A Post about Odoriforous Emanations

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Well, not really lol. I'm a brand new nursing student (only 16.5 months to go) and I'm a meticulously clean person. I shower before AND after clinicals. I use Soft n Dri antiperspirant/deodorant aerosol that I've used since I was 12. But now it's like it doesn't work, I mean I do NOT smell but I notice a difference. We work hard on our clinical floor, many of us girls are dripping with sweat at the end of our 2 - 4.5 hour days. I figured since we have posts of 'what's the best black pen' I could ask 'what is the best antiperspirant/deodorant' that you all recommend. Please don't flog me for the question, I honestly what to know. Thanks in advance.

Mitchum or Degree. I switch off occasionally. I use the gel.

Secret and so forth just don't work for me.

I use Mitchum in gel form and it works great! The container even says "Strong enough so that you could skip a day". I've never put that to the test on a school day, but if I'm being super lazy on a weekend and just don't feel like getting out of my pajama's, I've never noticed my own funk. LOL. Give it a shot!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

Body odor is a byproduct of the metabolic process of various bacteria, primarily corynebacteria and micrococci, which break down organic substances found on the skin, in sweat or on clothing. These bacteria flourish in moist warm, moist areas of the skin where moisture cannot readily evaporate.

Hence, underarm odor is caused by moisture and bacteria. Treat the moisture with a solid antiperspirant containing, Aluminum chloride, Aluminum zirconium tricholorohydrex glycine, Aluminum chlorohydrate, or Aluminum hydroxybromide. This works by actually blocking the eccrine-gland ducts, so the sweat can't get out.

To treat the bacteria try one of the crystal deodorants. They are composed of mineral salts, which form a topical layer on the skin, creating an environment impossible for bacteria to thrive. They eliminate the odor-causing bacteria and therefore prevent body odor.

Also, does this only happen on clinical days, or only with certain tops? Some fabric dyes can interact with the bacteria to produce odor. Try a different brand...the dye may be the culprit. Make sure your tops are made of non-synthetic, absorbent fabric.

One last thing, consider an overgrowth of fungus. Maybe try some antifungal cream at night for a while, and see if it helps.

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If you sweat, you are going to smell. Nothing wrong with that--it's the by product of hard work.

If you don't like it, bring premoistened wipes (natural baby wipes work well, as does a simple washcloth), go to the bathroom midshift and do a quick wipe down of face (if you don't wear makeup), pits, bum; then reapply moisturizer and deoderant. Brush your teeth while you are at it. At 4am on a 12 hour shift, this makes me feel much more awake and like I won't kill my patients with bad breath when I do am vitals.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I swear that my body becomes resistant to deoderants after a while. I could be doing not much of anything, wearing a cotton shirt, and still sweat through it. So I periodically change brands. I tried the secret clinical strength, degree, Almay, Secret, Lady Speed Stick.. it all works for a couple of months, and then stops working. I don't get it.

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Specializes in SICU/CVICU.

Out of all of the ones that I have tried, I would have to say that Mitchum and Degree work the best. Just be sure that you get the gel kind.

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Specializes in Junior Year of BSN.

I love Dove and Degree. It really doesn't matter which deodorant I use as long as it's a stick or gel. I use Degree when I am going to the club or exercising since its stronger than Dove.

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Specializes in progressive care telemetry.

I like Ban gel. THe last place I worked (not in healthcare) they had a fragrance policy so no perfume or scented anything. The Ban Unscented gel worked the best. Now, even tho I don't have to wear unscented deodorant, I still like Ban the best.

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8_1_223.gif i guess everyone is differant and you prob have to try a few and see what works for you!
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To treat the bacteria try one of the crystal deodorants. They are composed of mineral salts, which form a topical layer on the skin, creating an environment impossible for bacteria to thrive. They eliminate the odor-causing bacteria and therefore prevent body odor.

One of my friends from way back got into the organic movement long before it was popular. She used the crystal deodorants and had constant BO until she started using the store stuff again. Sure couldn't hurt to try it I guess.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

Secret has their clinical strength as does Degree now.

My husband has a huge sweating problem. It's bad enough that I wanted to get Botox for him when I started working. It's bad enough he had a prescription for some deodorant a ways back....not the Certain Dry as that is OTC and right on the shelf (do not have to ask for it in every store). So he's wet...very wet.

He's tried the clinical Strength versions from Secret and Degree and is VERY happy with the Secret. I notice a difference in his shirts.

So from a heavy sweater who has had medical intervention...he recommends the Secret clinical.

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curious: "clinical strength" means you have to ask the pharmacist but it does not require a prescription? Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
curious: "clinical strength" means you have to ask the pharmacist but it does not require a prescription? Thanks!

No script needed...it's just the sales job of these companies. I haven't seen them in every store but I have seen them in WalMart and Target...just not at the local market.

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