A persistent bum smell after washing often comes from trapped fecal residue in skin folds, mucus leakage (especially with hemorrhoids), trapped sweat/bacteria in deep creases, or fungal/bacterial infections, exacerbated by tight synthetic clothes. Keeping the area clean, dry, using gentle unscented wipes/warm water, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and managing underlying issues like hemorrhoids can help resolve it, but see a doctor if it's persistent or painful, as it could be an infection.
'The vagina has a natural bacterial flora that's there to keep a good balance,' explains Dr Rosén. It's because of this natural bacteria that the cervical mucus in the vagina always has a smell. You may also experience changes throughout your menstrual cycle as the pH balance in your vagina changes.
It is possible to continue to have body odor even when practicing good hygiene. Body odor (BO) is caused by bacteria and sweat, but it can also be influenced by: Medical conditions, including infections. Certain foods.
Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. Focus on the areas where you sweat the most, like your armpits and groin area. Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor.
Any old bar soap is great on the bum. When you suds up back there, let it sit for a bit, then rinse. Repeat. Don't scrub so vigorously, but sit, and repeat. Swipe with alcohol after if needed. That's my trick- Unscented baby wipes are also fantastic after pooing, just don't flush them.
Good anal hygiene
Gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before going to bed. Use wet toilet paper or a wet washcloth. Use plain water only, or an unscented soap. Wear cotton underwear that isn't tight.
Not Wiping Front to Back
Lesson number one: "Always wipe from front to back," says Alyssa Dweck, M.D., an ob-gyn and author of V is for Vagina. "Wiping from back to front can bring bacteria from the rectum toward the urethra and increase your chances of a urinary tract infection," she explains.
Tips to Tame Odor
Daily hygiene: Shower daily with antibacterial soap, especially after sweating. Thoroughly clean areas prone to odor, such as your underarms, groin and feet. Breathable clothing: Wear natural fibers like cotton or linen that allow your skin to breathe during the day and while sleeping.
Everyone has sweat glands, but some people have overactive ones. This means you might sweat more than usual, even after a shower. More sweat equals more food for bacteria, which equals more odor.
Take off your clothes and smell around the armpit or wherever you sweat. You can also hold your hand against your mouth, breathe out, and smell your breath to see if it smells stinky. If you have someone you trust around, you can tell them you're worried that you smell bad and ask them to check.
Unhealthy Causes of Vaginal Odors
While temporary odors are often nothing to fret about, if you notice certain lingering odors, it could be a sign of a potential infection. One common cause of an unhealthy odor is bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Exfoliate. You've been lectured about the importance of exfoliating your face. But it turns out you should be exfoliating your butthole too, especially if you're noticing unwanted odors. Get yourself a gentle body scrub to slough off dead skin cells, debris, and other grime that builds up throughout the week.
The process of foods breaking down in the colon makes poop smell. Foul-smelling stools that float can be a sign that your body isn't effectively absorbing nutrients. If this persists, it could be a sign of a food intolerance, celiac disease or a pancreatic insufficiency.
A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.
5 Ways to Get Rid of the Odor Down There | How to Make Your Vagina Smell Good With Home Remedies
Diabetes can cause sweat to smell sweet, fruity, or like nail polish remover due to high ketone levels from uncontrolled blood sugar (diabetic ketoacidosis or DKA), a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention, often accompanied by excessive thirst, urination, weakness, nausea, or confusion. In some cases, uncontrolled diabetes might also lead to sweat smelling like ammonia, especially with kidney issues, or cause increased sweating.
If you sense a little body odor, it's because your pubic hair is doing its job of trapping sweat, oil, and bacteria.
Self-care habits that may ease sweating and body odor include:
Without enough B12, your metabolism can slow down, leading to more odor-causing byproducts being released through your sweat. Plus, B12 helps maintain healthy skin, which acts as a barrier to bacteria that cause bad smells. You can find B12 in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy, or through supplements.
Use antiperspirants and deodorants: Antiperspirants work by reducing the amount of sweat that is produced, while deodorants mask odor. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and reduce body odor. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Diet plays a significant role in the need for endless wiping after a bowel movement. Insufficient fiber intake, leading to loose stools, can contribute to this issue. Conditions like IBS, Crohn's Disease, or Ulcerative Colitis can also result in diarrhea, making wiping more challenging.
The 20-minute cleaning rule (also known as the 20/10 rule) is a simple, time-boxed method to tackle household chores by cleaning with focused intensity for 20 minutes and then taking a 10-minute break, repeating as needed to prevent burnout and keep messes from piling up. It breaks large tasks into manageable sprints, making cleaning less overwhelming by focusing on progress over perfection through short, frequent sessions rather than marathon cleaning days, often tied to the FlyLady system or similar organizing principles.
The 4Cs of food hygiene
cleaning. cooking. cross contamination. chilling.