Most people believe body odor mainly comes from sweat, but experts have said things are a little more complicated than that. Sweat, on its own, is odorless. Body odor only occurs when the body releases sweat infected by bacteria.
Experts want people to know that excessive sweating and body odor are common and manageable conditions, but you’ll need these tips to deal with them.
Tips That Can Help Anyone Get Rid of Body Odor
According to experts, several remedies can help you eliminate body odor, and it all starts with taking a step. Below are a few tips to help you say goodbye to body odor.
Regular bathing
This can help you remove bacteria from the skin. Some people only need to shower or bathe a few times a week, while others may need to do so daily. The most crucial thing is to remember to wash up after exercising or other activities that cause sweat.
Use an Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Using deodorant (or a combination of antiperspirant and deodorant) helps repel odor-causing bacteria. In recent times, some antiperspirants have gotten a bad rep because some small studies have suggested potential links between using the products and developing breast cancer.
However, many more studies, including ones from the American Cancer Society, claim that there are “no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use and very little scientific evidence to support this claim.”
Wear Clean, Breathable Clothes
These outfits, especially when made from cotton, silk or linen fabrics, make you less likely to sweat and develop moist areas that welcome bacteria. These few tips, when consciously followed, are natural ways to get rid of body odor fast without necessarily having to see a doctor.
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Why Is My Body Odor So Strong?
Body odor is a byproduct of bacteria breaking down the sweat from the apocrine glands in your armpits, groin, and pubic area. People who are overweight, eat certain foods, have certain health conditions, or are under stress may experience a more pungent body odor than others, but it is not incurable. Notably, genetics may also play a role.
How Do I Know if I Smell Bad to Others?
The best way to find out is to remove your clothes and smell around the armpit or wherever you sweat. You can also hold your hand against your mouth, breathe out, and smell your breath to see if it smells terrible. If there is someone you trust around, you can also tell them you’re worried that you smell bad and ask them to check.
What Are the Causes of Body Odor?
Things that can cause body odour or make it worse include:
- Exercise
- Hot weather
- Hormonal changes
- Being overweight
- Having a condition like diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease
- Certain types of medicine, such as antidepressants
- It may also be linked to excessive sweating and smelly feet.
Are There Home Remedies for Body Odor?
You can do some things from the comfort of your home to eliminate body odor. They include washing your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly. Also, shaving your armpits regularly and routinely helps.
Using antiperspirants and deodorants, as stated earlier, can help you eliminate body odor. Changing and washing your clothes regularly, especially after intense physical activities, can also help maintain a cool, fresh smell. Other remedies include wearing natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk and wearing antibacterial socks.
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However, it is best to consult a specialist if your body odor has not improved after treating it yourself and is affecting your self-esteem. You should also see a physician if you notice a change in how your body usually smells or suddenly begin to sweat much more than usual.
If you have severe body odour and sweating, a specialist may suggest getting a stronger prescription antiperspirant, getting injections in your armpits to reduce the amount of sweat, or even having surgery to remove the sweat glands.
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