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Original poster

Help - I stink!

65 replies

Starllght · 14/01/2023 07:49

NC for this, please be kind. Going to be as detailed as I can.

I’ve noticed a couple times recently that I stink. In my line of work, I need to wear business dress. There are some days when I need to stay on and end up working 13, 14, 15 hour days. Myself and colleagues will be driving back to the office and after these long days I can smell myself.

It’s never my armpits, it’s always coming from my pants region and my feet. I worry that my colleagues can smell me.

I have a thorough shower every day, using bar soap, but I do notice that after about 7-8 hours said areas start to smell.

I wear cotton underwear however I then need to either wear suit trousers or a dress with tights. My preferred outfits are a dress with tights.

Getting changed throughout the day is not an option, I can only bring a small work bag (full of work documents etc) when I go out, so there isn’t lots of room for lots of panty liners, wipes etc.

I know there will be a suggestion that it could be hormonal however I smell nice and fresh for up to about 7 hours, would I not smell much quicker if it was hormonal?

I have a good diet and play football and run when I can so do some good exercise. I have done an at home test for BV and it is negative.

The smell isn’t ingrained in my clothes/underwear/tights as these are all washed at a good temperature after every use and replaced regularly. My shoes are also replaced regularly and I have lots of different pairs to choose from.

OP posts:
Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 14/01/2023 07:51

Could it be BV? Boots do a gel which is very good. If it continues your GP will give you a/b's

Workinghardeveryday · 14/01/2023 07:52

It will be your tights. Switch to hold ups, much more comfortable to.

Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 14/01/2023 07:52

Apologies, seen you've tested for BV

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General style & beauty
Haruka · 14/01/2023 08:47

In addition to waering hold-ups over tights, wear non-scented panty-liners. You can easily change those during the day and it keeps your nether regions smelling far fresher than sitting in your own juices all day.

poorbuthappy · 14/01/2023 08:49

Yes to the panty liners.

Flowersonthewall123 · 14/01/2023 08:52

Stupid question is it more if a urine / ammonia smell? If so then it’s you have a weak bladder and leaking urine throughout the day.

Have you tried a pad that you can change throughout the day?

Have you noticed any discharge?

Coolheadedbird · 14/01/2023 08:53

Avoid onions and any spicy foods.

Thighlengthboots · 14/01/2023 08:55

Your underwear might be cotton but tights aren’t and they are very synthetic and sweaty. Take a good probiotic and stop wearing tights.

DisforDarkChocolate · 14/01/2023 08:56

I can't wear tights, hold ups for me but I'm thinking of getting some stockings too.

Are you rotating your footwear enough?

FairlySane · 14/01/2023 08:58

Do you drink water regularly throughout the day Starlight ? It’s difficult when busy but try having a water bottle with you at all times.

Winter2020 · 14/01/2023 08:58

If you can wear a little cotton "invisible" socklet inside your shoes your feet will be a lot let smelly.

RambamThankyouMam · 14/01/2023 09:01

Minge spray, wipes, and liners that you change throughout the day.

Pregnancy has made me whiffy downstairs, and this little regime has really helped.

willowstar · 14/01/2023 09:07

I think it is normal to smell a bit after a while if you are busy and in fairly intense environments. I do too and presume so do other people. Anything where my adrenaline might be up has this effect on me. I don't think others notice.

EthicalNonMahogany · 14/01/2023 09:14

I have had BV even though tests were negative. It's the only thing that gave me that lingering, "something isn't right" smelly feeling. Try ordering antibiotics from an online pharmacy and give it a try, you might find it just sorts it.

Not sure about the feet smell - another thought could be thrush, plus athlete's foot? I'd go for a Caneston pill or two as well.

Sorry to just be suggesting throwing medication at the problem...

CleanBedding · 14/01/2023 09:17

My fanny would kick out a pong if I wore tights all day too. You can get crotchless tights if stockings don't appeal. I think scented pads could lead to more problems so I'd just concentrate on ventilation and rinse with a bottle of water on the toilet every so often.

ItsNotReallyChaos · 14/01/2023 09:20

I'd buy a box of BalanceActiv gel even though you tested negative for BV and do the course of 7 days.

The gel (rather than the pessary) feels like it cleans as well as neutralising pH.

Experiment with different brands of tights. I've thrown out a few pairs when I've realised they were causing issues.

Isthisabitweird · 14/01/2023 09:24

Can I ask what you smell of? I have this too and I’ve had all sorts of tests but there is nothing wrong.

I’ve now wear a bladder control pants liner which does help. I think I’m leaking urine through the day.

im a bit overweight not a huge amount but i wonder if that has something to do with it.

Circumferences · 14/01/2023 09:26

I noticed a brand called Snag Tights do a pair of tights that are like an all-in-one suspenders you pull up aroun your waist, they look like suspenders but everything's attached and stretchy. Search for "Mock Garters".

I'd also recommend panty liners you can change throughout the day and the possibility that the negative result for BC was inaccurate.

Circumferences · 14/01/2023 09:26

Lol inaccurate like my typing of BV.

EyeSpyPlumPie · 14/01/2023 09:28

EthicalNonMahogany · 14/01/2023 09:14

I have had BV even though tests were negative. It's the only thing that gave me that lingering, "something isn't right" smelly feeling. Try ordering antibiotics from an online pharmacy and give it a try, you might find it just sorts it.

Not sure about the feet smell - another thought could be thrush, plus athlete's foot? I'd go for a Caneston pill or two as well.

Sorry to just be suggesting throwing medication at the problem...

Please do not order antibiotics online! Go see your GP they should be able to investigate for you.

Original poster
Starllght · 14/01/2023 09:28

CleanBedding · 14/01/2023 09:17

My fanny would kick out a pong if I wore tights all day too. You can get crotchless tights if stockings don't appeal. I think scented pads could lead to more problems so I'd just concentrate on ventilation and rinse with a bottle of water on the toilet every so often.

This really made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the chuckle

Unfortunately hold ups wouldn’t be practical. (although ventilation does seem like the best option here). Without being too outing, my line of work is very varied and I’m not always sitting at a desk/in the office and there can be times when I might need to be on my hands and knees collecting items for example

If wearing trousers I always wear cotton socks and the stink still comes through. Perhaps it is just due to the length of time I’m all cooped up in socks/tights/trousers.

Will get lots and lots of pantyliners

OP posts:
liveforsummer · 14/01/2023 09:29

Are all your shoes leather? Synthetic shoes will cause a problem and harbour smells even in cotton socks

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 14/01/2023 09:32

Spray your feet with foot deodorant or even antiperspirant after your shower? Wear leather shoes/boots.

softswirlingsnow · 14/01/2023 09:34

Would hair removal help? Pubes can't be helping this so how about using a razor?
PS what is BV?

SergeiL · 14/01/2023 09:36

So you have to be on your hands and knees which rules suspenders out but also have to wear smart business wear? And aren’t allowed a big enough bag to carry pant liners? Intriguing! And sounds very dated. I would be lobbying for a change in dress code. I think I would be a bit stinky if I had to be trussed up in business wear doing a relatively physical job for extremely long hours.

in the mean time, I would follow up on the BV / GP suggestions. And maybe switch to trousers.