Question:
Eminating Smells from your private areas

Has anyone had issues where there just seems to be an excessive amount of sweat around there? To the point that it always seems as if your pants are wet? And boy does it smell. Not like urine, more like sweat. Just wondering if this is normal pre-op. Thanks    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on December 29, 2004)

December 29, 2004
pre-op yes.. corn starch works great...
   — star .

December 29, 2004
More than likely what you are smelling.if it's not urine.....is the smell of the yeast fermenting on your skin. Skin folds are notorious for being yeast factories. Warm damp environment.and can really have a sour sweaty like smell...but not like that of either urine or BO. You should not use talc or corn starch as they both will feed the yeast in different ways. You should speak to your PCP and get an anti-fungal cream to kill off the yeast. Try to wear only cotton undies.as they allow better air circulation and drying of the skin to promote healing and skin health. And try letting the areas air dry after showers before getting dressed. HTH
   — Wings In Waiting

December 29, 2004
Yes I do remembder it well. I would use Summer's Eve powder to help absorb some of the moisture. You definitely do not want to use something like baby powder. I do not think mine was ever an infection but just a warm environment constantly brewing something. The skin would get slimy at times, that's when I went with the powder. Changing underwear often and washing the area often helps some but does not get totally rid of it, at least it didn't for me. However, losing 252 lbs and have 19 lbs of skin removed off my gut got rid of it. I found even before the PS that it was so much better because my body wasn't constantly sweating from just trying to move and do basic things in life. I was always sweating in the legs and groin area as well as my head. I would consider seeing a dermatologist as maybe there is something available that will help. Just know you are not alone and it does get better as the weight comes off! Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

December 29, 2004
Try using dial antibacterial liquid body soap, dry really good with a towel, and use a blowdryer to really get the areas dry, keep it on low heat so you dont burn yourself, and wearing 100% cotton underpants is deffinatly better than nylon, with just a cotton crotch.
   — wizz40

December 29, 2004
Yes, yeast. The smell is...... unmistakable. Please don't feed it powder or corn starch, but while you wait for an appt, you can wash it, dry it and apply anti-FUNGAL cream (like Lotrimin, in the athlete's foot dept--yeast is a fungus). Do that 3x per day for a few days, then 2x per day, then once/day forever. You h ave to wash them off, dry the area to make it less hospitable, then apply a "repellent". Be diligent! Be sure to see a doc, tho, and get it documented, just in case you want a TT later.
   — vitalady

December 29, 2004
after showeing dry thoroughly and use antipersperant in your skin folds.. eliminates moisture and helps prevent yeast...
   — Laurie S.

December 30, 2004
I did have this problem pre op, very sweaty between the legs and having a "sweat" smell to my private area. Because air cannot get to that area it's going to cause sweat, which in turn causes bacteria, which is what causes the smell. I still use spray deoderant/antipersperant on my private areas to keep from sweating and smelling. I remember telling my best friend that once I had lost my weight, I didn't leave a wet butt crack mark on chairs anymore...<<<smiling>>>
   — Marni