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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not wear antiperspirant to my job in healthcare?

229 replies

floatinglily · 26/08/2019 06:56

I've tried all sorts, none of which work. I've tried Dove max protection and Triple Dry as well as many of the usual supermarket bought ones. I still end up smelling! I've used Lush deodorant before which doesn't stop me sweating but does get rid of the smell. I don't know what else to try.

WIBU to use the lush deodorant for work but potentially end up with sweat patches on hot / busy days?

OP posts:
orangeshoebox · 26/08/2019 07:24

yes washing at 40 would help, especially if you use a proper long cotton cycle.
you could give bio powder a try if you add an extra rinse.

cranstonmanor · 26/08/2019 07:25

Dove soap doesn't work as well as normal soap. I still smell a bit after dove soap.

SolitudeAtAltitude · 26/08/2019 07:26

I stopped using anti perspirants when I read up on the alluminium in it, and the link to breast cancer.

So I use sanex deodorant, which works smell wise, and I just accept that on hot days I sweat

Wash my clothes on 40 though

Sizeofalentil · 26/08/2019 07:26

Dove soap isn't a real soap. It's a beauty bar. I'd try switching brands

icanhearapindrop · 26/08/2019 07:27

I have read on here that Dove soap isn’t effective. I can’t remember why, but hopefully someone else will know!

NannyR · 26/08/2019 07:28

Dove soap is a detergent based bar rather than soap, sort of like a solid shower gel.

longtimelurkerhelen · 26/08/2019 07:28

Use Pit Rok the original one (black)

www.pitrok.co.uk/PitROK-Crystal-Original.html

Use it as soon as you get out of the bath/shower while still wet.

umberellaonesie · 26/08/2019 07:29

It is probably your uniform that smells rather than you. Once you wear it for an hour or so and warm up the fabric the stale sweat that is ingrained in the fabric will start to smell. I would try washing hotter, or do a pre wash with bio and main wash with non bio at 40 or 60

meazie · 26/08/2019 07:29

Anhydrol forte is amazing. I used it for a couple of months around 15 years ago and it solved the problem.

Got it over the counter at boots pharmacy. Wasn't prescribed.

It might be the same as driclor just with the pharmaceutical name.

Worth a shot.

DorothyBastard · 26/08/2019 07:29

I agree with the comments about soap. Dove bar doesn’t work for me either, but proper bar soap makes all the difference. I used to have exactly the same issue as you, and I got it under control by washing with bar soap, using the Mitchum gel once or twice a week at bedtime, and Mitchum spray after my shower every morning

SolitudeAtAltitude · 26/08/2019 07:30

Dove bar is not soap

Real soap gets rid of the bacteria which cause smelliness. Dove bar and shower gel do not remove/kill the bacteria

Real soap is best (can be any old soap, cheap bar of imperial leather will do)

Catanddogmake6 · 26/08/2019 07:30

For washing clothes have you tried also using the dettol clothes cleaner in with your wash. That might help - also good for any bugs you pick up at work. I think it’s the bacteria that causes the smell. I read an article recently (The Times) about a doctor who has found a treatment (apparently it’s the bacteria makeup on your skin which causes the problem and by applying good bacteria he can recolonise the area and stop the problem). So hopefully this treatment will become mainstream and rolled out but in the meantime hopefully the tips everyone gives you help.

Ali1cedowntherabbithole · 26/08/2019 07:32

I’d also recommend Mitchum. It was a godsend when I was pregnant.

Could I also pick up washing clothes at 30/40 degrees? That’s not hot enough for a healthcare job.

See if your employer offers a free laundry service. If not, you can claim tax relief towards the cost of laundry, but only of you agree to wash on a hot wash.

RoxytheRexy · 26/08/2019 07:33

It’s normally recommended that uniforms are washed at 60 for infection control reasons. Hence the Tax Code discount

ThirstyGhost · 26/08/2019 07:37

"I stopped using anti perspirants when I read up on the alluminium in it, and the link to breast cancer."

This is a myth. If anyone is worried about this then have search on Cancer Research UK or similar reputable website.

OP, I've found that Sure Maxi Strength works great for me. I found Mitchum irritates my skin (but that is just me). Also, definitely use bars of soap as others are saying. I've started using up "fancy soap" that DH and I have been given for Christmas, etc... which usually just sits there unopened, and find that the handmade soaps seem particularly effective. No idea why though.

Crotchgoblins · 26/08/2019 07:37

It could be worth having a wash during your break, reapplying deodorant and changing to a spare uniform. I wash my uniform at 60°c as god knows what I come into contact with!

Healthcare environments are not good for staff. It's rare to find air conditioning and a physical job where you end up close and personal with patients so you have to be fresh!

I also sometimes use talc or lush silky underwear particularly under/between boobs!

orangeshoebox · 26/08/2019 07:37

if you wash your nursing uniform
at 30
just Shock from an infection control point.

no wonder that hospitals and nursing homes are rife with superbugs.

ivykaty44 · 26/08/2019 07:38

If the clothes still have bacteria upon them, as your body temperature rises the heat underarm reacts with the bacteria and it begins to smell.
I have sat in the gym next to people that are clean but put on gym kit that’s unwashed - as they start to exercise everything fine, but within 15 minutes the smell from the bacteria is rather offensive, as the bacteria and heat mixes!

I would go with people advice to wash clothes at higher temperatures- but also the most important is line drying, and never use conditioner

Use bar soap and flannel for underarm area and roll on Mitchum or Nivea screw up - it’s like a mushroom with screw bottom

HennyPennyHorror · 26/08/2019 07:38

I can't use Bio powder either OP so I put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in my washes or some white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar also works.

Wash hotter though definitely.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/08/2019 07:40

Not the breast cancer thing again. The link to alcohols stronger & not hurting the Prosecco/gin market is it.

FattyPeddledFuriously999 · 26/08/2019 07:43

I have trunkal hyperhidrosis, following an ETS op, fortunately no smell but water pours out of me... (assuming you don't wear a uniform) then wearing a black vest under every outfit, patterned dark tops and thick enough trousers/skirt. There are specialised websites that have underclothing as well. If it's only for a small area then you can have botox.

augustagain · 26/08/2019 07:44

I swear by Cidal (natural antibacterial) bar soap.
DH swears by Shield bar soap.

Try Driclor, Perspirex - one of the heavy-hitting deodorants.

Some fabrics I find need washing at 60C to shift sweat smells.

Don't drink too many caffeinated drinks or eat spicy food - I find it revs up my metabolism and makes me very hot. I am menopausal too though!

noworklifebalance · 26/08/2019 07:45

Real soap is best (can be any old soap, cheap bar of imperial leather will do

I am keen to buy real soap - how do you tell the difference?

And yes, my friend who is an OT has to wash uniform at 60degC - 30/40deg is not enough.

Original poster
floatinglily · 26/08/2019 07:48

I didn't know that about washing uniform, thanks! I don't claim back, didn't know I could. I'm not a nurse and mostly deal with outpatients (with the occasional ward patient) but still probably come into some nasty infections and things, especially from the elderly / sick patients so it's a good point about washing hot. Should I be washing at 60 then?

Thanks for all the suggestions re trying other deodorants.

OP posts: