Embarrassing Excess Skin Question
aeloine
Posts: 2,163 Member
Hello! I've tried searching the posts and have asked Dr. Google but most answers are almost a decade old at this point, so here goes:
I'm down almost 50 pounds and even though I'm losing very slowly, things aren't... tightening up as much as I'd like. That's to be expected. However, some areas are starting to get somewhat itchy, aren't staying super dry, and at times just aren't... the freshest.
Baby powder and corn starch aren't doing it for me. The powder just kind of clumps up. Have you found anything that works for you to keep things... daisy fresh?
I'm down almost 50 pounds and even though I'm losing very slowly, things aren't... tightening up as much as I'd like. That's to be expected. However, some areas are starting to get somewhat itchy, aren't staying super dry, and at times just aren't... the freshest.
Baby powder and corn starch aren't doing it for me. The powder just kind of clumps up. Have you found anything that works for you to keep things... daisy fresh?
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Replies
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Im lost12
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I use deodorant on overlapping skin. It's not ideal but better than a yeast infection, which is what it sounds like you might have. You can try Gold Bond powder or ask your doctor for medicated powder until it's healed.10
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After shower dry with blow dryer maybe.
Check with doctor about whether it is yeast and whether anti-fungals could help.3 -
rheddmobile wrote: »I use deodorant on overlapping skin. It's not ideal but better than a yeast infection, which is what it sounds like you might have. You can try Gold Bond powder or ask your doctor for medicated powder until it's healed.
Deodorant has worked for me in the past too. A solid, not a gel.
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I sometimes use a Gold Bond stick. It's packaged like deodorant and is applied the same way. It helps with chaffing and does a great job between folds. I'm not sure exactly what areas you're asking about, so use this suggestion as you can.3
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My nurse confirmed that corn starch and baby powder are abrasives and make the problem worse.
After you get the area clean and dry try this product:
https://www.bodyglide.com7 -
sounds like you need an antifungal powder like nystatin which you need a prescription for...you could try an OTC antifungal powder but may want to mention it to the dr...
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Sent you a message.3
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I use an ointment instead of powder. It protects the skin from moisture. All powders ever do for me is clump when the moisture hits them. If the place feels sore or maybe infected, I may use a triple antibiotic ointment, which takes care of it every time, but to keep on top of it, just some vaseline works. I had someone tell me you aren't supposed to use deodorant anywhere but underarms and that it says so on the product. I checked. Mine (Degree) does not. In the store, I found that some do. I do not know the reasoning, but if you have a rash or any broken skin in the area, don't use deodorant on it. OUCH! I have used deodorant under boobs and apron and even on my feet (to avoid stinky feet, not because of weight loss.)1
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Fresh Balls/Breasts - my runner friends swear by it for chaffing and odor control, I would imagine the biology is the same for excess skin.
And hang in there, give it a couple years, it may get better given more time.1 -
My nurse confirmed that corn starch and baby powder are abrasives and make the problem worse.
After you get the area clean and dry try this product:
https://www.bodyglide.com
Yes, this!! Talc baby powders are the worst for this type of thing!1 -
Try Canesten cream if you are getting a bacterial/yeast infection in the folds.
It is an OTC cream for vaginal yeast infections, but is really effective for skin folds too.
My travel doc advised me to take some with me when I was going to India, just as a precaution. I was so glad I did, all that heat and humidity was a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria/fungus.
Cheers, h.2 -
I use deodorant/ antiperspirant as stated before between the folds.. works wonders and smells great0
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When I would get a rash under my belly flap, I'd use a surgical wash on it in the shower (Walgreens generic for Hibiclens), then dry, apply diaper rash cream, then tuck some folded tp under it.1
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Third vote for Body Glide. I use it to prevent chafing from snug fitting clothes (i.e., sports bra) during summer runs. Completely mess-free, can't tell you're wearing it, and it works perfectly.1
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Thanks you guys! It's mostly the apron and belly button that are giving me trouble. Still hoping that the apron goes away as I lose more but the belly button is definitely the biggest problem. I do have a doc appt scheduled but it's not until after the holidays.5
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Thanks you guys! It's mostly the apron and belly button that are giving me trouble. Still hoping that the apron goes away as I lose more but the belly button is definitely the biggest problem. I do have a doc appt scheduled but it's not until after the holidays.
I use the antiperspirant on my apron -99lbs mine isnt going anywhere0 -
I’ve lost ~135 pounds and have similar issues, primarily with my stomach and upper arms/armpits and mostly where I have significant stretch marks. Definitely would recommend seeing a doctor. Mine gave me a prescription antifungal cream and it helped, especially in the summer. I’m within 40 pounds of my goal and based on where things are now, short of a miracle occurring in this last bit, my skin issues aren’t going to resolve. I’m operating under the assumption I’ll have skin removal surgery eventually. That’s a ways off for financial reasons so who knows, maybe things will improve on their own with time, but that’s where I suspect things are headed.2
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While deodorant might prevent further issue, I think you need to treat what sounds like a current infection.
When I had the problem, It got bad enough to spread. I had a prescription cream that was part anti-fungal, part steroid/cortisone. You could duplicate this by getting the two creams separately and applying them both.
The good news is that the fat in aprons pulls down the skin fold and they do shrink somewhat with the more weight you lose. At 90 pounds down, I don't have the same issues I did mid weight loss.5 -
After I exercise I make sure to clean the area really well and let it dry out. Then I use hydrogen peroxide on the area.0
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I know some times doctors reccomend barrier creams/ ointments. Keeps the moister off the area. Kinda like an adult diaper rash product. Come in clear or white paste.0
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I was given a tip to use Summers Eve spray under the apron area, works great for me. After showering/drying, I spray a quick spray and I'm good to go. I only have 25-30 pounds to go and the apron is shrinking now but I doubt will be totally gone unless I have surgery (had 2 C-sections that really took a toll).1
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Thanks for all of the insight. I'm not sure if it's bad enough to see a doctor but I've been trying out some of the suggestions on here and boy is it a pain in the butt! Definitely having to sneak dry the areas with a blow dryer and hydrogen peroxide is working somewhat to "treat" but not to "prevent". Going to look for a couple of the topicals recommended on here this week.1
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Go to the doctor and have it documented that it is an issue. Some insurances will pay for excess skin removal if there is proper documentation from a medical professional. It becomes a medical issue and therefore covered by some insurances. Just an option for future consideration.4
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the body glide that runners use may help. also, depending on exactly how and where it falls, underwear that goes 'under' the flap )if that makes sense) may provide a nice barrier. (id stick to good old fashion cotton undies for that) deodorant too, may help (i use it under the 'boobages' sometimes LOLOLOL)0
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callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »the body glide that runners use may help. also, depending on exactly how and where it falls, underwear that goes 'under' the flap )if that makes sense) may provide a nice barrier. (id stick to good old fashion cotton undies for that) deodorant too, may help (i use it under the 'boobages' sometimes LOLOLOL)
Thanks. The underwear trick is 10/10. My biggest issue right now is funk in the belly button1 -
I know exactly what you are talking about. Use Gold Bond powder, it's different than the other powders. You will be amazed. To explain further you are likely dealing with a yeast issue. It likes warm dark damp places. I suffered forever and tried everything then my sister who's an RN took one look and told me what to do. Clears things up in 24 hours.2
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cheryldumais wrote: »I know exactly what you are talking about. Use Gold Bond powder, it's different than the other powders. You will be amazed. To explain further you are likely dealing with a yeast issue. It likes warm dark damp places. I suffered forever and tried everything then my sister who's an RN took one look and told me what to do. Clears things up in 24 hours.
Oh my gosh, thank you!
It's been such a struggle!!!0
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