Deodorant and under-arms

[lavendersblue]

Ever since my skin healed after my axillary clearance I have used Bionsen Japanese mineral deodorant , I like it as it has no parabens in it . During rads I also used PitRock successfully .

I used an electric razor during rads , but when that was over went back to wet shaving , using the throw away ones , but have always been very careful to only use the razors once , do bad armpit first then good one , then throw it away .

The only time I used a dipilatory cream I had a terrible reaction to it , and had a very sore and red armpit for days . Never had that problem with clean once used razors . I actually had lymphoedema of the breast and it didn't seem to have an adverse affect on that .

The one problem I had with an electric razor was the hair needed to be fairly short to start with, or it didn't work very well .

Hope this helps .
Hugs ,
Jill x

[Nenya]

Have you seen the crystal deodorants? You can get them in spray form or just the actual rock crystal. You just run it under the tap and apply underarm. I have used it for years after I read something about aluminium crystals being found in breast tissue. I have frequently asked people if I smell and they said not, so I think it must work. One of the best known is Pit Rok. Supermarkets or Holland and Barrett have it. You can also rub it on stinky feet! ps. I used it all the way thru radiotherapy with no bad effects because it is natural, not manufactured.

[morrisbird]

Thanks ladies, that's really helpful.  I'll invest in an electric shaver and try some gentle deodorants.

[rosie14]

Dove deodorant is gentle and effective! I a have found that since chemo last year underarm hair has not been a huge issue it hasn't come back in full force and I can go weeks without shaving. The only time it was a big no no was radiotheraphy!

[somerset]

I had mx (no reconstruction). The info I was given suggested electric shaver to minimise the risk of infection - which might cause lymphodema. Only info I had on deodorants related to radiotherapy when I was told to avoid most things but told I could use PitROK. I also used Salt of the Earth which is similar. Unlike some of the other parabens free ones these seemed to work so still using them.

[FizzB]

I wasn't given any shaving/deodorant info at all post-op so having been shaving (although electric) and deodorising since it was comfortable enough to do so!!

[newey47]

Hi

I thought you just had to use an electric razor not wet shave any more.  I didnt think there was any deodorant you couldnt use once everything is cleared up.  I had full node clearance through mastectomy incision, so can use normal deodorant on mine, as far as I am aware.  I did try all the paraben free ones they recommend, but they are just deodorants not antiperspirants and I found I really stank in no time at all , so went back to my usual ones.

Val x

[morrisbird]

I had a DIEP Rx and one node removed on 13 April.  As the weather is starting to improve, I am more conscious of my under-arms!  Have started shaving and using deodorant again on my good side, but don't know what to do about the affected arm.  Underarm is a little sore and sensitive under the skin on the affected side, so I don't want to do anything that might upset it.  But would so like to feel fresh again!  BCN told me I cannot shave that side ever again and should use removal cream instead - does anyone have any recommendations?  But she didn't give me any advice about deodorant, so I would really welcome the advice and experience of others. Can I go back to my regular brand or should I use something different?  Many thanks. x