Fat Hygiene
It all began with a detailed post by SageAutumn on Livejournal about her showering routine, a “how-to on showering as a big girl.”
Drying off water with a towel when you have baby oil on is SUPER easy, all you have to do is pat dry really. But after that, DRY OFF… lay in front of a fan for about five-ten minutes, and let the air get to all your parts. Eagle-spread, bottom in the air, on each side stretched so the fan hits any creases there and your armpits, on your back with your boobs pulled up… kinda like a rotisserre chicken, only moving slower and pausing.
Commenters discuss what works and what doesn’t work for them, then one commenter adds:
And yes, this IS the first time I have entered into a discussion with anyone about big-girl-grooming. Maybe its something one should cover more often, but I don’t know that many other women.
When I read that, I realized that every woman has her own hygiene routine, and it’s true—we don’t really talk about them. The only other woman’s routine I know is my sister’s. She is thin (FWIW), and her routine involves a lot of shaving, a lot of lotion, and some OCD elements. I personally am a big believer in post-shower baby powder (the kind with cornstarch) and my new favorite discovery, scrubby bath gloves. I also use a lot of towels, since I find damp towels creepy. So there you go: I have my own OCD elements.
Anyway, then The Rotund talked about her routine and some of the larger implications:
In any event, I don’t think fat hygiene is all that different from the hygiene practiced by thin people. What I DO think is that many, many, several fat people are so disconnected from their bodies that taking care of them in that kind of way is not a priority – or they activelly don’t believe they are worth the time and effort or they are so disgusted with their own bodies they actively avoid being naked with themselves…
However, it’s an important topic – one of the coded things that people mean when they say fat is “smelly.” And when people have folds of skin, it can increase the chances of your body smelling different from someone else’s body… This sort of thing is super individual. If you sweat more than I do, you might feel a lot more attached to your deodorant, for example. That’s cool. There is not one right way to do any of this. Also: the value of a person is not dependent on their aroma. Even if you do wind up stinky, you are still a valuable and worthwhile person, okay?
It makes for an interesting and worthwhile discussion, with plenty of frank talk about specific issues fat people tend to have in taking care of their bodies. It can make you feel targeted merely to admit that, yeah, you have more flesh than someone else might have, and therefore need a different care routine. But if living with other women has taught me anything, it’s that we’re all pretty individual and “weird” about our own personal routines. (Suddenly I’m flashing back to Charlotte from Sex and the City, examining her pores for an hour per night in a magnifying mirror.) So what are your thoughts on hygiene? And what’s your routine?
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Drying under a fan is a long-time favorite of mine. My skin gets much less irritated and overdried that way.
One question I’d like to put out there: how do other fat ladies deal with thigh chafage? I’ve pretty much had to give up skirts entirely, and it makes me sad, because they’re so comfy and pretty. Leggings in general are too warm; lotion doesn’t help. I hear rumors of things like silk bloomers, but I’ve yet to find any in real life.
Any suggestions?
Heather, I bought a pair of the shorter “quick wick” bike shorts from Junonia to wear under dresses. They’re pricey, but long enough to cover the thighs, snug enough to not ride up, but loose enough to be comfortable. I tried ordering some bloomers (they were called something like a “fitted boxer”) from Avenue, but the legs were too loose and short, and they rode up.
I recently dealt with thigh chafage and what worked for me was a combination of Cortizone with Aloe, witch hazel, Vaseline and Johnson’s Baby Lotion, as well as taking an ice pack, wrapping it in a towel and icing between my legs. Lanacane has just come out with an anti-thigh chafage ointment you may want to try as well.
But when I get out of the shower and want to dry off quickly, I take my hair dryer, put it on the cool setting and get in the creases, especially under my stomach and breasts. When it’s extremely hot out, it’s very refreshing to let that cool air blow on you, especially since I sweat like nobody’s business.
I know people have differing opinions on deodorant, but seriously, it’s the ONLY way I can wear skirts or dresses. Deodorant (antiperspirant, rather) on all of my prone to chaffing parts, and I’m good to go.
Re: thigh chafing. I haven’t used it myself, but I have heard rave reviews of body glide. It’s basically an ointment that prevents chafing, like an invisible pair of bike shorts!
http://www.bodyglide.com/
My problem: finding shorts that fit! I’m actually pretty-much straight-sized, but my proportions are a little unusual: small waist, big hips, REALLY big thighs.
So, I’ve never been able to find shorts that neither ride up my thighs, nor gap open at the waist.
Any ideas?
Powder is my OCD thing. It’d be faster if I could just pour it out and roll around a bit but alas, it’s just a long, messy process of carefully applying it in all my creases and folds. Powder also helps with the chub rub. If it’s really hot, I might have to reapply it to my thighs but it’s really quite effective. It doesn’t stop it completely but at least my thighs aren’t starting fires when I use it.
I have heard wonderful things about Monistat’s Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel, but haven’t tried it myself. I wear the “bike shorts” from Avenue under skirts and dresses. I buy the ones that go over my whole belly because I’m weird and I like to have a little pressure across my midsection. I find it soothing. Again…I’m weird like that.
My hygiene routine involves A LOT of lotion, because I have eczema something fierce. In the winter my skin dries out and I slather on the thick body butters. In the summer, sweating irritates my skin, so I use a lighter lotion (I like the Aveeno lotion with the “cooling” effect – tingly!) and try to stay cool as much as possible. I’m afraid to try baby powders, because I don’t want to dry out my skin too much.
Sorry to double post, I meant to mention this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/25853519/florere-vegan-cream-deodorant-aluminum
Which I use sometimes under my breasts and tummy roll to help keep the area dry without the mess of powder. ‘Cause there’s nothing sexier than taking off the bra and having clumps of powder in there. Heh. I do not use it daily as I find it doesn’t keep me quite as dry as the powder but it does help when I don’t feel like powdering.
I’m 64 years old — and no one has ever before talked with me / to me about this problem. The folds and the creases, especially in the summer get so raw and broken out but it happens in the winter too, especially where the elastic hits the skin. I’ve tried so many things but never had the courage to discuss this with anyone else, including my doctor. I leave trails of talc after me whenever I bathe. I slather on hydrocortisene cream to try and stop the break outs. It’s so freeing to actually be able to discuss this problem — and learn what others do.
I second the blow-dryer on cool. Much more efficient than fans.
I alternate between baby powder with cornstarch and Gold Bond medicated powder. The baby powder feels better, but the corn starch in it can feed any latent yeasties. The Gold Bond powder doesn’t feel as nice, but it has zinc and other ingredients that inhibit yeast growth.
I have an extensive FAQ on my blog on dealing with skin yeast if that’s an issue for you; sometimes chafing is more than just friction.
http://wellroundedmama.blogspot.com/search/label/yeast
I know some people have had a good experience with body glide, but I tried it for chafing along the creases where my legs meet my thighs, and wasn’t happy. It wouldn’t wash off, so it trapped moisture underneath it and made the chafing worse! The whole situation was pretty uncomfortable and gross for awhile.
Since then I’ve moved to boy short style underwear, which has kept the chafing from coming back again, and gave me an excuse to buy a bunch of cute new underwear. :-) Avenue online has some nice stretchy boy shorts that are super comfortable and cute! Not long enough to prevent chafing between the thighs, but loose enough to avoid chafing around the leg holes.
And since it hasn’t been mentioned here yet, I love Zeasorb AF powder for preventing yeast growth under breasts and belly.
Yeppers, the blow dryer on body parts is a must. I don’t use powders anymore as I find they irritate with long term use.
My latest favorite product for under boob sweat is Pambra’s bra liners. I can whip them out and it’s like I put on a fresh bra.
I seem to be going through a dry skin phase that is really irritating and just started adding jojoba to my regular lotion.
Heather- I personally have had great success with monistat soothing care, an ointment to powder application. I call it “swamp ____ (pit/ crotch/ etc haha!) and I am severely irritated with the moisture that accumulates on me, especially in my thigh/ crease area. I could not, until I found this stuff, ever wear skirts without stockings- even when I was thin, since I’m built like a brick sh–house, and have NEVER had a moment of relief from this (even at 100lbs! srsly!)
I also really like the scented Avon powders, but they don’t last that long and they’re only good for creases, not thighs. Also they’re perfumy, which many people don’t like.
This is a severely neglected topic, I was so happy to see someone bring it up.
As far as other beauty regemin stuff goes, I am fairly apathetic. I shower, I towel mostly dry, and pretty much just let the air do the rest. I use scented body spray, and sometimes I use lotion but my skin is pretty great as is, so I’m not religious about it.
on a side note- I am NOT 100lbs anymore! I’m a bit over 200, and though 8months pregnant, would still be “overweight” if I wasn’t. I’m just saying that this is a lifelong irritation for me too. Especially in the summer!!!!
(shrugs)
I pat myself down with a towel, add a touch of antipersperant/deoderant (unscented because otherwise I break out in an itchy rash in my armpits which is beyond miserable), and get dressed. Yeah, I can’t stand to make a production out of it, and while I’m fat, I don’t have a lot of overhanging rolls. Just how my body hangs, I guess.
As for preventing chub rub while wearing dresses and skirts, my favorite solution is footless tights. Not only do I not have to worry about legs riding up (which I’ve had happen sometimes with shorts, even when they’re pretty tight), they add another chance for color. I live for color.
I second Simone’s suggestion for Body Glide for antichafing. I bought some at a sporting goods store (Big 5, to be specific). It really works! I too have experienced the horrific thigh chafing from skirts, so I rarely wear them. But Body Glide really helps- it’s good for any place that rubs. I use it to prevent heel blisters, too. Secondarily, a pair of Spanx is good for wearing skirts.
As for my hygiene routine, I don’t think it differs much from thin people, but I sweat (a lot) when it’s warm out, so I like to use J&J cornstarch baby powder under the boobs, on my back, and on my stomach. I also am a fan of air drying. If I’ve been sweaty, I take a shower before bed and use white Dial bar soap in areas prone to breakouts; everywhere else gets white Dove.
I use one of those natural deodorant crystals (from the health-food store) in all my skin folds immediately after showering. It’s supposed to be applied wet, so I just whip it quickly across those areas, and gently towel off, without giving too much attention to drying those areas. The crystal prevents bacteria growth, so I get almost no odor or infection; without it, I’m queen of the b.o. and red oozing rashes. (I use a regular antiperspirant on my armpits, as well.) The crystal itself has no colour or odor, it just stops the bacteria. I also wear as much cotton clothing as possible,
(Btw, one danger of using cornstarch is that, while it’s not carcinogenic like talc, it does provide a food source to yeast and other microorganisms.)
I am as low-maintenance as anyone could be without being neglectful of their hygiene. I tend to only towel-dry myself, but laying in front of a fan to dry off post-shower is an indulgence I think everyone should experience at least once. I never really wear skirts anymore without boy shorts underneath in order to avoid chafing… besides, I find it more comfortable in shorts and pants. My one problem area is the skin around folds – it’s more susceptible to clogged pores and painful bumps, no matter how much I go out of my way to avoid it.
It’s totally true that our personal hygiene routines are somehow a taboo topic. At the moment I am living in a different city than usual just for the summer so I am limited in towels, which makes things difficult. Ideally I use one towel for face drying for the week and then use a new body towel each time I shower. BUT as I said at the moment I am limited in towels and I also find that I have this incredible environmental guilt that makes it hard for me to justify using a towel after each shower. But in an ideal world I would. And someone else would wash them for me, lol.
Personally my post shower hygiene is all about the drying process. Since it’s not too hot where I live I just like to be able to hang out naked until I am fully dry. I don’t really moisturize, though I should. I do sunscreen obsessively though in the summer months which is irritating and sticky, but essential. I keep a hand towel on hand to blot any stickiness the arises from the sunscreen process and then I’m good to go.
Clothing wise I generally choose chafe proof outfits. I rarely wear skirts or dresses without tights underneath or biker shorts, since I have a pretty lady bike I cruise around on. It’s a great excuse to wear shorts underneath. But honestly it’s about comfort as much as being appropriate on my bike.
I feel so disconnected from my fellow gals. I had no idea you all did this. I’m 350 & 5’10. I just wrap my hair up and dry off with a towel. Then throw clothes on. Don’t have problems being stinky that I’ve noticed or been reported for. Rarely, rarely had any problems with thigh chafing and then I just used powder. Huh?! Who knew – thanks for enlightening me!
for the chafing- Body Glide can help, I use it,but as another poster mentioned you kinda need to scrub it off. I also wear yoga shorts under my skirts because I have super delicate skin very prone to chafing, regardless of what I happen to weigh at the moment, so body glide doesn’t always cut it. Basically, just find a kind you like, non-compression bike shorts (I hear great things about the ones from avenue) or yoga shorts seem to work the best from my chats with other ladies. Plus you get the added benefit of having a little less worry about the random stiff breeze blowing your skirt up. Boy short underwear can work,but depending on where you get the worst of the chafing (for me it’s further down the thigh) the slightly longer inseam of the shorts might be necessary.
As for hygiene, as I mentioned my skin is super delicate and very dry, so I got myself a body scrubbing towel from my friendly neighborhood Asian market and I use that to exfoliate followed by body oil. Works better for me than any lotion. After that, pat dry and just don’t scrub with the towel but make sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. I shower at night, so then I set my hair as best I can and go to sleep. In the morning,I moisturize my face,throw on some deodorant and try to get the curls to sorta behave before running out the door.
I don’t know what the official BFD blog email is or where to find it, I looked around but didn’t see one. I sent an email to an address on mo pie’s site though I’m not sure if that’s the right place to do it. But I guess my problem kind of fits under the hygiene category so I’ll post it again here if that’s okay, if not, sorry:
It’s summer and I love getting out to the beach or the pool, but not when I’m on my period. I only use pads so I hate having to pass on invites to swim. I’ve never tried a tampon before because of my size, I’m afraid they won’t work (please tell me they will!). I’ve asked some of my friends who are plus sized for advice and they all use pads because they have the same concern as me. I just want to know if tampons work for bigger ladies, and if they do, which brand/type/size should I try??? Do I have to use backup??? Please help! Thanks in advance :)
Sorry again if this isn’t the right place/ or if this is off-topic, I just really need some advice cause I’m due for a period soon and don’t want to have to stay home the whole week.
i bathe. when we lived in this place that had TOTALLY inadequate hot water, we referred to this as “making cat soup”. fill the big pot with water, boil it, pour it in the tub. fill the tub to the desired height and temperature.
i wash my hair in the tub and it seems cleaner that way. exfoliants RULE the day. shave the legs every other day.
i’m a diabetic. i’m allergic to insulin. i take a metric assload of antihistimines because of this, and have constant itchiness. johnson and johnson 24 hour moisture lotion is a godsend. it doesnt feel sticky, it stays around for a long time but i wouldnt say 24 hours in my case.
Monistat’s Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel works really well. I used it on a very hot and sticky day when I wore a dress for a date. It feels nice going on, turns to a powdery feel afterwards.
Drying off in front of a fan works for me plus baby powder in the nooks and crannies.
I use two big bath sheets to dry off and I tend to sit around naked when I can to give everything a chance to dry. If it’s night, I usually use this time for some reading while I sit swathed in terry cloth. If it’s the morning, I dry off quickly, throw on cotton undies and a cotton lounge dress while I do my morning chores — gives me time to dry completely before I put on my work clothes.
While I don’t have to do much for my own chafing, my mom (who is fat and bed-ridden) has problems with skin folds getting sweaty/infected, and the doctor told her to use Desenex foot powder to stop rashes from forming. It has seriously worked for her, too.
I also love to slather lotion on at night because I have eczema. I also have a problem with Keratosis pilaris on my arms, so I use a medicated lotion on them that has Salicylic acid in it to help with that.
1. Shower in warm water so I don’t dry out my skin.
2. Dry off with three towels: one for my hair, one for my body, one for the backs of my knees, around my cankles (tee hee hee…love that word!) and in the rolls.
3. Douse myself in cornstarch baby powder. Some days, my bathroom looks like cocaine factory from all the white stuff flying around (lol).
4. Lotion on my legs, which tend to get really dry.
5. Dry my hair.
Takes me about 15 minutes to do all of this. Not bad for a morning routine.
RRROBOTNIK HAS NO NEED FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE.
I use lotion. And I dry off. I’m a fan of beach towels because they are huge. i only powder my groin when it is hot out. Walking around naked is a must (more for fun than drying).
I am also a huge fan of Spanx. All types of Spanx. The ones i like the best are the high waisted “hide & seek” style. I like that there is no line. I can wear them without underwear, and my legs are free to glide together. They also now have a line of lighter weight colored spanx, which i can’t wait to try.
i also use the monistat cream, but i find that it rubs off too quickly and i have to reapply all the time. once again, i revert to the spanx.
I love bike shorts by Danskin. They’re pricey, but they’re also long enough, come in a range of sizes, and last pretty well. Skirts make me happy, so shorts under are a must.
I’m also really into linen clothes. Wrinkly, but nice and cool.
I’ll try that deodorant crystal thing. I know it isn’t enough for underarm, but it might work for under boobs and belly.
I recently discovered (after suffering the side effects of big-gun antibiotics for a staph infection) that hospital strength Vagisil (20% benzocaine) is awesome for killing any pain from chafing. After showering, I lie on the bed so my nether region dries out, then my hubby applies the ointment on my thighs, labia, and anything else that’s rashy, and I let it absorb before getting dressed. Amazing stuff.
I am a huge fan of Monistat’s Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel, it’s one of my must have summer drugstore products. Leggings and bike shorts are fine for cool weather, but when it’s hot out I want to be able to wear a skirt without extra layers underneath.
The gel glides on smoothly and easily and basically makes things feel frictionless. It gives your skin a powdery smooth feeling, sort of like a dry version of what silicone lubricant feels like. The effects don’t last all day… after a few hours of activity, I usually need to reapply.
I would urge you to try it if you haven’t. I’m kind of in love with it, because it opened up so many fashion choices to me and made hot weather so much more liveable!
I use bath sheets instead of bath towels to dry off after showering and lie in front of a fan on my bed. Then I hang out naked while drying my hair to make sure I’m completely dry. For inner thigh chafing I use BodyGlide. I only apply it once I’m 100% dry though and sometimes I have to reapply during the day. The first time I was really bothered by chub rub was when I was in the Domincan Republic with my family and after 3 days was limping around because my inner thighs were so inflamed. Luckily my mom had brought a pair of silk bloomers to wear under dresses and they were really helpful! I find that I can buy straight-sized bloomers too because they’re made so loose and stretchy. Easier to find and less expensive.
I have actual OCD and I would prefer that people who don’t have don’t use it as a description of their behavior. I know that it’s done in a cutesy and non-offensive way, but it really shows a lack of understanding about what OCD actually is.
As for thigh chafing, I’ve found that I have to go all or nothing. When I was in college I wore skirts basically every day during the warm months, because I find them more open and cool than shorts or capris. I generally get chafing for the first few days, and then my skin will just get used to it and I’ll be fine for the rest of the summer. I should not that I’m only somewhat fat so this might not work for others.
Bra liners? They make such a thing? I must try these out! I have real problems with boob sweat, and it gets nasty due to the fact that I am poor and only have three bras that fit.
It would be nice is people would stop using OCD to mean something they are very particular about.
http://disabledfeminists.com/2009/10/19/ableist-word-profile-youre-so-ocd/#comment-11987
I’m new to this site, and just read this post and all the comments. It’s interesting to read and re-visit.
I’m formerly a 311 lbs woman who had gastric bypass surgery and lost over 160 lbs. I know that information may cause a stir right away. :) I just know for ME it was the best decision I ever made.
It’s interesting for me to read this – particularly about hygiene, because as a formerly heavy woman, I have always detested the notion that fat people don’t take care of themselves. Of COURSE we do and you know what? I can’t even remember the last time I met an overweight person who smelled. It’s a bogus stereotype if you ask me. People who don’t BATHE smell. Period.
However, it’s also interesting for me to read all the comments on the flip side of things. My thighs no longer chafe. In fact, they no longer touch. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that it’s one of the best things about weight loss – not having to worry about how to deal with that, or with sweating (I barely sweat at all now, as compared to before when I was significantly larger). Physically, hygiene IS a lot easier as a thinner woman.
Still.
Does that change my worth? NO. Does it change anything other than my morning routine? NO.
Just thought I’d comment and say hello and give a bit of a view from the other side – since I’ve been on both. :)
For chafing under skirts, try a culotte slip — a divided half slip usually of silky nylon or sometimes cotton. I love them!
I love Avenue’s bike shorts for preventing thigh chafing while wearing skirts – amazingly enough, they do not roll up OR down.
Bike shorts are my friend under skirts/dresses, and I too use both baby powder (I like the Kroger store brand which is lavender-scented cornstarch) and Gold Bond Medicated Powder alternatively.
I love my deodorant crystal, and find it does the job as far as odor goes though it is not an anti-perspirant so I do sweat — which is healthier anyway. I never thought to use it under my bosom/skin folds, though! Great idea!
Bike shorts is the anti-chafing solution for me. Specifically, I get them from Junonia and even prefer the long ones to wear under long pants(QuikWik Leggings) since it avoids that “ride up” problem completely.
I have learned the hard way to always heavily soap up my inner thighs, my belly button area, the folds of skin on my sides, my underboobs, and my underarms. If you get sebaceous cysts (like I used to), get a prescription-strength cleanser (I have had to for my underboobs which are now under control).
I got some good tips on here such as the further use of the crystal thing – may try it.
Thanks to all you lovely sister fat chicks!
I LOVE these comments! Please keep them coming! I’m sorry, I join the majority here with fan/towels and J&J Cornstarch. My only problem being after using the blow drier, I get wet again :( I just got a sample in the mail for Lanacane’s anti-chafing gel. haven’t tried it yet (I don’t wear dresses unless I ABSOLUTELY have to) but will let you know how well it works if I do.
I nth the walking around naked to dry off thing, it’s fabulous. I have a belly apron of loose skin, so I talk and sometimes use deodorant under there because I sweat. The crystal deodorant sounds like a great idea.
Someone mentioned clogged pores – I am a lifelong fan of Brigit True Magic Balm – it works wonders on clogged pores and sore bumps, in some cases overnight for me. I use it as a facial moisturizer, too.
Bike pants! They are the absolute saviour when wearing skirts. I’ve been wearing them since college when I would wear skirts and end up in sitting on the ground. I’ve tried the bodyglide, creams, powders and I always ended up with painful rashes. Bike shorts all the way. You can buy them good quality expensive (or not) ones online, in discount stores like Walmart or Target. I have 6 pairs of danskin ones I bought at Target 8 years ago and they are still going strong and I wear skirts everyday for work.
I shower and wash my hair every day, because I am an oily, oily girl who sweats a lot when she sleeps. I use the scrubby exfoliating gloves everywhere, with an armpit specific scrubby thing to remove old deodorant.
Then I get out, dry off, Burt’s Bees Tomato Toner for my face and cleavage. Brush teeth, take vitamins, use inhaler, Neutrogena 75spf moisturizer, deodorant, and usually I wear footless tights, although I may have to stop as my latex allergy is getting bad enough that the elastic in the ankles is starting to leave welts.
The bike short type undergarments at this company are the bomb.
http://bellehartfashions.com/index.html
They are soft, super comfy, kind of sexy in a retro way, not hot, don’t ride up, and come in a wide array of sizes. Not cheap but really, really well made. Similar I think to the ones at Junonia but in lots of colors besides white. I was so thrilled to find these this year after I bought 1 I bought 2 more.
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Thanks to those of you who called me out for using “OCD” in a seemingly flippant way. I wanted to clarify that my little sister actually has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, so I did mean OCD literally, the first instance I used it in the post. But then I also used it to relate to myself, who has not been diagnosed with anything, and then used it casually at the end of the entry also.
Growing up with my sister (who is bipolar in addition to having OCD) was difficult in many ways, and one of the ways we use to cope with it is to joke around about it and use the term casually to apply to both of us. I do understand, from many years of living with my sister, that it is a serious disorder with very real consequences. But we love to laugh and tease each other, so we do throw the term around casually, and I thoughtlessly did so in this post as well, from years of habit.
I got a very thoughtful email from reader Jess, and in my response to her, I said that I should have been MORE sensitive, not less, as a result of my own family history. And I certainly will be in the future, and thank you for bringing it to my attention.
in response to the tampon question:
I can’t see any reason whatsoever why you couldn’t use a tampon just because you’re heavy. The vaginal muscels hold it in place, so there’s nothing to be affected by your size. The kind you want is more determined by your flow, start out with regular, if you find you’re going through one in less than 4 hours or so switch to Super.
I will say it may take a try or two to figure out insertion, everyone feels a bit awkward and uncoordinated the first couple of times, but don’t get discouraged! You can use a mirror if you need to. Swim parties are waiting for you!
I had no idea that chafing also applied to other people :) I usually wear “granny undies” that are sort of like cotton undies with legs. I have tried the tighter ones that have control top but they give me a tummy-ache. I like the idea of finding a culotte slip though.
re: tampon question. I just have to throw out there that I use a diva cup and it is one of my favorite things ever. I have a really heavy flow in the beginning, I used to use the super heavy tampons and always worry about leaking, but after my diva I never worry, and I can just rinse it and clean it and pop it back in and now worry about being out in public and having an emergency. Have fun swimming!
Anon, I’m a bigger lady who hasn’t used pads since she was 14 and thin. (They aggravate my already UTI-prone system).
Tampons don’t work any differently for me as an obese woman than they did as a thin teen. What I also love and have now used solely for a couple of years is a menstrual cup (different brands are DivaCup, MoonCup, etc). Similar principle, but you don’t have to mess with it as often as tampons or pads, and it’s reusable.
Have fun at the pool!