Tips for Eliminating Body Odor

Bromhidrosis (another word for body odor) occurs during puberty due to increased hormones called androgens. These hormones are inactive until puberty, which is why body odor is not a problem when you are a child.

While sweat itself is almost odorless, bacteria use it as a breeding ground quickly. What you smell are products related to the breakdown of bacteria from the keratin protein on the surface of your skin. Sounds disgusting, right?

When you exercise or move in the sun, your body sweat. Sweating is the body's way of regulating temperature. When sweat meets bacteria on the surface of the skin, it will produce odors. The smell is what we call body odor (or in short BO).

While body odor is usually associated with armpits, bacteria can also produce odors in the groin, anus area, upper thighs, and legs, among other places. Washing your skin with a wet towel and soap, especially for those who tend to sweat a lot, can help prevent body odor.

If you want "odor free", consider the following tips.

1. Apply antiperspirants at bedtime.

This gives the product a chance to work while you sleep and not sweat. If you use antiperspirants after a morning shower, the sweat you collect will wash away the product and make you helpless against sweat during the day. Remember, deodorant does not prevent sweating. They just cover up the smell of sweat on your skin. Antiperspirants are chemical agents that reduce sweating. Many antiperspirants also contain deodorants which help mask odors. Check the product you are using to make sure it contains antiperspirants.

2. Keep your armpits dry.

This works because bacteria have difficulty multiplying in dry areas of the body.

3. Try a hydrogen peroxide solution and water to fight body odor.

Use 1 teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to 1 cup (8 ounces) of water. Clean this in the area affected by body odor (armpits, groin) with a washcloth. This can help destroy some of the bacteria that create odors.

4. Wash your sports clothes often.

If sweat from exercise is a major cause of body odor, wash your sports clothes frequently. Sweaty sports clothing is a breeding ground for bacteria.

5. Change your diet.

Sometimes fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods like garlic, curry, and onions can seep through your pores and cause body odor (always see a doctor or nutritionist before making drastic dietary changes).

6. If you have excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), talk with your doctor.

There are several treatment options for those who are sweating more severely who want more aggressive treatment. Certain medical problems can also cause excessive sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatments.

7. Shave armpits regularly.

This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and can reduce sweat and odors.

In some societies, body odor is acceptable. But most countries today do not like body odor. Even some religions have strict guidelines about the practice of bathing and personal hygiene.

The best way to fight body odor is through prevention. For most teenagers, proper hygiene like washing well and using antiperspirants or underarm deodorants is enough.

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