Listen to How to Prevent Fibromyalgia Flare Stank or scroll to continue reading.
Anyone who has suffered from an extended flare or has been hit with back-to-back flares knows how bad fibromyalgia flare stank can be!
Hygiene is rarely discussed in the fibromyalgia community. It’s personal and embarrassing. I mean seriously, how many people, besides myself, wake up and think that today is a good day to announce my stench on social media?
Personal hygiene is a major issue for the chronically ill and is something that needs to be discussed without shame or humiliation.
Fatigue and pain are the cause of fibromyalgia flare stank. It is not that we are lazy, but that we have little to no physical strength. Pain makes what movements we can make even harder. The result is going much longer than we should between showers/baths.
I was recently hit with an unexpected back-to-back fibromyalgia weather flare. The first flare was expected. I began feeling the effects of the incoming extreme heatwave days before it hit. As usual, I began feeling better after it reached its peak. But then something unexpected occurred. A daytime high reduction of 35 degrees (115 on Sunday to 81 on Tuesday) in 48 hours was more than my body could tolerate.
When I awoke Wednesday morning, my flare had subsided, but my stank was in overdrive! Because of the first flare, I had already pushed the boundaries of my shower schedule. And thanks to the second flare, my stench was so bad that I considered having my husband douse me in liquid soap and spraying me down with a garden hose!
Although it has been quite some time since I have experienced a fibro flare of this magnitude, I set out to prepare for the next. Whether you experience severe and debilitating flares periodically or on a regular basis, my fibro hygiene shopping list will be of use.
Let’s see what I filled my cart up with!
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my coffee drinking habit if you make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied with caffeine. It’s a win for everyone. I am not a medical professional, and nothing stated in this article is mistaken for medical advice.
Fibromyalgia Flare Stank Fighting Products
Until you have the strength or assistance necessary to take a bath/shower, these products in addition to your preferred deodorant will help.
Keep your pillow, phone, eyeglasses, bed, and other items near you clean with a UV sanitizer wand. Lightweight and easy to use.
Other products you may want to have on hand to help you get through your flare without totally ignoring your hygiene needs.
Stank Fighting Bedside Setup
Don’t get caught off guard! Have your products on hand and stored bedside or accessed easily. A tiered vanity for your nightstand would be ideal if you suffer from frequent flares. A travel toiletry bag filled with your fibromyalgia flare stank fighting products kept in an easy-to-reach storage cabinet can be used if your flares occur less often. You might even want to consider a hanging travel case to hang from your headboard or wall to make reaching the items easier.
What helps you fight body odor when experiencing a debilitating fibromyalgia flare?
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I have had fibromyalgia for 40+ years and I have a walk in shower, shower chair, and soft rain shower head. This combination works for me. If I am in a bad flare I will lay a towel on the bed and air dry. Someone mentioned in an earlier comment that they used a bidet and I might look into that too.
I changed my bath tub shower head to a rain one. Regular shower heads hurt. It also comes with a wand. I found a perfect soft ling handle brush. Getting soaped up quickly is essential. Also helps with reaching. But I also have a bidet attachment to my toilet which is a God send. But I use these body wipes often. Thanks Cynthia for another great and informative blog.
I love rain shower head too. There’s nothing worse than feeling like your being pelted with water!
If you have this ‘stank’ be sure to get blood sugar checked. I had prediabetes for years and didn’t know it. I thought the vinegary smell was due or fibro but it was high blood sugar.
This issue could be misunderstood and leave those closest to us thinking we are lazy & inconsiderate. Once, while watching a game show a question was asked to a husband “On a scale from 1-10 What his wife’s hygiene was.” My husband in our living room answering to the TV for my hygiene was a “3”. Needless to say my feelings were very hurt. So unless I’m dying I’m trying to take a shower & will use my last bit of energy to do it. Anyway thank you for your post.
I have had fibro for many years and had my shares of flares. I have never not showered.
I feel so much better afterwards.
A shower certainly feels good. But whether it’s a combination of conditions flaring together or the fact that everyone flares differently, many of us are unable to shower daily.
A shower feels horrible for me. The water stings, if the temperature is the slightest too warm my blood pressure dips, if its too cold then my muscles seize up. It is the worst 10 minutes of my life! A whirlpool bath on the other hand is heaven on earth. Unfortunately, I am too fat for the skinny fiberglass tubs that are in apartments. So, until I just can’t stand my stench, its baby wipes and clean underwear for me!
Thanks for discussing this. Most people don’t realize how hard it is to do things when having a flare and that includes bathing. I am working on getting a rain shower head because a regular shower head hurts my skin and I am already in enough pain so I don’t like getting a shower.
You’re welcome. Regular shower heads are the devil. I hope you get a rain one soon. 💜