Plus Size Women Health and Hygiene

At the risk of sounding a little earthy, I`d like to discuss a few of our unique health and hygiene issues. Some things I mention you won`t normally see in the beauty pages, but because I`m a teacher at heart I`ll gladly take on the challenge. Hopefully the seasoned full figured ladies will also learn something new. I have collected some tips from other Big Beautiful Women I know. And I hope you will share some of your own.

Body Yeast

Because of our diet, hormones, metabolism or just the need for our larger bodies to eliminate more water; we full figured women will have a tendency to perspire more than average. This means that we will most likely have some problems with body odor that an average sized woman might not. For many of us the extra weight creates folds of flesh that can trap moisture which will then be a breeding ground for fungus and the consequential odor. When it gets really bad, the fungus which is usually a kind of yeast intertrigo will itch like crazy. In the early stages it might look like slick red or dark patches on your skin, and could advance into an oozing discharge. At the worst possible stage the fungus could produce sores.

Areas to watch out for are under the bra line, groin and what use to be our bikini lines . If you perspire heavily be sure to wash your clothes often. Fungus and bacteria is absorbed by most fabric, and to insure you do not risk re-contamination if possible add a little bleach to the water if it will not damage the garment. If the fabric is -Do Not Bleach- you can try soaking the infected clothes in a solution of water and white vinegar; especially your undergarments. Vinegar is a natural antifungal and fabric softener too.

BTW: Some older ladies I know swear by adding a cup of bleach to bath water( you can get lemon or lavender scented these days ). They say it will take care of the fungus and stop the itch. Be sure to rinse well, dry and moisturize thoroughly after. Do not use other products containing ammonia.

Hair Removal

Excess hair on your body also traps bacteria which contribute to odor. If you have excess body hair you should consider waxing, or shaving. Personally I don't want to risk any nicks or cuts any where near "precious" so I use a depilatory. I don't have sensitive skin so I've never had a problem with burning or irritation, but Nair makes a sensitive skin formula. I try to avoid chemicals but hair remover and perfume are my last two indulgences. I really appreciate how smooth I am after using it and the fact that it last a long time. A hairless genital area is all the rage these days, and it makes a lot of sense if you're self conscious about body odor.

Keep in mind that we become desensitized to our own body odors. Some can wear a pair of jeans for two maybe three days others really should not. No matter how wonderful or how bad we smell on a given day sometimes we just can't tell. I love the compliments I get on my signature fragrance, but it's also scary because I can't smell it at all. And remember they say "even your best friend won't tell you." For this reason be mindful of residual body odor in your personal space as well. Your favorite TV chair, your car seat, bathroom and bedroom all need a frequent freshening up.

In our cleanliness obsessed culture there are people who expect plus size people to smell bad. Others are just looking for another reason to put you down. surprise them good 'ol soap and water is always the key.

BTW: Many naturalist believe that less meat in the diet means less body odor

Cotton vs Synthetic Underwear

I and some other women I know have noticed that there is a distinct difference in our natural feminine odor when we are wearing fancy synthetic underwear as opposed to cotton panties, even those with a cotton crotch. I love the look and feel of the shiny fabrics but I save them for special occasions( wink). Keep in mind that cotton is porous and will wick moisture away from your body; but when wearing nylon, polyester, or rayon- not sure about silk-, the odor causing wetness just hangs around. In retrospect the time in my life when I enjoyed a nice collection of "pretty" underwear was also the period I had frequent vaginal yeast infections.

Bath vs Shower

Some women absolutely need to begin or end their day with a relaxing soak. I adore the bubbles, bombs, baths salts etc. but truly I am just a shower kinda chic. I only take a full bath every now and then. I actually like the feel of running water and the idea of my daily dirt going down the drain instead of floating in small islands around me; but for cleanliness sake I have to admit there is nothing like a good soak. So I have had to compensate. I purchased a hand held pulsing shower massager for those hard to reach areas- Gotcha!. I absolutely love the springtime fresh feeling of those jets of water doing their job. If you do have folds wash between them thoroughly, but please don't scrub or work so hard at trying not to offend, that you damage your skin. Be kind and gentle to your body and yourself. Be sure also to use the massager to rinse thoroughly so you are not irritated by soap that might dry between your folds.

This plus size body wrap Fits size 14-30. by Voluptuous Woman .

Staying Dry

Sometimes we just don't give it enough thought especially when were in a hurry, but when you are done be sure to dry yourself well. Again pay special attention to the bra line, bikini line, groin and any other areas where skin overlaps skin and moisture might accumulate. In fact when time permits take an air bath. Lift and separate!, divide and conquer!, especially those areas that never see daylight. You might even want to use a hair dryer just don't over do it, and again be sure to use a good natural moisturizer after.

I have found a substitute for traditional talcum powder which has a similar chemistry to asbestos and is now also a suspected carcinogen. To keep my folds and crevices dry and odor free, I sift together a 50/50 blend of cornstarch and baking soda. The cornstarch absorbs moisture and the baking soda absorbs odor; but it is also slightly gritty which keeps the cornstarch from caking when you do perspire. For me It works wonderfully in place of underarm deodrant and I also use the blend generously between my thighs, especially in the summer months when I am not wearing pants or hose. It has helped tremendously with the chafing. I used to get quite raw, and would often be in real pain.

BTW: When wearing pantyhose you can minimize the annoying swish, swish sound your thighs make when rubbing together by wearing the panty hose inside out.

Natural Deodorants

For those that might not know about them, I would like to also introduce you to deodorant crystals. You can find them at your local health food store and at some drug stores. They are made of alum a kind of natural Salt. They are chemical and fragrance free, which could mean less dry cleaning- no deodorant stains. Your armpits or the crystal has to be wet when you apply it in order for the salt to stick, then it will work like a charm. They are also recommended for foot odor, so please share this with the men in your life too.

For me the crystal has been more effective that commercial deodorant. I am actually able to go two or three days without re-applying it if my pits are totally hair free, this makes them also economical. I have used only one in a year. But one of the best things about the crystals is that they work great anywhere on the body, I have heard of overweight men and women using commerical deodorants in their folds. With the natural crystals you need not have concerns about possible skin irritation, discoloration or the other allergic reactions you might have to chemicals.

Please try one, this is one of many brands, Thai Deodorant Natural Stone They are linking the Parabens and Aluminum contained in commercial deodorant and other health and beauty products to breast cancer. It is the antiperspirant which blocks your pores and keeps you from sweating that is suspect. The claims are said to be not true or at least - inconclusive - but better safe than sorry I say. I know that I am not the only one who has had to change deodorants every now and then because of swelling, severe itching and discoloration of my pits. True the crystals will not keep you dry, but using them in combination with the cornstarch/baking powder blend just might do the trick. There are also underarm pads or dress shields for those with severe problems. Recently I`ve seen some nice camisoles with built in pads.

BTW: Vinegar diluted with a little water or baking soda alone are both great natural deodorants. They can be applied directly to underarms and other parts of the body as well. These might be the beststart for children or pre-teens.

Natural Moisturizers

Keep in mind that your skin is your largest organ. Whatever you put on your skin is as readily absorbed by your body as the food you eat. besides just keeping your hands pretty, this is the most important reason for wearing rubber gloves when using household cleaners. I understand now why the various medicinal patches worn on the body are so effective. There are patches cancer patients use for severe pain, others to stop smoking, patches for nitroglycerine, patches to loose weight; but we never think about the toxic chemicals we put on our skin as being ingested. Would you drink your body lotion? The labels are down right scary with things you cannot pronounce. You may have heard it all before but please start to give it some serious consideration. The rule is: if you wouldn`t eat it, don`t put it on your skin.

I now use olive oil for moisturizing, or my favorite 100% Pure & Raw African Shea Butter . It is imported from West Africa where it is primarily used for cooking like olive oil. In winter when I need a little more moisture I blend the two. The Shea Butter has made my skin texture and tone more even (my hands look great!) and it is also a great natural sunscreen and anti itch solution. Interestingly, another of its claims is that it is effective against arthritis . I am not sure I believed it at first; but then I started using it regularly and realized that the stiffness in my knee had disappeared. My doctor had recommended that I drop at least 20lbs to get relief. I wonder if he knew how much easier that was said than done.

Reaching Assitance

Now I have to admit I thought it was rather comical some years back- when I was a perfect size 18 and my mother mentioned that a certain very large gentleman in our church had a foul body odor probably because he couldn't reach to wipe himself thoroughly after using the bathroom. I just couldn't imagine it then. Several sizes later I didn`t find it that funny. My arms are rather short and I cannot say exactly when it happened, but one day I realized that I practically had to be a contortionist in order to reach. It was quite frustrating, not to mention embarrassing. Like most Americans I don`t own a a bidet, There are no advertisements on TV about any such product that will get the job done, and who can you ask? Luckily I'm quite resourceful and was able to work it out, but since then I have done some research and found several companies who make health care or personal hygiene products that sell a device for that purpose. One in particular is the 'Easy Wipe'. I also saw some portable and travel bidets.

Now that was motivation to loose the 20 pounds!

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I'm sure I can't be the only one with bladder issues as a result of female surgery, and the extra pounds. Laughing, coughing, or sneezing can be traumatic so I also travel with Poise pads, and flushable wipes that I buy in bulk and keep in a small zip lock bag . And just to be on the safe side an emergency pair of thin cotton/ spandex stretch underwear that do not take up much space. All this I keep in a small vinyl purse in my admitedly rather large handbag. This could be a live saver especially that time of the month.

BTW: When flowing heavily during your cycle makes you miserably self conscious try wearing adult diapers (depends) which are actually styled as a panty. Use them instead of, or to back-up pads and tampons.

BTW: Did you know that you can remove those annoying skin tags that often occur in armpits, underarms etc. by tying them with thread, cutting with (sterile) scissors or freezing them off? No trips to the doctor neccessary when you`re sure they`re benign.

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Pretty Feet

And last the dreaded pedicure. I absolutely hate doing my own feet but I think well kept feet are one of the things that make Big Beautiful Women outstanding. The thicker I have gotten through the middle the more effort it takes to both scrub and paint. I am so grateful for all the nail shops that have sprung up in the land, but you have to be so careful when choosing because of potential health hazards; and in tough financial times less trips to the nail shop are definitely in order. I recently purchased a Ped Egg for the heavy duty sessions but for in between I found that colorful scrub thing they use at the nail shops it's called Mr. Pumice Pumi Bar It's great for removing dead skin during a shower. They are inexpensive, (less than $2) and they work better that real pumice stone which has a tendency to get clogged and loose its grit. Mr. Pumice is fabulous of course on heels, but knees and elbows too. It is made of some kind of foam that gradually disintegrates with use, so I buy a few at a time. I get mine at Sally's beauty supply. Please remember the same thorough drying really applies to feet, another haven for fungus

BTW: Don't Bother with all the expensive drugstore solutions for Athletes foot. Vinegar works like magic. To get started you might want to just soak your feet in a solution of bleach (1/4 cup to a foot tub) and hot soapy water for about an hour. Remove Dead skin etc. . rinse, dry well and moisturize. Day 2 After showering, fill a small spray bottle with red or white vinegar and treat the affected areas 2x a day for about 2-3 weeks or until its gone. Be sure to spray well between your toes. You MUST treat All of your shoes and hose too or you will only re-contaminate your feet. Thoroughly spray and wipe the inside soles of each shoe paying special attention to the toe area. Add bleach to water of white socks and soak colored socks and hose in vinegar before washing. They don't tell you that on the tubes of the drugstore stuff, so you'll keep coming back for more. Don't forget vinegar is a great natural deodorizer too - Share this with the men in your life, they will love your for it.

For those who are diabetic I've heard women rave about podiatrist who give wonderful medical pedicures, only without the polish. There is also a trend in certain areas of the country toward pricy "medi-Pedis" The technicians may be at an upscale spa that is often overseen by a Doctor. She has to have a special certification so that she can perform more involved procedures than the usual soak, scrub and polish. They are able to remove corns and calluses, and use AHA peels and heavier duty equipment to get your feet in order. Though the techs are not able to diagnose or treat diseases of the feet they are trained to recognize when you need to see a doctor.

Next Full Figured Lingerie , choosing the best underwear...

_{The information on this site is not to be used as medical advice, it is for information purposes only. If you have a medical condition, please consult a physician.}