently at 400 lbs than at 110, but most people are able to work around this with minor adaptations. There are products on the market as well as many simple tips that make this easier. I thought that if there are people out there who think that smelling good isn't an option, that discussing some of that here might be helpful. So, here are a few of my "tips" and if anyone else has any (and they don't have to be tips specific to "fat" people), please chime in.
BATHING Bathe as frequently as you need to. My brother (very skinny) went through a very stinky body odor phase as an adolescent. He sometimes showered three times a day. A friend with a sweat gland disorder (also not fat) went home on her lunch hour every day and showered and changed her clothing, or at least her blouse. She told everyone she went to the gym every day. She did go to the gym two to three days a week, but sometimes she just went home to change).
A shower chair and a handheld attachment/hose for the shower head are absolutely essential if you have balance and pain issues that make standing and maneuvering in the shower difficult.
SOAP Use it. Seriously though, all soaps are not equal. Experiment to find one that works for you. You may find you feel fresh longer with a deodorant or antibacterial soap. I have read of many very obese people using betadine
or other "surgical" soap to stay clean smelling longer, but there are warnings on the bottles, so I would talk to my doctor before using one of those. At 400 lbs, I had great luck with Dial antibacterial, but last year, I was having a problem with seborrheic dermatitis (which causes dandruff and skin irritation, it can happen anywhere on the body, not just the head), and the dermatologist recommended I use Head & Shoulders as a face and body wash as well as a shampoo. It's now the only soap/shampoo I use, and I've noticed than in addition to clearing up the dandruff and skin rash of the seb derm, it also has cleared up my rosacea, skin breakouts including back acne and cysts and heat or yeast rashes in skin folds. I've also noticed that I smell cleaner longer (if you've seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Head and Shoulders is my Windex).
POLYESTER and other synthetic fabrics - avoid them. They trap moisture and body heat. Heat + moisture allows smelly bacteria and yeasts multiply. Natural fibers "breathe" allowing moisture to evaporate.
ANTIPERSPERANT - experiment with commerical brands. You might need a stronger product, and a deodorant without an antipersperant ingredient my not be sufficient. I have quite a problem with sweating under and between the breasts, so I use a stick antipersperant under the breasts. On very hot days, I would also use it behind my knees (I hate back of the knee sweat).
PANTYHOSE - avoid if you can (or make sure they have a cotton crotch, or ideally full cotton panty). Wear cotton underwear underneath. Knee high nylons aren't sexy, but they are comfortable with skirts. Though it may take a bit of experimenting to find a brand that is comfortable and yet stay up, and you do have to make sure your skirt is long enough to hide your secret.
COTTON BRAS & UNDERWEAR - nylon doesn't breath as well as cotton. See polyester, above. Changing underwear mid-day can be very helpful, especially in the summer.
COTTON BIKING SHORTS - not a hygeine issue, but a comfort one. When wearing a skirt or dress, biking shorts, especially under pantyhose prevents chafing. Without them, I would actually blister where my thighs rubbed. This tip actually came from a very skinny friend who just happens to have full thighs.
SCARVES - I always seem to get a drip of soup or something on me when I eat at a restaurant (especially if I'm wearing white). A pretty scarf makes an inconspicuous "bib."
COLOGNES, and other scented perfumes and powders - don't use too much, and never use it to "cover" b.o. It doesn't work and you just end up smelling like flowers and b.o. However, a pleasant scent applied with a gentle touch can help you stay fresh smelling longer.
AMPLESTUFF, I love this catalog. They sell products for obesity and reach -related needs. Things things like comfy wide socks, a little gadget to allow you to latch a bracelet clasp, extra-wide hangers, bra liners (to absorb boob perspiration).