Hi, I am new to this site. This is a small problem compared to others, but I need some advise/tips on how to get my mom to use deodorant after showering. She still is able to care for herself for the most part as far as bathing, dressing, etc, but sometimes she still has strong body odor even after showering. Mom has lost much of her sense of smell . I think part of the problem is that we have one friend that is highly allergic to perfume and we do not wear it when we know we are going to be around her (which is usually just once a week for a few minutes at church) My mom seems to have it in her head that perfume and deodorant are the same thing and that she can no longer wear deodorant at all because it will make our friend sick, even if that friend is not around. How can I convince her that is not the case, or even 'trick' her into putting deodorant on every day? I know mom would be really embarrassed if she knew how she smelled sometimes. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help!
Hello!
I know Dove makes a deodorant that has no scent but is an anti-perspirant so it controls natural odor. I believe it's their "sensitive skin" formula. Think if you bought it for her, she'd willingly use it?
Missy, thanks for the suggestion. I hadn't heard of that brand having an unscented deodorant. I will look for it and show it to my mom. She may just be willing to try a new type/brand. Good idea!
at my house, everyone, including my mother, is REQUIRED to shower daily. i stand by and monitor her shower, assisting with cleaning some of the hard to reach places. i do this using a SUPER SOFT NYLON BRISTLE dusting brush like one you would use on the floor with a dustpan. (i bought a new one just for her showers, and it allows me to clean under her arms, breasts, and private body areas. she actually loves it!)
she does NOT use deodorant, BUT
she uses AMPLE ANTI-BACTERIAL DEODORANT SOAP in the shower, and
ANTI-BACTERIAL BODY POWDER, such as GOLD BOND or a generic equivalent, AFTER showering.
by the way, if your mother has strong body odor, it may indicate systemic infection or some other problem, so she may need a trip to the dermatologist.
hope this helps!
©suzannemcable.2009
My father was a lifetime Ivory user which has no deodorant protection. Even if my mother told him he smelled which she did he didn't care. Until I walked in to their home one day and said Jeez Dad you're a little ripe don't you think? I know to some it would seem cruel but frankly it so shocked him that he washed and used deodorant daily thereafter. The idea that he was offending someone was more problematic than getting sensible about a solution. There are also unscented deodorants by degree and several other brands.
Galowa,
I was unable to use the internet for a few days, so sorry that this response is so late. Thank you for answering my question. I appreciate your suggestions. It sounds like you are a very loving and compassionate daughter and your mom is fortunate to have you there with her. I tried the unscented deodorant and explained to my mom that it would not bother our friend with the alleries since it doesn't have a smell to it, and she seemed to accept that explanation and has been using it. I might get her some anti-bacterial soap as you suggested, to use in place of shower gel. That would probably help in the long run, too. She just had blood work done recently, and it showed there is no infection, so this just seems to be a regular body odor problem. - Thanks again, and take care!
Hi "An Hour 4 Me"
I love your screen name! Thanks for sharing your suggestion. The unscented deodorant seems to be working. I'm glad you were able to get your dad to start using some deodorant, too, even if you had to be blunt with him! It's great that we can share these kinds of things online and get varied solutions or just someone's ear to listen for a moment. Take care.
Just tell her that her friend is not around, and she will be more welcome if she uses the deodorant.
Hi!
Glad the problem seems to be solved. A little alcohol under the armpits works wonders. There is also a natural mineral stick deodorant which has no odor and is quite good. Washing clothing in hot water will help with odor, maybe a little Borax in the washer will help with keeping her clothing a bit sweeter. Good luck with the future.
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