body odor

sunshinegirl5719

before I begin, I want to menton that I created this account for the sole purpose of asking this question since I feel embarresed asking and rather remain ananomyous. I have another account that I log in for dietary purposes and forums.


I have suffered from body odor since I was a kid and it has always affected my social and personal life. I never had friends, never had a boyfriend or anyone interested, people make rude remarks, tease when I was younger (not bad as some kids are today; it wasn't always direct but it was obvious and sometimes it was direct), and talk behind my back.

for example as I walked by a girl an hour ago heading toward class she mentioned to a guy that I smelled weird and I'm guessing she couldn't figure out if it was a bad or what cause he asked if it was bad she couldn't reply and that's all I heard as I was walking by. another girl in the class room made the comment how the rooom smelled bad and maybe it did but no one had a problem with any odor and when I walked into the room a few minutes after she came behind me and made the remark. I'm used to people making remarks and usually it is me so anytime someone make a comment about a bad odor I automatically think it's me.

it could be a summer day and just the heat would make me sweat and smell and I don't even have to be doing anything, anti-perspriants don't work and if they do it isn't for long and I've tried them all. sometimes it just happens and the weather has nothing to do about it. I shower daily, use powders if I think I'm going to sweat or if I am, body sprays and sometimes I spray through out the day doesn't seem to be helping. I don't even want to join a gym because I know I will smell and will probably make the whole place smell and carry it with me everywhere until I shower. the odor seems to happen a few hours (if that) after I shower.

my grandmother seems to smell me all the time, however other family members says they don't smell me as often as she does and doens't understand why she is say that so that gets me confused; am i or am i not because sometimes I can't tell or I don't smell it as bad as her. so I am always worried sometimes especially when I'm out.

to make my probelm worse I also have a odor coming from the private area. it doesn't smell pleasent unless I am just coming out the shower which then is I think is normal but it becomes worse or strong or something I can't figure it out. . I can smell it through my jeans or whatever I'm wearing (which i suspect what the girl that i mentioned earlier smelled but it could be the arms or all of it). I don't have any stds or whatever else that may cause this and I have been checked; i'm not nor have I ever been sexually active so nothing to worry about there.

is it possible for people to accept my probem and realize that it's an issue I can't control and have a social life and would I ever be able to have a relationship; would a guy actually be understanding and stick around? or is it a loss cause?

sunshinegirl5719

bump

anyone? like to know your thoughts...

corn63

Have you seen a doctor about this? They have all kinds of treatment now for smells and sweats.

Dub_D

Go to the doctor. Ask a friend for their honest opinion. There is a girl who runs the stairs every day at the same time as me and her odor is so over whelming, I always wonder if she knows she smells.

sunshinegirl5719

the doctor doesn't know what to do for me but she perscribed me a topical medicaton i can apply to the arms which helps but for the issue down there she says it's normal but I disagree. it's been a few years since I've seen her.

corn63

Find someone new.

As for the vag smell, yes, it's normal for it to smell. But it shouldn't smell bad or offensive. Do you use any washes?

mgobluetx12

Are you just using an anti-perspirant or anti-perspirant AND deodorant in one?

banshishi

go find a doctor, usually severe body odour is an hormonal problem, if it smells fishy there is a disease that makes you smell of fish (all over not just genitalia) called trimethylaminuria, this can be helped with eliminating certain things from diet, but you need to see a specialist for that. Also, be careful what you wash with, sometimes, when you over wash and over perfume, you kick the bacteria out of wack and that can make you smell worse than if you dont wash, try using unscented antiperspirants and ph balanced products. If it is bothering you a lot, go see a dr and make it clear that you have an issue and its effecting your self asteem.

anthroaudge

It's not a lost cause. There are many things you can do about it. To start, you should definitely see a doctor about the feminine problem.

As for the under arm body odor, try using Tea Tree Oil. It's a natural antiseptic, and works well. You can dilute it and mix other oils with it if you don't like the smell. It's not very expensive and you can get it CVS or any vitamin store. Another option is Botulinum toxin (botox) - this is a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, in very small and controlled doses is being used in various fields of medicine. A relatively new treatment is available for individuals who sweat excessibely under the arms.

The patient is given approximately 12 injections of botulinum toxin in the armpits - a procedure that should not last more than 45 minutes. The toxin blocks the signals from the brain to the sweat glands, resulting in less sweating in the targeted area. One treatment can last from two to eight months.

spangey13

Heard something similar from that UK Show Embarassing Bodies. I'm sorry but I can't remember exactly what the condition was called, but you'll probably be able to google it. The body is actually supposed to eliminate the hormone that creates the smell, and in this girl's case it wasn't. It got especially bad for her when it was monthly time.
They gave her a new eating plan to follow - certain foods would help with it, and also some pills.
If it is the same thing, it was very easy for her to be treated so I would recommend plucking up some courage and going to the doc :-)

sunshinegirl5719

it's anti-perspriant and deoderant in one and I use a wash for that specific area... i sweat there too sometimes and I* think* the odor is dis* or least part of the reason

digitalbill

Maybe you are overthinking it?
What about your diet? Something like asperagus can make you stink.

Do you live in your childhood house still?

sunshinegirl5719

yes, I live in the same place since I was a kid. I don't think it's the diet and now I'm trying to eat healthier there is still no change. I can smell it myself when it's down there sometimes.

seeing another doctor may be possible i'll look around, but the botox is out since I don't have insurance.

I don't think it's a fishy smell but whatever it is it's not good. no one has been able to figure what it smells like..

LetsGoBlues

I can smell you from here.

Ridiculous. Seriously.

LilacDreamer

Have you tried Lavilin?

Deoderants and antiperspirants don't work for me, I still break through and end up sweating but Lavilin has been working great. it doesn't contain aluminum or any of that crap and it's not an antiperspirant but it takes away the smell (which can be caused by numerous things, including bacteria)


And even though it's not an antiperspirant, for some reason, I don't sweat nearly as much now. it seems like it changed my body chemistry. I was never much of a sweater except for my armpits, but now thats not a problem.

Zombielicious

It could possibly be diet. All sorts of foods could make you smell...curries, asparagus, a lot of red meat, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts). Even if you change your diet to not include and/or cut back on these foods, it will probably take awhile for them to leave your system.

crazylovergrl

As for down there, take probiotics. Acidophillus is a good one, I use Floragen twice a day and it's a life safer. Give it a try! Your body odor is probably caused by an imbalance in your ph that could be cured with probiotics as well... Just wondering, do you happen to get cystic acne as well?

WABeachWalker

I am so sorry that you are suffering with this condition. Have you seen an endocrinologist? You may want to google that medical specialty to understand what it is. If you usual doctor can't seem to find the source of your problem, the endo should be involved.

Hope that you find the help you need very soon.

kristilovescake

If it's from your body, go to a doctor (or a different doctor).. they can figure out what it is or maybe suggest a diet that will help eliminate it or make it not as bad. You may need to find a specialist, but I'm sure they can find something to help you out.

I would also make sure it isn't your surroundings. Have you tried different shower gels, sprays, etc? Maybe you have a weird reaction to one of the products you use. Or make sure it isn't your family home that has the unique smell that is getting on your clothes.

kenazfehu

Keep yourself well hydrated.
If you shave, stop.
If you don't shave, start.

Some people claim no odor when they don't shave, others claim the opposite. So the oppposite of whatever you're doing is worth a try.

Also pay attention to diet. Some things are going to make you smell - onions, garlic, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage. Also, some things shouldn't be mixed (saurkraut and eggs come to mind).

Good luck. I can relate. No deodorant/antiperspirant that I've ever used keeps working. I've got several partially used brands laying around right now.

sunshinegirl5719

Have you tried Lavilin?

Deoderants and antiperspirants don't work for me, I still break through and end up sweating but Lavilin has been working great. it doesn't contain aluminum or any of that crap and it's not an antiperspirant but it takes away the smell (which can be caused by numerous things, including bacteria)


And even though it's not an antiperspirant, for some reason, I don't sweat nearly as much now. it seems like it changed my body chemistry. I was never much of a sweater except for my armpits, but now thats not a problem.

never heard of it. could you tell me more about it and where to get it?

KrisThomas1964

There was a woman on this programme last year who was suffering a similar issue she had Bacterial Vaginitis (bv) treatable by Flagyl (antibiotic tablets) which is very common.

http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/mmtemplates/sitesearch.php?search=odor&action=Search

Hope this is of some help

Also look up
If you think you have TMAU (fish Odor syndrome ( trimethylaminuria)) this is a guide with some information: http://www.ehow.com/how_2166233_live-fish-odor-syndrome.html

PrincessLou71186

I would recommend going to a doctor. They will be able to run tests and see if there is anything they can do for you. A friend of mine suffered badly with BO and was given Botox injections into her armpits and the smell stopped. She needs to get them regularly but they help drastically. Before she started these she was given various different medications to see if they helped.

I would strongly recommend seeing a doctor, they may give you the answer you have been looking at.

tajmel

Seeing a new doctor is definitely your best option. There are many down there infections that aren't STDs which smell unpleasant and can be treated. Many illnesses cause strange body odor.

Wash thoroughly, and exfoliate (you probably already do). Layer perfume - find a scent you like, then buy body wash, lotion, and perfume in that scent. Use a combo deodorant/antiperspirant liberally, anywhere you sweat too much. Wash your clothes with fabric softener and always wear clean ones. I live in a hot climate, and if I sweat too much I sometimes change midday.

Also, if this has been lifelong and you live at home, it could be environmental. Just a thought.

emmaskye15

go find a doctor, usually severe body odour is an hormonal problem, if it smells fishy there is a disease that makes you smell of fish (all over not just genitalia) called trimethylaminuria, this can be helped with eliminating certain things from diet, but you need to see a specialist for that. Also, be careful what you wash with, sometimes, when you over wash and over perfume, you kick the bacteria out of wack and that can make you smell worse than if you dont wash, try using unscented antiperspirants and ph balanced products. If it is bothering you a lot, go see a dr and make it clear that you have an issue and its effecting your self asteem.

Exactly what I was thinking! Stay strong and mention this to your doctor! It night be something that you can control with diet and changing a few other things up in your life! Keep smiling!

sarah_ep

go find a doctor, usually severe body odour is an hormonal problem, if it smells fishy there is a disease that makes you smell of fish (all over not just genitalia) called trimethylaminuria, this can be helped with eliminating certain things from diet, but you need to see a specialist for that. Also, be careful what you wash with, sometimes, when you over wash and over perfume, you kick the bacteria out of wack and that can make you smell worse than if you dont wash, try using unscented antiperspirants and ph balanced products. If it is bothering you a lot, go see a dr and make it clear that you have an issue and its effecting your self asteem.

This. I think a doctor is your best bet. If the one you currently are seeing isn't helping you go to another doctor. There are too many possibilities.

LilacDreamer

Have you tried Lavilin?

Deoderants and antiperspirants don't work for me, I still break through and end up sweating but Lavilin has been working great. it doesn't contain aluminum or any of that crap and it's not an antiperspirant but it takes away the smell (which can be caused by numerous things, including bacteria)


And even though it's not an antiperspirant, for some reason, I don't sweat nearly as much now. it seems like it changed my body chemistry. I was never much of a sweater except for my armpits, but now thats not a problem.

never heard of it. could you tell me more about it and where to get it?

you can find it at various health food stores online (swanson, iherb.com etc.) but I picked it up on amazon. it's like $12-15 and it's a cream that's in a small tub and it comes with a spatula. you use a pea sized amount and you you use it every few days because it doesn't wear off or rub off and its water proof.

Some people can go as much as a week or 2 in between uses, i typically reapply it every 4 of 5 days.

MinMin97

For underarm odor, try this:
Wash and shave, then when you get out of the shower check if there is still a smell.
If there is, get some lotion in your hand and a touch of baking soda (like, 1/8 teaspoon), mix together in your hand, and (gently) put it under your arms...wipe it off, and check to see if you still smell anything. Repeat if necessary. Finally, use the soda/lotion combo as your deodorant. I've used that for years and have no b.o. there using that. More success than with deodorants.

For body odor elsewhere,
Use the same lotion/soda combo lightly around the groin after showering.
Get your undies and workout clothing all through the wash using a touch of bleach.
Also consider starting out with fresh new undies.
Are you very heavy? That would certainly contribute to sweating/smell, I would think.

I have noticed, with my children, that certain fabrics which they sleep in just dont seem to mix with their chemistry, I don't like how it smells in the morning, and don't wash up fresh enough for me.....polyester i think. Perhaps your fabrics are not right for you....try all cotton? Or cotton/spandex or something?

Probably as your body gets healthier/cleaner you will have less of a problem.
Consider ways of cleansing your systems, as with fiber supplements or perhaps herbs if you are comfortable using those. I would suggest drnatura.com, as those are gentle and effective and many people use them/like them.

Sorry you are having a problem, and I am sure you will be able to get this normalized!

MStanford336

I can smell you from here.

That comment was really mean and childish.

mandy0688

first of all the first reply with I can smell you from here was very rude and inconsidert. Second it could possibly be a feminine smell try a different douche or PH or some soaps from vagisel. and also go to your doctor, you maybe oversecreting something in your skin i think you may need to see a endocrinologist and talk to them you may have a hormone inbalance. Try that see if it works and good luck.

sunshinegirl5719

As for down there, take probiotics. Acidophillus is a good one, I use Floragen twice a day and it's a life safer. Give it a try! Your body odor is probably caused by an imbalance in your ph that could be cured with probiotics as well... Just wondering, do you happen to get cystic acne as well?

no, I don't have cystic acne. had to google it but I do have occasional acne or zits that just pop up and acne scars but nothing severe. I have a probiotic accufiora. would that work? I only taken it a few times since I bought it.