As nurses, we often deal with all types of unpleasantness–including taking care of patients’ bodily fluids like feces. While it can be essential to our job, no one likes having a persistent poop smell stuck to their hands after caring for someone else. But don’t worry.
We’re here to provide tips and tricks on how to get rid of poop smell on skin? So you can get back out there and save lives without embarrassment or discomfort. Keep reading to learn more about efficient methods that will help you tackle this task in no time.
Table of Contents
Why Does Poop Smell?
First, let’s start by understanding why poop has such a foul odor in the first place. Feces typically contain high amines and sulfur compounds (H2S) that give off an unpleasant odor. Depending on the person’s diet, you may detect other intense aromas like garlic or onions.
The faces also have strong bacteria that contribute to the smell. These bacteria give off a specific odor, so some people have more unpleasant-smelling poop than others.
Additionally, faces are organic; you can easily remove them with soap and water, leaving no residues behind. So if you’re still smelling something after thorough washing, you are likely smelling inorganic compounds in the poop.
If there is enough to produce a smell, then a sufficient amount can cause an infection. The infectious dose for shigellosis is 10 bacteria and enteric viruses are much (like 100–1000 times) smaller than Shigella.
The infectious dose of hepatitis A has been estimated to be 10–100. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that you take the proper precautions to protect yourself from any potential illnesses.
Why does Poop Smell Linger on Skin?
Poop smell can linger on the skin for a variety of reasons. When feces come into contact with the skin, some components can be absorbed through the pores, allowing the odor to penetrate deeply. Feces also contain bacteria and viruses, which may remain on the skin and contribute to an unpleasant smell.
Additionally, feces may contain oils or fats that can coat the skin and trap odor particles close to it, preventing them from dissipating quickly. The longer these substances remain on the skin, the more pronounced their odors become.
You may be thinking about how to remove poop smell from hands; want to prevent this from happening in the first place. It’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with feces. It will help remove bacteria, oils, and other lingering particles that could cause an unpleasant smell.
How to Get Poop Smell off Hands?
Now that we understand why it smells so bad, let’s look at how to get rid of the smell from your hands. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to make sure you don’t have any lingering odors on your skin after dealing with feces:
1. Use Antibacterial Soap or Hand Sanitizer – The most effective way to remove poop odor from your hands is by using antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer. This will kill any bacteria that may be lingering, as well as help to eliminate the smell.
2. Use Hot Water and Soap – As with all types of cleaning, hot water, and soap are your best bet for removing the poop smell from your hands. Make sure you use plenty of soap, scrubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off with warm water.
3. Rinse With Vinegar – Vinegar is another way to combat the smell. You only need to pour white vinegar onto a cloth or paper towel and wipe down your hands. This will help neutralize any lingering foul smells after washing with soap and water.
4. Try Lemon Juice – If you don’t have any vinegar on hand, you can also try using lemon juice to remove the smell. Cut a lemon in half and rub it onto your hands. The citric acid will help neutralize any odors as well as help disinfect your skin.
5. Use Baking Soda – Another great way to combat the smell is by using baking soda. All you need to do is mix some baking soda with water until it forms a paste-like consistency, then apply it directly onto your hands and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
6. Try Essential Oils – If you want something that smells nice while removing the bad odor from poop, you can use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. Add a few drops of the oil to your hands and rub it in until the smell dissipates.
7. Use Lemon-Scented Disinfecting Wipes – You can also purchase lemon-scented disinfecting wipes designed to help eliminate odors like feces. These often contain bleach, so make sure you use them sparingly, but they can effectively eliminate any bad smells on your hands and other surfaces.
8. Use Rubbing Alcohol – If you don’t have access to a sink or if the smell persists, rubbing alcohol is also a great way to eliminate the odor. Pour some liquid onto a cotton ball and then rub it on your hands until you can no longer smell anything.
Some Helpful Tips For Preventing Poop Smell On Hands
1. Wear Gloves – One of the best ways to prevent poop smell from getting on your skin is by wearing gloves when dealing with feces. This will help keep bacteria or other organisms away from your hands and help you avoid any direct contact with the waste material.
2. Wash Hands Thoroughly – As soon as you finish dealing with the feces, wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap. This will help remove bacteria or other organisms before they cause illnesses or rancid smells.
3. Use Disinfectant – After washing your hands, use a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to kill off any lingering bacteria further. This step is crucial if you’re dealing with contaminated waste or sewage.
4. Take A Shower – After coming into contact with poop is one of the most effective ways to eliminate any lingering odors on your skin. Make sure to use plenty of soap when scrubbing down for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off with warm water.
5. Change Clothes – Make sure to change your clothes if you come into contact with feces, as this will help prevent bacteria from lingering on your skin or clothing. If possible, wash the clothes separately from other clothing items in hot water to further remove any smell that may be present.
Following these tips will help ensure that poop odor doesn’t linger on your skin and keep you feeling fresh and clean. Avoiding contact with waste material can reduce your risk of getting sick due to bacteria or other organisms found in feces.
How to Wash Your Hands – By NHS Guidelines:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
6. Use hand sanitizer if water is unavailable when cleaning up after handling feces or other contaminants.
7. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
8. Wash your hands regularly throughout the day or after using the restroom to help reduce the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.
By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself from any possible illnesses or odors from coming into contact with feces or other contaminants. Keeping your hands clean is an essential part of staying healthy and germ-free.
Related FAQs:
Why do I smell like poop?
There are several possible causes for smelling like poop, including bad hygiene, gastrointestinal issues, or certain medical conditions. If your hands often smell like poop even after you’ve washed them, it may be due to poor hygiene or a bacterial infection. Consider seeing a doctor to determine the underlying cause if the smell persists.
How to get rid of the poop smell on your skin?
The best way to eliminate the smell on the skin is by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse off with warm water. After washing, use a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to kill off any bacteria further. You may also want to shower and change your clothes after coming in with poop to help remove any lingering odors. Regular handwashing throughout the day can help reduce the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.
What happens if you don’t wash your hands after touching poop?
If you don’t wash your hands after contacting feces, bacteria on your skin could spread to other surfaces or people. This could lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, or other infections. Not washing your hands can also lead to unpleasant odors that may linger on your skin. Therefore, it’s essential always to wash your hands whenever you come into contact with feces or other contaminants.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article gives information about how to get the smell of poop off your hands and its prevention. It is essential to wear gloves when dealing with feces, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, use a disinfectant afterward, take a shower, and change your clothes if you do come into contact with it.
Furthermore, following the NHS guidelines for handwashing can help ensure your hands are clean and germ-free. Taking the appropriate steps can help prevent and reduce any possible illnesses or odors from handling feces.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.