What makes an old person have a distinct old person smell?

According to AgingCare.com…

Many people are familiar with it: the grassy or greasy odor that so often permeates elder care facilities, our grandparents' homes and other similar places. Commonly referred to as "old people smell," this odor is actually called "nonenal," and it is widely (and unfortunately) misunderstood in the United States.

According to a study published by the "Journal of Investigative Dermatology," an increase of nonenal is associated with aging. Found only in participants aged 40 and older, nonenal is a component of body odor that is produced when omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids on the skin are degraded through oxidation.

Despite these findings, many people think that nonenal is the result of poor bathing habits. Others believe that the smell, which is difficult to detect on oneself but lingers on pillowcases, shirt collars and other such fabrics, is completely impossible to combat. However, neither of these assumptions has any basis in actual fact; it is far beyond time to illuminate the truth about Nonenal, especially in America where the elderly already suffer from negative bias.

What causes old people smell?

Nonenal (old people smell) production is a natural by-product of the aging process. Caused by the deterioration of the skin's antioxidant defenses, nonenal production usually begins around age 40 in both men and women, and may be exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menopause.

As the skin grows weaker, its natural oils become oxidized more quickly. Fatty acids, which are secreted by the sebaceous glands, react to the oxygen in the air to form nonenal. Because it isn't water soluble, nonenal can remain on the skin despite washing, even remaining after intense scrubbing. Therefore, the smell persists, even in extremely clean environments.

How do you get rid of old people smell?

Reducing nonenal odor can be accomplished by following a healthy lifestyle: exercising regularly, avoiding stress, abstaining from smoking, drinking alcohol only in moderation, eating a clean diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest.

On a personal note from me…

I have found that airing the person's room or house is helpful because, as we age, going out (even just to sit in the porch or get mail) is much more difficult, so not done as often or willingly. Also, the elderly have a much harder time regulating their body temp. Keeping the room or house warm and closed up is easier than the labor of dressing and undressing that younger people take so much for granted.

Hope this helped.

What could be the cause of this yeast infection?

I'm a 24 year old female. I've been having yeast infection in my genital area from 3 days.

I was subjected to a lot of stress last few months . As a result, I did not take care of myself in terms of diet, sleep and lifestyle.

How do I know if this is due to diabetes because there is family history.

Ladies often have vaginal Candidiasis, even without having diabetes, often after a course of antibiotics e.g. for an UTI., no relationship to diet, stress, lifestyle. The family history for diabetes is type 2 diabetes, right? If you aren’t obese at 24 yo very little chance you’ve developed diabetes too, but if in doubt have your doc do your fasting blood sugar.

Have your Candidiasis treated, in The Netherlands we can buy OTC 1 vaginal tablet of Clotrimazol (Canesten®) 500 mg should do the trick.

 Every single answer assumes that you have a yeast infection, and then suggests ways to treat it, yet you do not mention how you know that it is even yeast. How do you know that is what it is? What test did you do on the discharge? Did you look for hyphae under a microscope? Was the discharge sent to a laboratory for culture? Do you know how to tell a yeast discharge from a discharge caused by something else? What are the characteristics that set a discharge caused by yeast apart from some other discharge?

Did you even know that there were other causes of vaginal discharges besides yeast?

Nothing in your question gives any indication that it is a yeast infection. Family history of diabetes does not say much, because Type 2 diabetes is currently epidemic in the United States. It goes hand-in-hand with the obesity epidemic. You say you have been under a lot of stress lately. So have a lot of people.

There are definitely things that cause yeast infections, and also definitely signs that can be seen on a physical exam, but your question does not give any indication that you know what they are. You are almost certainly not qualified to diagnose yourself.

You may very well actually have a yeast infection. Or it might be something else. I suggest you see a doctor or other healthcare provider, get a proper diagnosis, and get the correct treatment for whatever problem you have.

Candida grows on easy reachable glucose, such as sugars and highly refined flours: cakes, ice creams (too much of it), juices with a high sugar content, even fruits (if taken too much), candies, chocolate, honey, pancakes, also pasta, white rice and potato - this all is the food that helps Candida grow. I know how frustrating it is, but it`s just a habit. When you quit eating these foods, new habits will begin to form. You will start enjoying lean proteins and vegetables. You may have horrible cravings from 3 days to 2 weeks. Besides that, when Candida starts to die off, it produces a lot of toxins, which means you may feel tiredness, weakness, moodiness, your immune system will slow down temporarily and you may get an outbreak of Candida or anything else.

Now about good things: if you survive this difficult period of cleansing, you will become the happiest person on the planet! :) You will have waaaay better health, more energy, better mood, you may lose extra pounds if you have excess fat, and you`ll get new healthy habits of eating which will help you to be strong, happy and healthy for the rest of your life! :)

Well, there are-as far as yeast infections are concerned-an important "fungus" and an important "bacteria" that are always present in the vagina. These are not "bad". We need them. However, sometimes, the fungus starts over-producing and the bacteria can't keep up to keep it in check. It's VERY common for women to get a yeast infection after taking antibiotics. My doctors used to just give me the yeast infection meds along with the antibiotics. I'm 63 and haven't had a yeast infection in years. (knock wood). But yeast thrive in wet, warm environments, so cotton panties are good, pants not real tight in the crotch, and don't over-do it with douching. After intercourse should be adequate.

Please remember answers here don't substitute for appropriate medical care. That being said there are over the counter creams which are effective for yeast infections. Your physician could prescribe a one dose tablet also.

Your concern about this yeast infection being a symptom of a bigger problem - diabetes is very difficult to assess. Diabetes is a very serious disease especially for someone as young as you are. Without knowing more than your age & general family history - an assessment is impossible. Generally, the measure of body mass index would help to determine if there is any correlation between the yeast infection & diabetes. Your MD can talk to you more specifically about these concerns. I think a visit with your MD while perhaps not necessary for treatment, might put you at ease!

Thanks for the A2A- hope it helps! Good luck!!

   

How To Get Rid Of Unpleasant Vaginal Odor

How to get rid of unpleasant vaginal odor! Understanding what your particular feminine odor means and how to treat this sometimes-embarrassing problem.

If you are a woman of child bearing age, then you would have some sort of vaginal odor.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that feminine odor changes throughout your normal monthly menstrual cycle, and is subject to outside situations such as the presence of bacteria, foods that you eat, or hormonal functions. The reason is simple. The vagina is prone to vaginal secretions and discharge due to a malady of factors that affect the way it smells. This, is nothing to be embarrassed about. In short, at any given time – your vagina will have a smell to it. Just like your breath or your feet, there is a certain odor associated with the vagina.

However, at times many women notice that their vagina smells differently. It may smell metallic, or musty or even give off somewhat of a ‘fishy’ smell. These different odors, are often associated with bacterial or yeast infections and occur alongside vaginal itchiness, burning, irritation, and a change in what would be considered your normal monthly menstrual discharge.

Why do yeast infections smell bad, and how can I treat it?

First off, you don’t give much information in your question. Is the patient male or female? What part of the body is affected? There are different types of “yeast” infections (Candidiasis). Yeast infections are caused by overgrowth of the fungus Candida, which is normally present pretty much everywhere, including in and on the body. In healthy individuals, the yeast is kept in check by the immune system, and natural bacteria present in the body. Weakened immune system, or taking antibiotics can upset this balance, leading to overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, on skin, or within the vagina. If you are referring to a vaginal yeast infection, typically a true vaginal yeast infection will not produce any odor. If a patient is experiencing vaginal discomfort, and discharge with a strong odor, it is typically indicative of bacterial vaginosis, NOT a yeast infection. This is an important distinction, because bacterial vaginosis, as the name implies, is a bacterial infection, which should be treated with antibiotics, whereas a true “yeast” infection is a fungal infection, which would be exacerbated if treated with antibiotics. Yeast infection is typically treated with antifungal creams, along with internal creams or suppositories for vaginal infections. Both of these are available over the counter. However, if strong odor is present, it really is important to consult a physician in order to properly diagnose the problem. If it turns out to be bacterial, which again is more likely if odor is present, the patient will need prescription antibiotics.

Can you have a yeast infection and no discharge?

VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION RISK FACTORS

In most women, there is no underlying health problem that leads to a yeast infection. There are several risk factors that may increase the chances of developing an infection, including:

●Antibiotics – Most antibiotics kill a wide variety of bacteria, including those that normally live in the vagina. These bacteria protect the vagina from the overgrowth of yeast. Some women are prone to yeast infections while taking antibiotics.

●Hormonal contraceptives (eg, birth control pills, patch, and vaginal ring) – The risk of yeast infections may be higher in women who use birth control methods containing estrogen. (See "Patient education: Hormonal methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)".)

●Contraceptive devices – Vaginal sponges, diaphragms, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase the risk of yeast infections. Spermicides do not usually cause yeast infections, although they can cause you to have vaginal or vulvar irritation. (See "Patient education: Birth control; which method is right for me? (Beyond the Basics)".)

●Weakened immune system – Yeast infections are more common in people who have a weakened immune system due to HIV or use of certain medications (steroids, chemotherapy, post-organ transplant medications).

●Pregnancy – Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable during pregnancy, although yeast infection is not always the cause. (See "Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics)".)

●Diabetes – Women with diabetes are at higher risk for yeast infections, especially if blood sugar levels are often higher than normal.

●Sexual activity – Vaginal yeast infections are not a sexually transmitted infection. They can occur in women who have never been sexually active, but are more common in women who are sexually active.

 VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION DIAGNOSIS

Yeast infections can be diagnosed with an exam. During the exam, your doctor or nurse will examine your vulva and vagina and swab the vagina to get a sample of discharge. Do not begin treatment at home before being examined.

Self-diagnosis — Women with vulvar itching or vaginal discharge often assume that their symptoms are caused by a yeast infection and then use a non-prescription treatment. However, in one study, only 11 percent of women accurately diagnosed their infection; women with a previous yeast infection were only slightly more accurate (35 percent correct) [1].

Diagnosing and treating yourself:

●Wastes money (on non-prescription treatment)

●Wastes time; you will not feel better until you use the right treatment

●Can make you more itchy and irritated

Do yeast infections have a smell?

Did someone say vaginal infections? Ugh, talk about no fun! Unfortunately, vaginal infections are a fact of life that most women will experience some time or another. Even with such common occurrences, we often make wrong assumptions and purchase products we do not actually need due to a lack of knowledge. The problem is, no one teaches us the facts! Well, no worries ladies.The RepHreshing Truth is here to empower you with the truth about vaginal infections. We are finally going to answer your burning question: What is the difference between a Yeast Infection and Bacterial Infection or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?

Yeast Infection: What You Think You Have
Have you ever noticed vaginal odor, itching, burning or discharge and immediately jumped to the conclusion that you have a Yeast Infection? We all have! Before you run to the store to pick up some quick fix medicine, you should know that Yeast Infections are actually the SECOND leading type of vaginal infections, accounting for 29% of all vaginal infections. Many women commonly mistake other vaginal infections for Yeast Infections, believing that it is the most common type.

Vaginal Yeast Infections are caused when there is an overgrowth of yeast, a fungus (ew!) that lives in the vagina. Typically, beneficial vaginal bacteria like Lactobacillus help keep other organisms (like the yeast) under control. But, when the beneficial bacteria cannot keep up and yeast overgrows, you can get a yeast infection. So how do you know if it is a Yeast Infection? Yeast Infections are usually signified by itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva. A white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese and may be odorless or have a yeasty smell (like bread or beer).
 
Bacterial Vaginosis: The Most Common Type of Vaginal Infection
If Yeast Infections are the second most common vaginal infection, what is the first? You guessed it, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). BV is caused when there is too much bad (pathogenic) bacteria. Again, typically, beneficial vaginal bacteria help keep bad bacteria under control. But, when the beneficial bacteria cannot keep up and bad bacteria overgrow, you can get a bacterial infection, or Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Bacterial Vaginosis is also accompanied by unbalanced pH because the bad bacteria that cause this infection flourish in elevated pH, while beneficial bacteria thrive in a healthy pH environment.
 
Signs of Bacterial Vaginosis generally include a grayish white vaginal discharge, a bothersome “fishy odor” and elevated pH. Many women describe the discharge as yogurt-like or pasty. Women may also experience vaginal itching and redness as a result of BV.
 
Make sure you know which type of infection you have BEFORE treating it. Yeast infection treatments will not help a bacterial infection and may further irritate this uncomfortable condition.

Importance of Vaginal pH & Beneficial Bacteria
An important part of keeping everything in balance is the vaginal pH. In healthy women, vaginal pH is typically 3.5 to 4.5. Studies show that vaginal issues often occur when vaginal pH is unbalanced. Healthy pH helps beneficial bacteria to thrive so that it can do its job maintaining vaginal health.
 
When pH becomes elevated, the environment shifts in favor of the pathogenic bacteria. This can allow pathogenic bacteria to cause vaginal odor, discomfort and even infection. Elevated pH is one of the key factors doctors look for when diagnosing vaginal infections. Maintaining healthy vaginal pH within the healthy range can help reduce risk of vaginal issues.

Unfortunately, elevated vaginal pH can be caused by a number of things including your period, because blood has a pH of 7.4, sexual intercourse (pH of semen is 7.1 to 8), some hygiene products (even “pH-balanced” feminine washes have a pH of 5.5 or higher). The hormone fluctuations that women experience each month are also associated with elevated pH.

What to do if you Think you Have a Vaginal Infection
If you think you have a vaginal infection, your best bet is to see your doctor. Most women opt for a visit to a gynecologist, but a primary care physician can also diagnose infections. Your doctor will do a pH test and assess your symptoms and may take a simple swab for examination under a microscope before providing a diagnosis. If you have a yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication or recommend an over-the-counter treatment. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Make sure you use all of the medicine your doctor prescribes, even if you start to feel better.

Once your infection is cured and you have returned to normal, you may wish to maintain your vaginal health by ensuring you have an optimal balance of beneficial bacteria and by maintaining healthy vaginal pH. RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement is clinically shown to provide healthy beneficial lactobacillus that works with your body to balance yeast and bacteria*. RepHresh Vaginal Gel is clinically shown to maintain healthy vaginal pH. The RepHresh Brand can help you take control of your feminine health - and that is the RepHreshing Truth!