Body odor?

[The_old_man]

One of the girls I BRIEFLY dated in Jr. High had some how managed to get a bit of fecal mater into her vagina ( she was not virgin) and had been unable to clear the infection. Even her Dr. was at a loss for an appropriate anti-biotic. This was in the late 1930s.

The odor was just detectable until she undressed; it then became obvious. During and after intercourse it was almost over powering.

When it became available the Dr. used Sulfonamide. That worked and the last I heard of her she was happily married.

 

[reddcutie]

i bet this woman

has a horrible bacterial infection.....which starts out as a musty odor, but as time progesses after a shower can be strong enough to penetrate through clothing...not likely that she actually has that smell coming from skid marks in the panties, however, i strongly suggest that the female coworker send a note.....

 

[crazybbwgirl]

I think this sounds like a job for human resources! Man - that is a tough spot to be in. I can understand completely cuz there's only 5 employees where I work and it would be very hard to 'leave a note' or something without the note receiver realizing everyone else knew about this problem.

Ya know - some people just don't have good noses - they can't smell anything. Perhaps she just doesn't realize? oh my........

In the meantime burn some nice holiday candles? lol

 

[Nordic man]

This is a sensitive topic, but a situation got me wondering how to deal with it, so I'm turning to you for advice!

My husband has an employee who doesn't smell great. It's not the typical lack of deoderant smell, it's a fecal matter smell that gets worse as the day wears on. It's detectable within a 5-foot radius of wherever she is, and lingers on her office chair. She's in her 20s and American, so it's probably not a cultural thing. She also has a boyfriend, so it's not like she's living alone and no one's there to tell her. This has been an issue since she got the job...a month now.

When someone has bad breath, you can offer them a mint or gum. If your loved one smells, you can break it to them gently, take a bath together, or buy them hygiene products. But is there anything you can say or do with an acquaintance without causing hurt feelings or major embarassment?

In all likelihood he won't be able to say anything, but I was wondering how you deal with situations like this in everyday life?

liquid chorlphil (sp) works from the inside....takes care of internal smells

 

[Nordic man]

for many people who have natural hair length in either their underarms or crotch area will have extra smell because of the bacteria that will grow on the hair. no matter if you put anything underneath. so if you have someone like that your in a relationship with have them trim their hair

 

[jasmine8316]

What about a general office meeting? Have the employees come in for a 20 minute meeting. Have him mention any other topics. And then have one topic that mentions smells. "I don't know exactly what the problem is in the office, if it's one person or the plumbing, but the office has developed an odor. I'm putting wipes in the bathroom for anyone who needs them, please don't flush them. We have to outrule this before plumbing problems. Proper hygiene is mandatory."

Then bring up one or two more things and get on with your day.

 

[SexyChele]

Your husband needs to contact a Human Resources person to help deal with this problem. Human Resources can give your husband ideas and tips on how to deal with the problem, and that may include having a woman present when he speaks to her.

Frankly? I would not want to hear about this type of thing from a man. I would prefer another woman and one who is in some sort of official capacity - i.e. objective, neutral party. Why? Because if I do have a medical problem, it would be easier for me to explain it to her. I would feel very uncomfortable discussing this with a man, but that is just me.

As to the odor? It could very well be that she simply doesn't notice it. Hard to believe, I know, but true. We humans get used to our own smells and odors and aren't always aware that others find them bothersome. Or, she may be aware that there is an odor, but doesn't think anyone else might be noticing. (Or hoping they don't!) A Human Resources person who has a little knowledge of potential health problems and who can make her feel at ease might be the best solution.

Secret notes and broad notices would only serve to embarass her or make her feel it doesn't apply to her. Honesty and discretion is in order, in my opinion.

Good luck!

 

[SweetErika]

Your husband needs to contact a Human Resources person to help deal with this problem. Human Resources can give your husband ideas and tips on how to deal with the problem, and that may include having a woman present when he speaks to her.

Frankly? I would not want to hear about this type of thing from a man. I would prefer another woman and one who is in some sort of official capacity - i.e. objective, neutral party. Why? Because if I do have a medical problem, it would be easier for me to explain it to her. I would feel very uncomfortable discussing this with a man, but that is just me.

As to the odor? It could very well be that she simply doesn't notice it. Hard to believe, I know, but true. We humans get used to our own smells and odors and aren't always aware that others find them bothersome. Or, she may be aware that there is an odor, but doesn't think anyone else might be noticing. (Or hoping they don't!) A Human Resources person who has a little knowledge of potential health problems and who can make her feel at ease might be the best solution.

Secret notes and broad notices would only serve to embarass her or make her feel it doesn't apply to her. Honesty and discretion is in order, in my opinion.

Good luck!

Agreed. I think he will speak to HR and see what they have to say.

 

[zhukov1943]

Here's a site called "they should know" which will anonymously (or not) tell someone that they have bad breath/body odor/are a jerk/need to change their underwear:

http://www.theyshouldknow.com/form.html

Ouch. Seems like the home version of "crank yankers"...

Note that there is a fee involved.

 

[Lynxie]

Back when I was a resident advisor in college, we had a student who smelled of fecal matter. It wasn't just a little bit of body odor - he smelled strongly of human waste. After his third roommate moved out in the first semester of school, the other RAs and I decided we had to try something. We started by putting educational material about hygiene underneath everyone's doors. Nothing improved. Eventually, one of the male RAs went and talked to him about it. He made it clear that he didn't mean to be offensive, but that the smell had become a serious issue in the building. The poor kid broke down in tears - it turns out he had a pretty severe, untreated case of social anxiety disorder and was terrified to use the 'public' restroom in the dormitory. He'd come back from school breaks clean, freshly shaven, and with a new set of clothes...but then wouldn't shower or use the bathroom while at school. We found out later that he was using gallon jugs as a sort of makeshift type of bedpan - he'd just go in his room. What he did when he actually had roommates, I have no idea (I'm not sure I want to know the details). After a couple months of talking with the student, we were finally able to convince him to see a counselor. They got him the medication he needed to be able to survive dorm life, and things improved dramatically. The situation worked out in the end, but it was definitely a long, painful process.

Erika, I don't envy your husband's situation. Poor hygiene is a tough topic to bring up, and I think it'll be even worse with a woman than a man. I think that talking with someone from HR would be a good first step - see what they suggest. I also think that it would be better to be direct with the woman and get it over with - leaving an anonymous note or emailing everyone in the company an article might either be a) too insensitive or b) not effective in getting the point across (Oh, this can't mean ME!). Good luck to your husband - he'll definitely need it.

 

[SweetErika]

Back when I was a resident advisor in college, we had a student who smelled of fecal matter. It wasn't just a little bit of body odor - he smelled strongly of human waste. After his third roommate moved out in the first semester of school, the other RAs and I decided we had to try something. We started by putting educational material about hygiene underneath everyone's doors. Nothing improved. Eventually, one of the male RAs went and talked to him about it. He made it clear that he didn't mean to be offensive, but that the smell had become a serious issue in the building. The poor kid broke down in tears - it turns out he had a pretty severe, untreated case of social anxiety disorder and was terrified to use the 'public' restroom in the dormitory. He'd come back from school breaks clean, freshly shaven, and with a new set of clothes...but then wouldn't shower or use the bathroom while at school. We found out later that he was using gallon jugs as a sort of makeshift type of bedpan - he'd just go in his room. What he did when he actually had roommates, I have no idea (I'm not sure I want to know the details). After a couple months of talking with the student, we were finally able to convince him to see a counselor. They got him the medication he needed to be able to survive dorm life, and things improved dramatically. The situation worked out in the end, but it was definitely a long, painful process.

Erika, I don't envy your husband's situation. Poor hygiene is a tough topic to bring up, and I think it'll be even worse with a woman than a man. I think that talking with someone from HR would be a good first step - see what they suggest. I also think that it would be better to be direct with the woman and get it over with - leaving an anonymous note or emailing everyone in the company an article might either be a) too insensitive or b) not effective in getting the point across (Oh, this can't mean ME!). Good luck to your husband - he'll definitely need it.

Oh lord! That poor kid! Glad you were able to get him some help.

My husband said it was slightly better yesterday, so he's going to wait out the week and see if she's taking care of it. Between her job, taking college classes, and her boyfriend, friends, and family, hopefully someone has already mentioned it and she's working to get rid of it. (Keep your fingers crossed!)

Slight hijack...how's the shoulder doing Lynxie?

 

[Lynxie]

Oh lord! That poor kid! Glad you were able to get him some help.

My husband said it was slightly better yesterday, so he's going to wait out the week and see if she's taking care of it. Between her job, taking college classes, and her boyfriend, friends, and family, hopefully someone has already mentioned it and she's working to get rid of it. (Keep your fingers crossed!)

Slight hijack...how's the shoulder doing Lynxie?

Quite well, thanks Erika I'm finally out of my sling, and the doc told me I can skip physical therapy if I just do some stretching at home. The other day, I shrugged my left shoulder for the first time in over a year... and today, I put on a bra, all by myself! Yep, things are lookin' good

edited to add: Is it really a hijack when it's your own thread? hehe

 

[SweetErika]

Quite well, thanks Erika I'm finally out of my sling, and the doc told me I can skip physical therapy if I just do some stretching at home. The other day, I shrugged my left shoulder for the first time in over a year... and today, I put on a bra, all by myself! Yep, things are lookin' good

edited to add: Is it really a hijack when it's your own thread? hehe

Not sure if it's a hijack...probably just more of a tangent. I'm glad you're feeling better and the surgery was successful!

 

[boston_bbw]

If she smells of fecal matter my guess is a mint isnt going to help since the aroma is probebly not coming from her mouth. Although she is young is it possible she has had some sort of colon surgery that has resulted in a colostomy? I know some impecably clean people with a colostomy and there is still a distinct odor that is not always offensive but definately noticable to someone who dosn't have it.

Maybe this is a good time for him to give her a Bath and Body gift card for X-mas. They have some great smelling antibacterial hand gel that dosn't smell lysol. Since it is flu season he could easily pick up a few with boxes of tissues, small bowl of cough drops etc to keep in the office.. . he would just be doing his part to keep all his employees healthy.

 

[Vancouverite]

Damn, ever since I read this thread I have been imagining that I stink and no-one will tell me. Its preying on my, all too susceptible mind.
Damn!

 

[londonaberdeen]

HR have to deal with.

I work in a company with about 100 people in the building. There are 3 only in my office of which I am a Manager.

One of my male collegues really smelled bad, just BO but it got bad as the day went on. A few of the staff mentioned it to me as his manager. I went to HR with my thoughts on how I would tackle this, I was told not to tackle it. They had to do it. Imagine the long term embarrasment of the collegue I was told if he had to face me every day.

HR took him for a brief chat and explained that it had been noticed! The man in question didn't realise, next day he came in with a new shirt (every day since) and a desk fan. He also keeps deoderant in a drawer and re applies during the day.

It's been over a year since and he's still clean, healthy and good to work with.

 

[sxylegs]

Great article, thanks!

We had a person in our office that had a colostomy bag....and those tend to smell stronger as the day goes by......she might have one of those......and it is very embarrasing when you say something and find out that it is a medical condition......

Also another place I worked had a guy that only would buy 2 uniforms and he worked outside.......he would alternate the shirts but would only wash them once a week.....by the end of the week he really reeked.........when someone said something to him he said he knew about the smell and that people should keep away......like he was doing it on purpose......i dont believe that people know it lingers after they leave....

 

[SweetErika]

A general question...if someone has a colostomy bag, would you be able to see it under tight clothes? She's a bigger girl, and most of her clothes are pretty clingy.

 

[lovesgalorgasm2]

Question

ooops.. wrong post...

 

[sxylegs]

A general question...if someone has a colostomy bag, would you be able to see it under tight clothes? She's a bigger girl, and most of her clothes are pretty clingy.

I own an alterations shop and I have a couple of customers that are bagged.......they have made a few strides in this......some of the bags are very small.....that is why they do smell....cause they arent big enough for the whole day......I have one lady that has a really large bag....(she asked for it)....because her coworkers remarked about the smell......
She told them to tell her if it was offensive........so the bags come in all sizes......

Hope you all have a great Christmas!!!

 

[ApplesMcgee]

well...

.....

 

[sxylegs]

Re: well...

In my shop, we will sometimes get a regular that comes in with a case of BO. We've only had two instances where we had to take action. Our perspective is that sometimes people come in from a long day, or from working out, or whatever, and that can cause BO. But if it is a regular occurance, we have to say something.

Usually, we just take them aside, so a spot without a lot of people and ask them if they have any physical problem that could be causing the situation. We clearly explain that we repect them and care for them, and we decided to pull them away from the group and tell them so there was no fear of embarass meant or anything. This seems to work and comforts them. Then we offer to help with the situation if we can.



PowrDragn

that is great......I have something a little different.......having the alterations shop.......i dont find that a lot of people have BO....what I do find is that they take their shoes off when they want their pants fitted and by the end of the day.....Boy do their feet stink.......when I squat down to pin the pants ....I always take a deep breath and hold it till they are pinned......then i quietly let it out........so that way I dont even notice the smell......

 

[capricious_chic]

This is something that gets dealt with in my company on a semi-regular basis. Usually it is dealing w/employees that wear perfumes or colognes. Occasionally it is because of BO. In either instance HR and HR only deals with the employee. I think it would be worse coming from a direct co-worker or manager. HR is usually neutral and you don't have to see them on a day to day basis.

 

[OneSublimeGuy]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Body odor?

Yes, but if she can't reach for some reason, then the wipes won't help either.

Out of curiosity, has anyone had to deal with a lack of deoderant or bathing issue?

I'd say don't assume you know the cause. You can mistake one
odor for another. Also if it's something constant then the person
with the problem may not smell it anymore. Her senses have
gotten accustomed to it. I'd try to arrange an appointment with
a doctor for her from work and clue the physician in as to the
problem. Tell the employee some face-saving pretext to get
her to take a "physical" with this MD for work. Then let the
MD be the bearer of the bad news.

If there's only a few employees then maybe everyone
could take a "physical" so you could all pretend she
wasn't singled out.

 

[BigLuke]

colostomy bags

My grandfather has a colostomy bag, and i dont pick up any smell at all, it has a carbon filter to let excess (cleaned) gas out, it also has quite advanced seals to prevent any accidents.

yes they can be visible, but they can also be pretty well hidden, depending on body-frame, clothing etc.

I think people with colostomies have this sort of thing pretty well sorted, after all they live with it 24/7

Luke