Page 10 | Personal hygiene

Ohmywhat · 2022-07-29T19:45:49+00:00

I'm so embarrassed, I can only really discuss this anonymously so please be gentle. A friend who I've known for many many years has very sympathetically told me that I've let my personal hygiene slip. She's not wrong, my weight has steadily increased especially over the past two years and I'm really struggling. I don't know where to start. We are supposed to be going away in a big group next weekend and now I feel I can't go. How can I knowing she thinks this? Any advice? (apart from have a wash!) I know it seems so easy but I feel stuck and a bit panicky and overwhelmed.

PeloAddict · 02/08/2022 17:30

PenelopeGarseeya · 02/08/2022 17:23

What is this magic???? On the recommendation of PP on here I bought some Pears soap, haven’t used soap for years, and the difference in cleanliness between soap and shower gel is UNREAL. I’ve used various kinds, sometimes have to use unscented and sensitive like a sanex but have also used Mint Source, own brand, Sanctuary etc- I only mention that to show I’ve tried many so the issue isn’t with the brand. I also used a flannel which I normally do but my skin felt so much better and cleaner. Usually I can already smell myself getting whiffy even 30 mins after a shower but despite doing heavy housework yesterday by bedtime I still smelled fresh. I wonder if shower gel is hard go grt off your skin so it kind of builds up? I’m going to have to make sure I really moisturise due to a skin condition but otherwise I won’t use shower gel again.

just thought I’d post in case anyone else had read the PP’s but hadn’t tried it yet.

It makes a huge difference! I have a stash of shower gels so I use soap under arms, on feet and any sweaty bits and shower gel for the rest which works if you need to use stuff up

diddl · 02/08/2022 20:49

We needed to rig up a temporary shower some time ago & attached a bidet tap to the sink tap in the utility room & stood in a paddling pool!

Could you attach a bidet tap to your bath tap & use it as a shower?

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 02/08/2022 21:21

www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/sponges-brushes-and-buckets/hozelock-portashower-7l-420117.html?istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istFeedId=367c5610-f937-4c81-8609-f84582324cd6&istItemId=riitt&istBid=t&_$ja=tsid:|cid:17326102957|agid:|tid:|crid:|nw:x|rnd:5099680678478138179|dvc:m|adp:|mt:|loc:1006868&gclid=CjwKCAjwlqOXBhBqEiwA-hhitK_QPF5C4ZqDAfxji3O0dvY5OBbi_ThfoS2rz97xH6_co8hGsyLXdxoCL8MQAvD_BwE

Sunnysal · 02/08/2022 22:10

I'm on the large side and get wet red skin under my breasts. I've tried a lot of cream etc. The best thing is Daktarin athletes foot spray. I also cut a flannel in half and put it under my brests to soak up the sweat. I wash them on a v hot wash with my towels.... and I mean MY towels, no sharing.

DonateBloodNCheckSmokeAlarms · 03/08/2022 15:24

How are we getting on?
I managed to shower AND wash my hair today.
Got to do the bins and litter tray later.
And do a couple of loads of laundry.
Certainly never-ending!

Gingermoth · 03/08/2022 18:19

Op, if you have any disabilities you might be able to go through an occupational therapist and apply for a dfg through your local council. They will liaise with the HA for you .

ISaidHeyWhatsGoingOn · 03/08/2022 19:38

Hi OP, I am unable to use a bath either and had one of these attached to my current bath. Is this an option for you? I would also install a bit of wet wall behind and to the side to prevent mold.

www.diy.com/departments/goodhome-blyth-bath-shower-mixer-tap/3663602665588_BQ.prd

mathanxiety · 03/08/2022 19:49

When you come home from your holiday please make an appointment with your GP to be screened for depression, type 2 diabetes, and other problems associated with weight gain (cholesterol, high blood pressure).

Your GP can advise on topical treatment for sore skin in the folds too.

I really urge you to start taking your health seriously. Look honestly at your diet and your exercise habits.

If you can afford to see a dietician, I would do that.

mathanxiety · 03/08/2022 19:54

DO NOT USE TALC.
Talc is basically ground up soft rock. The tiny filaments will scratch your tender skin and cause a lot more problems than they will ease.

If you must use any powder (I wouldn't recommend it) use a medicated cornstarch powder. Gold Bond is a decent brand.

Mindthegob · 03/08/2022 20:00

I noticed a friend was “not her normal self” which was usually very polished. Her benefits had been cut to almost zero, she was working every day, cooking cleaning and shopping for ever hungry teenagers and dropping from exhaustion. She was also scared to have a shower because her water bill was through the roof- when there was hot water- her bills had hugely increased and she was using the short wash. She was also in debt and unable to buy mitts/perfume etc despite working every day. In short, sometimes poor personal hygiene can be a sign of ill health, depression or exhaustion.

DonateBloodNCheckSmokeAlarms · 06/08/2022 19:37

I ate some (a lot of!) spicy crisps yesterday and today I feel dirty, like I can smell it on myself. Have taken the empty packets to the outside bin and have put my hoodie in the wash as the crumbs landed on it. And I put the bowl in the dishwasher.

Anyone else feel like that? I usually only do this sort of thing when I've had a takeaway! I need the empty containers in the outside bin asap and the dishes in the dishwasher!

Moonshine5 · 06/08/2022 20:04

I wish people would show more empathy. OP is not saying overweight = you smell, OP is saying for their personal circumstances it's a factor.
It compounds matters further if neglect / self care have been issues; surely compassion is the first order of business.
Mumsnet is a supportive community not a judgement / mean girls convention.
OP is asking for guidance. I suggest making a list of all the things you want to address short / medium / long term and start planning how you can tackle them. People are right OP for the away weekend you can make sure that the immediate issue is tackled.
Start and keep going, you deserve care too.
All the best.

KosherDill · 06/08/2022 20:39

PenelopeGarseeya · 02/08/2022 17:23

What is this magic???? On the recommendation of PP on here I bought some Pears soap, haven’t used soap for years, and the difference in cleanliness between soap and shower gel is UNREAL. I’ve used various kinds, sometimes have to use unscented and sensitive like a sanex but have also used Mint Source, own brand, Sanctuary etc- I only mention that to show I’ve tried many so the issue isn’t with the brand. I also used a flannel which I normally do but my skin felt so much better and cleaner. Usually I can already smell myself getting whiffy even 30 mins after a shower but despite doing heavy housework yesterday by bedtime I still smelled fresh. I wonder if shower gel is hard go grt off your skin so it kind of builds up? I’m going to have to make sure I really moisturise due to a skin condition but otherwise I won’t use shower gel again.

just thought I’d post in case anyone else had read the PP’s but hadn’t tried it yet.

I've never understood why people buy shower gel. The plastic packaging is horrible for the environment and bar soap is much less chemical-ly and more effective.

DonateBloodNCheckSmokeAlarms · 06/08/2022 21:27

MN converted me to actual bar soap a couple of years ago!

Moomoo75 · 06/08/2022 22:45

Hope you went away on your weekend break OP. Enjoy.

Original poster

Ohmywhat · 10/08/2022 07:00

Hey just thought I'd pop back to let you that I did go away with everyone at the weekend and had a lovely time.

I'm still working hard at my morning routine. It's definitely not something that is coming easily but I have an app that I'm using for my reminders/ lists. I can't say I've been great every day but certainly more often than not and adding baby steps in all the time.

This thread has been incredibly good for me, very therapeutic and I thank you so much for the support given.

OP posts:

upliftingtwisting · 10/08/2022 07:29

Oh I am pleased you went OP and had a lovely time. Keep going with the routine. You are doing really well. All the best.

Thefruitbatdancer · 10/08/2022 08:26

Really pleased that you went away for the weekend.

My mum had a detachable shower head at her old house, she just attached the suction heads to the taps. No plumbing involved so could work for you.

Or you could get a bucket, fill it up with water and soap yourself down in the bath. Then just rinse yourself down with a plastic jug if you don't want the palava of filling a bath. It'll probably be cheaper too now having a bucket wash than a bath.

Boopeedoop · 10/08/2022 08:37

I'm so pleased you went away. I hope you had a great time!

What app are you using please?

Moomoo75 · 10/08/2022 09:35

Great news OP. Keep going with it. Am delighted you went away and had a lovely time.

Original poster

Ohmywhat · 10/08/2022 11:55

The app is called Tody. You can set up your own lists and then I just look at the current day's list and tick things off as I do them. I've added housework and bills I need to pay on it too.

OP posts:

Boopeedoop · 10/08/2022 14:46

Thanks so much. My daughter is asd ADHD and just moved into her flat home. This will be really useful.

Veryverycalmnow · 14/08/2022 10:57

Glad you went away and had a great time. Sounds like you're getting on top of jobs and doing well. Great news.