Hygiene Question for Smokers

[BlondGirl]

Some of my patients come in and I cannot tell they are smokers at all. (Some are apparent in their x-ray images though--indicating they have been heavy or long time users.) Other patients come in stinking like an old ashtray.

What is the difference? How to you non-stinkies differ from the stinkies?

I had a classmate/lab partner in school that was so bad that when he would reach to touch me, I was typically unable to keep from flinching.

Another guy I worked with was so bad that patients would complain about him all the time. (I think that his reason was because he would pinch off his cigs to finish later and walk around with some in his pocket all the time. But he smelled no different than many other smokers.)

In doctors' offices and ER Triage desks and other places where we see sick people, there is ALWAYS a spray bottle of airfreshener to be had.

What are these people doing that require this?

(Honestly, I can typically deal with shit and piss and vomit smells--they dissipate quickly if the doors are left open--but the smoke that gets rubbed on my exam table and equipment seems to require an actual rubdown of cleaning fluids to get it off. What gives?)

 

[White_Tigress_]

The people that smell of smoke bad when they walk in, is possibly because they JUST had a smoke.
Myself, as a smoker doesn't do that. If I have an interview, apointment of any sorts, I refrain from having a cig at least an hour before.

I'm a terrible smoker though, because I can't stand the smell of it.
Go figure huh?
One company I worked for, my boss didn't know I smoked for about 2yrs. Not that I was hiding it, but because she never seen or smelled it on me. I never did figure that one out...but I must be doing something right.

I don't try to get the smoke blowing in my direction, if I go anywhere that allows smoking, I check the direction of which the smoke would blow so I'm not in it's path, if I have one in the car, the window HAS to be open somewhat even if it is -10deg outside , and so on...
Even going out to clubs, I can't stand the smell on me after, and take a shower once I get home.

I know people will say "quit then", but it is not that easy! I enjoy the taste and the habit of doing it has gotten the best of me. I have tried many times, but I failed. It is still in my mind to quit, and thats a start. I know many that won't even think to do that.

Also...clipping cigeretts?? eewwww... I did that as a teen, but grew out of that real fast!!! That smell is disqusting and i feel if you are going to smoke, either do it or don't....don't put it back in your pack of new cig...that makes the others taste stale and nasty, plus you are stinking up the whole room (even if the person can't smell it, everyone else can!)

 

[BlondGirl]

The people that smell of smoke bad when they walk in, is possibly because they JUST had a smoke.

Nah--this is a doctor's office I work for and before I worked in a major hospital.

I am referring to people who, when they touch the light switch, they leave a stinky residue. People who, when they come into my room, the room requires airing out afterward so that another patient does not feel ill. People who other patients complain about having to sit next to in the waiting room. (It is very common-lots of our patients are fasting for tests and that makes them a bit queezy to begin with and this pushes them over at times.)

It seems to be more of a male thing than a female issue--but there are some women who are a problem. I don't get it--is it handwashing? Tooth brushing? Hair washing? What is the deal?

This is not just old folks either--some are young--in their 20's. I never see it in teenagers though.

 

[White_Tigress_]

Ok, guess I was on the wrong track.

They may be heavy smokers, and it goes into the blood stream, so when they sweat or just body scent it comes out of the pores. Like eating garlic...they say it is healty for you, but you stink bad!

I'm not sure but I know what you mean. Some people don't care if they are in a smoke filled room, and it clings to a person like glue...so they could have smoked all morning before going in the office, in their house without washing up before leaving.
Like a bingo hall or a night club for example, everyone smoking and it sticks to your hair, clothes, purse, ...anything! Nasty too...yuck.

Some people just don't care how they smell, or worry what others think. Me on the other hand...I've been told I worry to much. Oh well.

Am I getting warmer? *L*