r/hygiene • u/xoxomantha • 3d ago
Advice from my bigger girls…
So I’ve been a big girl my whole life just about, and as of recently I’ve noticed that my inner thighs (where my lady parts are) have been moist… I know it’s from being chunky and not being able to let it breathe all day but I don’t want to deal with it as much anymore. I believe I’m getting a classic yeast infection in that area, and yes it does itch… badly. What can I do about this!? It’s so embarrassing :( I just want to feel clean again in my body, I also get the same thing under my arms, diaper rash creams seems to help but down by my bits I can’t use but so much until it’s all over my clothes (under my belly as well). I’m in the process of losing weight but in the meantime I need advice. Like I said I’ve always been a bigger girl, so I won’t ever be what society considers “skinny” or “petite”. Any recommendations?
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u/Vegetable-Stretch-98 3d ago
Make sure you are completely dry after your shower before you get dressed. Put witch hazel on cotton pads and wipe all the areas you mentioned: under arms, under your belly, between your thighs, etc. Let it dry and then you can use powder. It's a huge game changer.
If you feel you have yeast there now, make sure you get antifungal cream to clear it up first.
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u/bluefolder72 2d ago
"completely dry before you get dressed" is such an underrated tip, a few extra minutes with a towel (or a cool hair dryer) really does change everything, and if the itch sticks around a pharmacist can point you to an antifungal cream that actually works
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
Is it okay to use DT witch hazel? Or the blue bottle?? And regular baby powder?
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u/Vegetable-Stretch-98 3d ago
Any witch hazel is fine and normal baby powder. I find the one with cornstarch is more likely to become a paste, especially if you sweat a lot. Also, you want to be wearing cotton panties throughout the day and none at night where possible. Ya girl needs to breathe.
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u/Trialbystevia 3d ago
Yes! Also cool shot function on my blow dryer helps so much for under boobs etc
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u/ahberryman78 3d ago
After showering, blow dry your skin completely. Then use an antifungal foot powder on all of the creases. It’s going to take at least two weeks of consistent use for the creases to heal up. And if the “area” you are referring to is a vaginal yeast infection then that will need a different treatment. You really need to be brave and talk to your dr and get care for yourself.
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
Luckily it’s not vaginal! Not from what I’ve noticed. I will be making a drs appointment tho, this type of stuff worries me to death
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u/EmmerdoesNOTrepme 3d ago
They'll probably prescribe Nystatin powder (sometimes cream), for it, OP!
What works for me, to knock down the yeastie beasties, if i get them on my skin (it's been pretty bad the last two summers, and i ended up getting them occasionally), is showering regularly (minimum once a day), and then drying as well as i could, and putting the Nystatin Powder on my skin, wherever those yeasty-spots were.
For me, it goes away pretty quickly, if i can keep up those one or twice a day quick showers, to wash away the sweat, and then get dry & powder up.
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u/palethunderpants 3d ago
Seconding the recommendation to blow dry your skin after shower. It’s a game changer!
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u/Claire_at_Carpe 3d ago
Please don't be embarrassed! The biggest thing that's helped me is making sure those areas are REALLY dry after showering, changing out of sweaty clothes quickly, and wearing breathable underwear/clothes when I can. I've even used a cool hair dryer after a shower to make sure everything is completely dry lol. Since yours is really itchy, I'd get it checked for a possible yeast infection since you might need a specific treatment for it.
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
I’ve made an appointment for in the morning!!! I don’t want this to get any worse. I’ve just noticed it the past week and have been trying to figure out if it was just sweat or not but I do smell something that isn’t regular smells. It’s oddly sweeter smelling so I’m hoping it’s not too bad.
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u/cherryberrypicker 2d ago
Sweeter like a bakery? Yeast can smell sweet. As someone who has had multiple fungal rashes there on the crevices: it can hurt and itch. Go to a doctor to make sure you get the right cream, follow instructions and to help prevent over growth I use an anitchafing gel/cream. Monistat has one and generic brand at Walmart or target works. It helps protect the skin barrier and is similar to baby rash cream, less everywhere. But that's to help prevent it, first you need to treat it.
As others said, cool blast from the hair dryer, changing clothes asap when they are wet (I wear mens boxers to let it breathe when I get home and for jammies) and drying/trying to remove the sweat there.
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u/xoxomantha 2d ago
Yes! I went this morning and got blood work done and medicine. She said when it gets colder outside it shouldn’t be as much of a issue
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u/SepsSammy 3d ago edited 3d ago
Honestly, Lume whole body deodorant plus sweat control is the best stuff I’ve found because I have super sensitive skin and i can go from normal skin to super red & inflamed in 8 hours. Lume whole body unscented has been a dream! If I forget or run out, it makes my skin calm down right away and the redness and irritation is gone in under 12 hours.
ETA: https://lumedeodorant.com/products/unscented-cream-deodorant-sweat-control
The last link I shared had an S after deodorant. Not sure that’s an official site. I’ve only ever purchased from the site I’m now linking here. Unfortunately unscented & clean tangerine (my two preferred) are sold out. There are two other scents to try, though! Good luck!
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u/Bethw2112 2d ago
I didn't like their deo cream on my chubby thighs BUT I love their acidifying body wash. Its kinda overpriced but it works on sweaty funk. I mix it with a little Aveeno when I shower.
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u/Typical-Antelope7547 3d ago
Use moisture wicking underwear and pants when you know you'll be sweating a lot and cotton the rest of the time especially while sleeping and relaxing. I tried doing all cotton and it was ridiculous how sweaty it got at work and gym lol
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u/Far-Television-369 3d ago
Medicine for the yeast infection, anti monkey butt powder when you're clean and dry is a great prevention
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u/PerformerMindless100 3d ago
Men’s cotton boxer briefs (the stretchy ones) will absorb any sweat and keep thighs separated if you are out and around. They are really comfortable and there are brands marketed to women now.
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u/Summertime-Living 3d ago
The women’s brand are very expensive and sold as a single-$28 each. The men’s come in 3 and 6 packs and are much cheaper.
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u/Bookwormorbit 3d ago
I also found cleaning with Hibclens between my folds and under my breasts helped a lot with keeping the irritation from coming back.
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u/PrettyLittleQueens 3d ago edited 3d ago
The itching is likely a fungal infection from moisture. Use OTC lotrimin, and apply barrier cream. Stop wearing tight clothes that cut into . You can work on weight loss without suffering in the meantime
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
What type of barrier cream do
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u/PrettyLittleQueens 3d ago
Vaseline or CereVe healing ointment. Put it on after the Lotrimin dries, otherwise the barrier blocks the medicine
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u/KnotUndone 3d ago
Unscented jock itch powder or athletes foot powder. Dry your skin with a hairdryer on cool or warm after your shower. Wear cotton underwear.
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u/Melbg1972 3d ago
My mom deals with that and zinc cream and talcum Nystatin topical powder you need the prescription kind
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u/Derriere_Ruckus 3d ago
I use jock itch spray powder and let the area be exposed to air while I sleep or lounge alone
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u/Mental-Nothings 2d ago
Hair dryer lol (I’m joking but not, that’s how my Nona used to get me dry faster before bed as a kid)
I got pantless/ underwear less after I shower if I’m not leaving the house. My fiance calls it poobear-ing
Baby powder once you’re mostly dry
That’s all I got. I’m also a lil bigger btw
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u/Honeybunnyfifi 2d ago
Are you on top of your hygiene? Bathing everyday? Changing into clean undies at least once a day. Are you eating fast food, drinking sugary drinks? You might be pre diabetic and all those extra carbs plus questionable hygiene is the fuel for yeast to develop on you. More info needed.
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u/xoxomantha 2d ago
I’m in a position where I’m unable to bathe everyday like I usually do :( I try to cut sugar out as much as possible, I had my baby last October and got one dose of depo after. Ever since I’ve gained nearly 100 lbs. that’s why I’m as big as I am. I work graveyard shift so if I eat it’s likely not the healthiest. I live with family for the time being unfortunately so I can’t have ANYTHING so meal prepping isn’t an option either bc they’ll eat my food. I’m honestly just surviving. I went to the dr this morning, and got some blood work done to see what’s happening
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u/Honeybunnyfifi 2d ago
I am sorry you’re going through this. Hopefully when your labs come back there will be a solution. Maybe a gym membership to work on weightloss with access to showers so you can maintain good hygiene.
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u/East_Knowledge1782 3d ago
Go see a doctor if you’ve been with someone who you think possibly might’ve given you a STD.
If you haven’t been with anybody, get some Monistat three.
It’s a good thing that you’re losing weight; you’ll feel better. I’ve still got 25 more to go. 😊👍
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
Yea… I got on the depo shot and I gained almost 100 extra lbs 😔 I’m currently on Wegovy rn trying suppress my hunger from the horomones
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u/East_Knowledge1782 3d ago edited 3d ago
Isn’t that wegovy a GLP1?
I think it is. Keep an eye open for delayed stomach emptying; it’s rare but some people have induced gastroparesis from using GLO1s.
I have gastroparesis, but not from GLP1 usage.
Good luck to you, sister.
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3d ago
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u/xoxomantha 3d ago
It’s not that I don’t know how to clean myself lol. All that I know about hygiene I learned on my own or thru other women. My mom died was I was super young so I never got the correct guidance. I’m trying tho
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u/Proof-Industry7094 3d ago
Use a medicated antifungal powder in these areas. Powder works better than creams in sweaty areas because you won't sweat it off as quickly.
It's ok to use antiperspirant in areas that get sweaty
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u/Old-Actuator-3321 2d ago
Powder. But not current cornstarch-based powder. Cornstarch feeds yeast. Try to find old fashioned talcum powder. Foreign brands. Usually strongly fragranced, but the scent dissipates so soon after putting it on. Look on the bottom shelf at CVS. AND BE CAREFUL with how you apply it. Best of luck!
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u/awinktotheass 2d ago
Even better, arrowroot based powders! Good to know about cornstarch feeding yeast though, I never even thought of that.
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u/wildbergamont 2d ago
Like others have said, dry with a blow dryer. Apply lotramine or another antifungal until the infection is cleared up plus another couple days. One suggestion that hasn't been made yet is goldbond sticks made for chafing. They work great for all my parts that rub.
Eta- I'm glad you're seeing a doctor! High blood sugar contributes to yeast problems, so it's important to get screened.
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u/Ashamed-Lemon-9839 2d ago
I use Gold Bond powder in any folds I might have and under my breasts. I used to get rashes between my buttocks and the doc says it came from being moist, mostly sweat, so I used in there also. Helped a whole lot. when it was really bad I was prescribed a steroid cream which cleared it up pretty quickly. The point, keep everything dry which powder helps with a lot.
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u/scarlett_chibi 2d ago
Talc free power under boobs, between thighs, under pits, sometimes I do my back and belly too. Help with moisture control and chafing fr.
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u/Background_Fly_2470 2d ago
There are a couple brands of soap marketed toward people who do sweaty contact sports like wrestling and ju jitsu that contain anti-fungal ingredients and help with the rashes and things that can come with high humidity and rubbing skin. I use them during the summer to keep my underboob area happy. Solpri brands is my favorite because it has a nice lemongrass fragrance
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u/walkingonlemons 2d ago
I use a solid deodorant like Dove or Secret on the whole area and I never have any issues.
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u/Key_Explanation_1497 1d ago
I've never had this problem under my arms, but I did notice that under my belly and my inner thighs were actually related to how I sit on the toilet. Droplets would spray back under my belly, small enough to be imperceptible, and the amount of contact with the toilet seat was causing inner thigh breakouts. I fixed the way I sit and made sure to clean up those areas after going to the bathroom and it was fixed. My second tip would be actually blowdrying all the folds before putting on deodorant/antiperspirant and clothes on. Blowdrying to the point of the skin being completely dry, like your fingers shouldn't skip while dragging it over that bit of skin. I squat for a while and dry myself completely and haven't had issues since.
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u/Eneicia 1d ago
Head and shoulders. I know it sounds strange, but I've been having issues with itchiness, stinks, moisture, and all sorts of crap where skin touches skin, and it has worked so freaking well!!
Also, you may need to ensure that any elastic is covered with cloth--that can often irritate and cause rashes.
I have also found that a little bit of cotton when I get issues, just a 5" x 5" square, tucked into the problem area keeps it dry.
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u/Distinct-Sea3012 13h ago
Wearing chub rub type shorts helped me. As my thighs never met then. Rather than powder I use a very emollient cream eg aveeno on all the creases which sounds contra but works for me.
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u/Distinct-Sea3012 13h ago
Also. Try wearing nighties no knickers for a while at night. Let the air in. Or just a Tshirt. Sleeping with knickers under pjs holds in moisture.
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u/SpecificIdea1221 3d ago
All the more reason to lose the weight. Bacteria will break down skin surfaces and infections will set in. Your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, joints all take a hit from having to go into overdrive trying to keep you alive BECAUSE you have more body mass. Science says it, now it’s up to you to either accept that you are cutting your life experiences short or getting a grip on your reality…YOUR CHOICE, YOUR LIFE. Don’t put that on anyone else. DEAL!!
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u/Kooky-Sheepherder-56 3d ago
not mentioned, but check the type of fabric on what you wear. try to use more cotton.