Body odour is simply defined as the unpleasant smell given off by the body. The source of these odour compounds can vary from internal to external factors. Body odour is something that most people have to deal with at some level, though severity of cases vary greatly from person to person. In extreme cases, it can lead to anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.
It occurs when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweat into acids. Some say it is the smell of bacteria growing in the body, but it really is the result of bacteria breaking down protein into certain acids. Body odour is never pleasant. It usually becomes evident if measures are not taken when a human reaches puberty.
People who are obese, those who regularly eat spicy foods, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are more susceptible to having body odour.
Understanding some of the basic causes will hopefully help to point people in the right direction for finding suitable ways to reduce and prevent body odour.
1. Food
2. Sweat
3. Genetics
4. Medication
5. Hormonal changes
Irrespective of the cause of the body odour, you can get rid of it if you follow these steps:
Good hygiene
Bathing or showering at least once a day will help reduce bacteria on the body surface, as well as remove dead skin and fatty acids that accumulate throughout the day. Since bacteria is a major cause of body odour, limiting its presence will help to control the amount of acid produced as they break down proteins found in sweat. It is important to use an antibacterial soap to wash the body thoroughly, especially under the arms, chest and groin area.
Well balanced diet
Because certain foods contain high amounts of odour causing compounds, limiting intake of these foods can help to reduce body odour. Keeping a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables will not only help to reduce body odour, but is important for overall health and well being.
Towel off thoroughly
Once you have showered, be sure you dry yourself completely. Towel off and make sure you dry areas where you sweat a lot.
If your skin is dry, it’s harder for bacteria that cause body odour to breed on it.
Apply deodorants and antiperspirants
Once you are clean and dry, use a strong deodorant or antiperspirant on your underarms.
Deodorants and antiperspirants work in two ways to help reduce body odour. First they contain antimicrobials that work to reduce the amount of bacteria present at the site of application. Typically most deodorants use either alcohol or triclosan to temporarily control bacterial growth.
Secondly, antiperspirants in particular work to control sweat. As we know, sweat is metabolized by bacteria and the byproducts of this process are acids that have a smell we commonly associate with body odour. Limiting sweat in turn limits the ‘food’ for these bacteria. Aluminum salts such as aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum chloride and aluminum zirconium are the most common, active ingredients in antiperspirants that help to control sweating. They dissolve in sweat and form a barrier over the glands. This prevents sweat from being released onto the skin’s surface.
Keep your wardrobe clean
Change to clean clothes often when you’re sweating heavily. Fresh clothes help keep body odour down. Be sure to change your socks as well, especially if you tend to have foot odour. Use deodorant powders in your shoes, replace insoles frequently, and go barefoot when possible. Make sure your clothes are always clean and dry.
Cut down on offensive food or drinks
What you eat affects your body. Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also contribute to body odour. And the aroma of foods such as onions or garlic can be carried in the sweat, making you smell bad. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also cause you to sweat more.
Try to avoid these foods and drinks as often as possible.
About the Writer: Hiarat Ogunseye is a graduate of Marketing, a Confectioner and an avid reader of books. She loves to inspire people through her creativity. You can order her delicious pastries via email: Facebook: Bake4Me Confectionery, Twitter: bake4me_ and her blog: www.bake4meconfectioneries.blogspot.com