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Sheenaz Asked June 2015

My Mother's skin smells different. Is there a way to make it smell better?

I've noticed when I'm with my mother and friends at her assisted living facility there is smell that seems different.

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Jun 2015
If you've noticed a change since her move to ASL you may want to ask about the soap for her bath or wipes if she needs that type of assistance. Different fragrances can smell nice on some skin and not good on others - it's a matter of skin chemistry.

This can also come from vitamin deficiencies or over use of antibiotics (probiotics may help). Unless this is very disturbing, you may want to accept it as part of aging. I've never felt that most people smell "old" but I guess some do. Generally, there's a health issue at the bottom of anything significant (absent soap reactions, etc.).

If the ASL has no idea you may want to run it by the doctor.

We'd love to have you check back and let us know how you are doing.
Carol

GardenArtist Jun 2015
I'm wondering about her diet - that could account for the change, as well as the topical lotions, etc. that might be different.

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MyThreeSons Jun 2015
I agree with the possibilities offered by others. Could it also be a change in the water?

Take some to be tested. Home Depot still offers a free water quality test, I believe.

IloveMom Jun 2015
Some meds can seep out of skin to give it a bad smell. asparagas does the same thing with urine. UTI are no fresh either. Look up health food and see what may be okay to make skin smell fresher. Maybe lemon water Nice smelling aveeno lotion. frersh deoderant. mouth wash, gum, maybe chewqble vitamin c. longer lasting dryer sheets. ask heath food departent for ideas.

Rosebush Jun 2015
I noticed when I did not wash my mom in the mornings that she had an odd odor. Found out that although her hands were getting washed, her hand was not opened and being washed between her fingers. Problem solved. My mom did not use her hands too much and mostly her fingers were staying together and getting sweaty and this was the smell that I could detect.

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