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My armpits are a human hazard

(62 Posts)
granny4hugs Wed 10-Jul-19 16:28:15

I am way past periods and the menopause so this cannot be hormones (can it?) My underarms have become a ‘hazardous area’. I’ve never used chemicals if I can help it – deodorants, hairsprays - even make up is not something I’ve bothered with on a day to day basis and I do not want to give in to some toxic, noxious substance under my arms but tbh my underarms are occasionally toxic and noxious.
Careful but not obsessive about hygiene, I have to wash under my arms many times a day when the smell occurs and sometimes the stink is back within half an hour. It’s very strong and sometimes kind of ‘nutty’ (sorry if that’s too much information).
My partner says my ‘woman smell’ is sexy because he is an idiot. If I put on a bin bag and flip-flops and said that was my outfit for the day he’d say I ‘make it look good’. He IS NOT to be trusted where women’s presentation is concerned.
Yes, I’ve tried coconut oil and tea-tree and a wash with a bicarb solution. It gets rid of the odour but it comes right back when it’s happening. Other than staying away from human habitation for the four or five days it tends to last - any suggestions?

BradfordLass72 Mon 15-Jul-19 11:21:55

You might try sage capsules. They are pretty cheap so if they don't do any good, you won't be bankrupt.

I never grew hair under my arms, no idea why.

TwinLolly Mon 15-Jul-19 09:05:58

granny4hugs I forgot to add to my message about Salt of the Earth natural deodorant salt stick that it stops bacteria from producing those 'wonderful' armpit smells! blush

JackyB Sun 14-Jul-19 20:48:09

I don't wear make up in my armpits either, granny4hugs

TwinLolly Sun 14-Jul-19 20:21:27

granny4hugs I started using Salt of the Earth natural deodorant which is a stick of mineral salts.

All you do is rub it on moist skin. Dry the stick off afterwards.

It works a treat and I don't have any nasty smells. Also it is natural, doesn't clog up the pores nor does it contain any chemicals. I have now convinced my DH to use it - with fantastic results.

The stick lasts for a long time - I've had mine for over a year now. It's been worth every penny.

You can get it at Holland & Barrett and possibly other health shops. It is also sold online. Check prices though because sometimes they can vary!

clementine Sat 13-Jul-19 20:05:13

Think you need to speak to your GP, if you are washing as often as you say, and still have BO this isn't normal. other than that I would take up some of the suggestions the other posters have made regarding non chemical deodorants .

jeanie99 Sat 13-Jul-19 03:42:46

Get checked out by your GP.

tiredoldwoman Fri 12-Jul-19 12:58:30

You might get curly armpits !

tiredoldwoman Fri 12-Jul-19 08:33:05

I was going to suggest adding a squirt of vinegar to a bottle of bodywash . I did this to a bottle of shampoo when I thought i had a smelly scalp , it worked well and gave me the most wonderful curls ! Something to do with acid and alkili .

Luckylegs Thu 11-Jul-19 22:57:00

I am another lucky person who has no armpit hair any more, don’t sweat under my arms at all. My mum was the same, she just never sweat at all. However, I do sweat on my scalp and face in hot weather.

Horrifyingly, I am noticing as I get older that I am getting a more ‘intimate’ smell which I am aware of and embarrassed by. It seems to be similar to my mum as well but she was 20 years older than I am now and suffering from dementia! Anyone else noticed this?

Grannyguitar Thu 11-Jul-19 19:56:24

Try swabbing with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. should kill off the bacteria without making you smell as if you work at the chippy!

gmarie Thu 11-Jul-19 19:22:45

I have two little spray bottles, one containing alcohol and the other vinegar., as well as a pkg. of wet wipes sitting on my bathroom counter. I use a wipe, spray alcohol, air dry for a few seconds and then spray vinegar. Makes me feel very fresh and works for hours at a time. smile

annodomini Thu 11-Jul-19 19:14:15

The antiperspirants I buy from M&S are alcohol free and not tested on animals. I find them effective, though I barely need them nowadays.

Greciangirl Thu 11-Jul-19 18:15:21

Of course, it’s just common sense.

Use Deodorant.

watermeadow Thu 11-Jul-19 18:03:21

You should use deodorant, like most others do, to avoid giving offence.
Yes, they contain chemicals, as do toothpaste, soap, washing powder and much of what we breathe, eat, touch every day.

Caro57 Thu 11-Jul-19 16:34:36

Mineral stick

Grammaretto Thu 11-Jul-19 14:59:22

Is it a new thing I wonder?
My DH used to sweat copiously when he was young especially when nervous and seemed to think a nice hot soak in a bath was enough. It wasn't.
I had to force him to wash properly and deoderise if I went out with him. and put on a clean shirt
However, now he's in his 70s he doesn't smell bad at all and hardly sweats.
That's certainly not something I miss.

I use an unscented, aluminium free, deodorant and we do have the crystal sticks though I can't say how well they work. quickly sniffs oxters
Like your DH, mine wouldn't notice. Do men have a different sense of smell from women?

Joyfulnanna Thu 11-Jul-19 14:40:42

Is dermol the same as hibiscrub?

Claudiaclaws Thu 11-Jul-19 14:38:22

For Heavens sake, why not use a deodorant. Start now!

JLauren Thu 11-Jul-19 14:31:02

If this is a new thing not triggered by a change in food or medication I would get it checked out by a doctor. It could be easily treated or a symptom of something else that is easily treated.

Greciangirl Thu 11-Jul-19 14:18:39

If you not using deodorant, then you will smell.

Maybe try the natural Rock mineral stuff from health food shop if you don’t like a nice perfumed deodorant.

stella1949 Thu 11-Jul-19 12:53:06

You say you are "careful but not obsessive about hygiene" and you "don't use deodorant" . I think the answer lies somewhere in those two comments.

stella1949 Thu 11-Jul-19 12:49:43

I've been using deodorant all my life with no ill effects. Why do you have a problem with them ? Hormones don't cause underarm smells - it's the bacteria which lives there. Shower every day and use deodorant - simple.

Newatthis Thu 11-Jul-19 12:45:05

I use the crystal block from health food shops - brilliant and chemical free.

Glammy57 Thu 11-Jul-19 12:40:22

Gee whiz - and some people think g.ps are paid too much. Examining rancid armpits etc...
I would rather use chemicals than expose others to my body odour!

Purplepoppies Thu 11-Jul-19 12:08:28

The dove stick is also great to prevent chafing of the thighs in warm weather ?