Odor Query

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Well, here goes. Every morning, I notice that I, uh, stink. Between 0400 and 0600. It's not that I'm especially hot or working hard or sweating. I just notice an odor about myself. Nobody has ever said anything. And it seems to be gone on its own within an hour or so.

My guess is that this is the time that our bodies are maximally preparing for the new day. I know there's a diurnal upswing in hormones about that time, right? And I attribute it to that. That's also when i notice that every coworker and I are needing to do our business in the restroom. Our bodies seem to be cleansing and gearing up for the day, even though we are night workers, most of us for many years.

What the heck? OK, well, that was embarrassing, but I woud appreciate your input. It's odd, but I don't notice other people being smelly, just myself. I wonder if they notice me or themselves or not at all. Too embarrassed to ask. Not asking for med advice, just for your experience with either yourself or coworkers. Oh, and what do you do about it? Jump in the shower? No, of course you can't while working.

[mentalhealthRN]

Don't know. I would talk to your doc about that one if I were you. Who knows what it could be. Lots of things can cause odors other then perspiration sooooo.....

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Is it your nighttime coffee coming through your skin? I'd notice that when I worked nights.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

It might or mignt not be something to get checked out. I notice something like this too. Maybe it is just feeling yucky from being up all night, dry etc. I just try to freshen up. splash some water on my face, comb my hair, etc before the last med pass at 6am.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

It might or mignt not be something to get checked out. I notice something like this too. Maybe it is just feeling yucky from being up all night, dry etc. I just try to freshen up. splash some water on my face, comb my hair, etc before the last med pass at 6am.

I brush my teeth and carry baby wipes for the quick freshen up. A few brief spritzes of hair spray, deodorant, and foot powder and I'm off! I don't know what it is.......I always chaulked it up to walking morning breath and increased olfactory sensitivity because I am nauseated from too much coffee and no sleep!

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

LOL....there is a point when you ask yourself "Did I really just drink that much coffee"

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I don't notice a smell, but I always feel like a swamp in July at that hour of the morning. I recommend a quick sponge off and toothbrushing to get through that last little bit.

[organichombre, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Must be a female thing, I've never heard any of my guy friends talk about it but hey we don't talk about a lot of things! Good luck

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I put a small travel size deodorant in my locker. If I notice that I am smelling like a moose, I will go and apply some between cases.

Do you sweat a great deal? I think that I might be "going through the change" because I find myself getting very hot during the day, and I soak my sheets at night. I apply deodorant after I shower and then re-apply if needed during the day. That seems to work for me.

I have a co-worker that smells just like bologna, and I wonder if she is just eating lots and lots of bologna or if she is just stinky from not showering daily. Kudos to you for asking such a personal question on a public forum!

Try some clinical strength deodorant. It really does work.

[UpinawayRN]

Travel size powder is your friend.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Must be a female thing, I've never heard any of my guy friends talk about it but hey we don't talk about a lot of things! Good luck

I am a guy, too. That's why this is so extra embarrassing.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I put a small travel size deodorant in my locker. If I notice that I am smelling like a moose, I will go and apply some between cases.

Do you sweat a great deal? I think that I might be "going through the change" because I find myself getting very hot during the day, and I soak my sheets at night. I apply deodorant after I shower and then re-apply if needed during the day. That seems to work for me.

I have a co-worker that smells just like bologna, and I wonder if she is just eating lots and lots of bologna or if she is just stinky from not showering daily. Kudos to you for asking such a personal question on a public forum!

Try some clinical strength deodorant. It really does work.

Yes, bologna, wow! That's a garlic smell, right? And protein, of course. I don't know what it is - it just comes up around my shoulders, I have noticed.

Ah - life's mysteries. Thanks to all for sharing.