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Anna	Dec-21-02, 08:44 AM (CMT)
"Smells and migraines. . . "
I know this sounds funny, but believe me, it's anything but. My husband's son comes to visit us about every other weekend (he's here now). He is a teenager (15) and has a terrible problem with body odor. Even after showering he still has a very distinctive odor. He must be somewhat aware of this as he then sprays himself with about a half can's worth of some kind of deoderant spray- a very scented spray. The combination (along with the highly scented laundry product his mother uses)makes my entire house reek- literally. I have to barricade myself in my bedroom the entire time he is here or suffer intense reactions (including the big M) every time he is here. This doesn't lead to a very healthy stepmother/stepson relationship. And it's not really the poor kids fault. But this is becoming a worse and worse problem for me. I have come to dread the times that he is here. In the summer it wasn't so bad as the windows and doors could be open, but now in the winter with the house shut up tight, I feel like I'm being tortured. I have gotten my husband to tell him not to use the deoderant while he is here (he is to use my husband's unscented instead) but that really isn't enough of a solution. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks. Anna (the wicked stepmother)
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RE: Smells and migraines. . . , lesherb, Dec-21-02, (1) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , ruth, Dec-21-02, (2) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , sheri, Dec-21-02, (3) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , thetsarisa, Dec-21-02, (4) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , TS, Dec-22-02, (5) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , genxgirl, Dec-22-02, (6) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , Anna, Dec-22-02, (7) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , Mary217, Dec-22-02, (8) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , TS, Dec-22-02, (9) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , nubbyjenn, Dec-23-02, (10) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , ejvill, Dec-23-02, (11) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , lrobb98, Dec-23-02, (12) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , thetsarisa, Dec-23-02, (13) Migraines& smells, Beth C., Dec-23-02, (14) RE: Smells sicken me too!, CA-SusanZ, Dec-25-02, (15) RE: zest - no!, the5votes, Dec-25-02, (16) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , Mattie, Dec-31-02, (17) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , Anna, Dec-31-02, (18) RE: Smells and migraines. . . , M, Jan-12-03, (19)

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Messages in this topic

lesherb	Dec-21-02, 09:11 AM (CMT)
1. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
Is there a chance your husband could take him to a doctor? I think there is a prescription deodorant one can use in cases like this. He may very well appreciate it as there is also the possibility of his being teased by his classmates. You may also have to launder his clothes when he arrives. I suggest you do this covertly as he may take offense to it. You could perhaps do a search online about this problem to find different solutions. This is probably as difficult on him (in his own way) as it is for you. Good luck. Łeslie
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	ruth	Dec-21-02, 03:15 PM (CMT)
	2. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	I know all about those smelly spray deodorants Anna. I often have family members visit me from England, and my brothers and nephew always seem to use those strong ones. I suppose we should speak up and ask them to use something less offensive to us. I just make sure the windows are open. Those strong ones must be so bad for you, breathing it in every day. The same goes for people who work in perfume departments in the stores, imagine all the chemicals they're breathing in!
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sheri	Dec-21-02, 08:27 PM (CMT)
3. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
Anna, you are not the wicked stepmother, I agree about the Dr's route. If his parents would agree. It could be affecting his school life too. I can't go into candle, perfume stores. The big department stores always have the perfume counters right as you walk in. I have to go to the floor above or below them perfume to get into the store. Have you told your stepson what Migraines are like and what happens or causes them? If you have I am sorry I don't mean to say that you didn't, just if he understood maybe that might help matters. Or buy unscented stuff just for him while he is with you. That might make him feel special that you did that just for him? I hope things have a good resolution there for you. You have my prayers. Sheri
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	thetsarisa	Dec-21-02, 09:00 PM (CMT)
	4. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	The excessive body odour might be a symptom of thyroid problems, diabetes, yeast infections, digestive problems, and there is certain medical condition that is excessive B.O. itself. In certain severe cases the sweat glands can be surgically removed. But he is 15 y. old boy, so he's probably just going thru hormonal changes. I think the idea to see a dr is a good one anyway. Most likely he is teased about his B.O and may be quite relieved to find a solution. Since you are a step mother and a woman I think it would be better if his father talk to him about this problem. About strong deodorants and perfumes, why not print out a list of our triggers and explain about M and how some people are olfactory - challenged? Keep us posted.. Risa
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	TS	Dec-22-02, 08:21 AM (CMT)
	5. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	You most deffinately are NOT the wicked stepmother! I can tell you care about him with this problem too! I do agree in having your husband talk to him about the smells triggering a migraine. This is a good age for him to learn about what those smells do to people. The Dr. I worked for last would have to leave the room when patients had strong smells on. His problem is that it throws him into an asthma attack. So, it's not only migraines that the smells effect. I know about boys and the smells they have at that age. My boys are 11 and 13. They have their own smell that gaggs me!! Then throw in their friends and the house stinks. Like you said, summer isn't so bad, but put them in the house in the winter and YUCK!!! Of course some of the smells they produce on purpose, if you know what I mean! I think I would also rewash the cloths if they are that strong to trigger your migraines. I wouldn't make a big deal out of it, but maybe your husband could take him out somewhere while you did his laundry. I don't know what kind of relationship you or your husband have with his ex, but if it's a good one, maybe you or he could talk to her as well. I think if people could just realize what the strong smells do to some people, they wouldn't use so much. Also, it's funny how some smells bother some people and not others. Like the Dr would have an attack with some patients and I couldn't even smell them and the reverse with him! If he still has a bad odor that your husband can recognize after a shower, too. I would take him to the Dr. to look for an underlying problem! Good Luck! I LOVE having boys but the B.O. can get tough! I think if I had girls, I would have to worry about the colognes and all the other girl products! Teresa
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genxgirl	Dec-22-02, 10:55 AM (CMT)
6. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
For one thing, you are not wicked for needed your airspace to free of migraine triggers. If your step son has such a problem with body odor, perhaps it is time to go to the doctor. It could be something htt he is eating, he could be allergic to something etc. Even if you did not get migs from his combo odors, his father should take him to see a doctor anyway. It must be terrible for him at school and around girls if he has this problem. My other suggestion is to find a deoderant that does not trigger you that he still likes. Either you or your husband should explain to him that you are allergic to certain smells, and that you would like to spend time with him while he is at your house. But again, I think hte key is the doctor. I would guess there are prescription strength antiperspirants/deodorants that would be helpful as well. good luck! let us know how it works out!
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	Anna	Dec-22-02, 11:31 AM (CMT)
	7. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	Thank you, everyone, for being so understanding. That alone is worth more than I can express! I did take some of your advice and launder his clothes yesterday while he was out with his father. That helps to some degree, though the smell of his mother's detergent still clung to the clothes- and to the few things of mine I had in there (should have known better, I guess-LOL). My husband is taking him to the store on their way back to his (my stepson's) home today. I suggested to my husband that he buy him some deoderant that is less smelly as well as a large jug of the laundry detergent and fabric softener unscented and non-allergenic) that my husband will give to his son's mother- explaining the problem to her. My stepson also has exzema and the milder products may help with that as well. As I have gone to nursing school, I suggested that he approach this as a health concern with his ex- which of course it is. And as soon as the holidays are over I will have my husband bring him to the doctor. After reading your suggestions I told my husband that this is probably causing his child to have problems in school with the other kids. My husband took that very seriously and is now very willing to get to the bottom of this problem. I do think that along with his natural hormonal wildness (my own son is 17 and is wasn't that long ago that his hormones were rampaging) there may be a physical problem possibly related to the exzema or maybe some kind of endocrine disorder. His diet is atrocious as well- he lives on meat and sugar and that's about it. I doubt he's ever willingly eaten a vegetable. Well, thanks again for all the support. Knowing that I am not alone with this sensitivity is so helpful. Anna And TS (is it Terry?) you made me laugh with your description of your sons' aromas- I know them oh so well!
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Mary217	Dec-22-02, 12:37 PM (CMT)
8. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
Hello Anna, I just thought I might suggest that perhaps your stepson could leave some clothing at your home for his weekend visits. This way you could be certain that the offending detergents wouldn't be used, and not have to prewash his clothes if it were used. (eliminate that trigger) You have received some excellent ideas from everyone, I hope you can resolve the situation and be able to spend some non migraine time with your family. Take good care, Mary.
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	TS	Dec-22-02, 01:49 PM (CMT)
	9. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	I later had the same thought as Mary. I thought about your son having clothes that he just leaves at your house. Wow! What does his mother use that will stay on his clothes and transfer to yours in the wash? I thought I had some strong stuff sometimes, but never like that. I tend to go overboard on the Downey!! Here's to good smelling days ahead! Teresa
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nubbyjenn	Dec-23-02, 03:36 PM (CMT)
10. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
Strong body odour can actually be a symptom of some medical conditions - I would take him to the Dr too. Just to be sure. Also, he should drink lots of water... J
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	ejvill	Dec-23-02, 04:43 PM (CMT)
	11. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	Many times diet plays an important role in this factor also the the type of clothes one wears also is a key certain snythetics make body odors more funky. Where wearing good quality cotton t-shirts might eliminate alot of that funk. And staying away from bacon and other fatty foods will sure help. EJ
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lrobb98	Dec-23-02, 04:57 PM (CMT)
12. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
A few years ago I did a study on headache triggers; smells such as perfume spells(and gasoline, etc.) are relatively common migraine triggers, affecting about 30% of patients. Unfortunately, some people are extremely sensitive to various and sundry smells, with instant headache as the response. L.RobbinsM.D. http:www//headachedrugs.com
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	thetsarisa	Dec-23-02, 05:08 PM (CMT)
	13. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	I'm one of those people... listening to loud music (me being in a relatively good shape) might give me a M after one HOUR, but a whiffs of perfume or God forbid scented candles can sent me nauseous into dangerous M in a few MINUTES. In extreme cases even seconds - but that's when a pre-M conditions already is present. Risa
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Beth C.	Dec-23-02, 06:36 PM (CMT)
14. "Migraines& smells"
My son shares the same problem. Try having your stepson use Zest deoderant soap. Also, make sure he is using an anti-perspirant/deoderant...it is the anti-perspirant that helps to eliminate the odors. Smells trigger my migraines as well. They are very intense. I hope this is helpful. Take care!
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	CA-SusanZ	Dec-25-02, 08:39 AM (CMT)
	15. "RE: Smells sicken me too!"
	LAST EDITED ON Dec-25-02 AT 09:15 AM (CMT) Smells INSTANTLY make me violently ill!! I am staying at my mother's house ( I am unemployed and homeless now, but I am hopefully getting a job SOON!) Anyway, my mother has all of those gross " plug in " air freshners... the entire house smells like a perfume factory. I went through the house and took them all... she hasnt noticed yet. I was going to say the same things everyone else said... clean fresh clothes, unscented deodorant, shower twice a day (more if he has worked out and is sweaty), maybe a visit to the dermotologist - they do have prescription deodorants for excessively sweaty people. The advice on him drinking more water is good too - the skin is an eliminative organ - toxins can come out. Is it bad when you are outside? Maybe you could have outdoor picnics or go for walks at the park...something outdoors? I hope you find something that works for you both...
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	the5votes	Dec-25-02, 10:16 AM (CMT)
	16. "RE: zest - no!"
	Those deodrant soaps like Zest are very, very strong in smell and the odor does cling. Just washing well with a low-aroma soap gets you clean... THEN apply a low-aroma deodrant/antipersperant. Smell them in the stores if they're not in a plastic seal, that way you don't waste your money.
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Mattie	Dec-31-02, 10:11 AM (CMT)
17. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
I am also super sensitive to odors and mostly stay alone because visitors always make me sick. My suggestions are similar to the other post. I keep extra clothes for my grandchild. I have washed them separately a few times but the smell of the strong detergents still linger. Vinegar and soda in the wash water helps some. I have to wash the child's hair which makes it a stressful visit. I usually have a M when the visit is over. We bought detergents and soaps for the family to use before a visit but they find that offensive. So I just have to cope. My husband uses the crystal deodorant when he is not working as the unscented deod. also makes me sick. Don't give up it's your home and your rules. It is a lonely life to be this way.
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	Anna	Dec-31-02, 01:36 PM (CMT)
	18. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	Thanks Mattie, I'm sorry you have to go through this too. My stepson is here now and so is the migraine. When he got here last night my husband did launder all his clothes which helps some, but doesn't really remove all the smells. Thanks for the idea of using vinegar and soda. I'll try those. Fortunately (for me) he's a teenager and likes to sleep late which meant I had the house to myself this morning- he was off in his room with the door closed. Now, though, I'm again trapped up in my room. Have a good new year, Anna
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	M	Jan-12-03, 04:48 AM (CMT)
	19. "RE: Smells and migraines. . . "
	Not strange at all. I discovered a while ago that I have a migraine reaction to perfume. I don't mind other people using perfume, but I cannot use it myself or I'll start feeling dizzy and end up with a headache
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