Hello,
I have always had problems with my hygiene. There has always been that musk that I cannot get off. I constantly feel uncomfortable to the point where I literally cannot sit still. My parents died when I was six. I was never taught how to bathe properly.
I think that showering is my greatest weakness. I do it everyday. I completely dislike showering because it is so difficult. I do it navy-style. By rinsing, turning off the shower, and then lathering.
When I turn off the water, I just feel so much worse. I feel irritated and there still is a smell coming off of my skin. It feels horrible afterward. I can never do it quickly. I thought that maybe I was not rinsing properly, but I always have more than 4 minutes or so to rinse.
The irritation gets really bad sometimes. I would be comfortable with the irritation if I did not smell. My social life struggles because I cannot get clean. I am afraid to go outside because I smell bad. I just don’t know what to do. I am finally trying to find answers.
Comments
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Go see your PCP
Smells and irritation could actually suggest you’re suffering from a skin condition (like an allergy or immune condition).
Have you seen a doctor or medical professional about your concerns? It sounds like you’re getting soap on your body OK and if this showering is at least once every 2-3 days (more often if you do physical work that makes you sweat) then I don’t think smells and irritation should be severe.
(Of course I’m not a doctor so that’s why I’m suggesting one here!)
After you see your doctor, consider using Mirai persimmon bar soap. It is very expensive but gets rid of the smell.
You might need the laundry additive because your smell will probably be in your clothes and bedding.
Washing behind your neck and ears, underarms, crouch & feet are most important.
https://miraiclinical.com/
Ohh. There is much to address here.
All the best OP.
Your shower style is not bad, I do that when visiting relatives where I know their water is expensive and I like to shower daily, they do it weekly with a sink bath in between. Both ways are perfectly fine. Use a good smelling soap, soft cloth to sluff dead cells off your skin , wash your hair with a good shampoo, conditioner if needed. Make sure your wash cloth and towel are fresh. Those once damp, can get musky smelling and if you use them, it’s transferred to your body too. That is the biggest culprit of musky body Oder. Also your clothing, make sure it’s clean, fresh, not washed packed with too many clothing so it can’t move in a washer and really get cleaned. Clothing needs to be washed with enough room to move to detergent and oxygen can mix and clean it.