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Health
Guide©
BODY
ODOR (Underarm odor)
Everybody
has his/her own distinctive body smell. However, when a persons' body
odor is so strong or pungent that it drives other people away, it becomes
a problem. Unpleasant body odor is usually easy to prevent with proper
hygiene. Unfortunately, those who have it are often unaware that they
do, probably because they are used to the smell.
Symptoms:
- An unpleasant
or bad smell emanating from the body.
Common
Causes:
- Bacteria
acting on perspiration that has been left to dry on the skin for some
hours. The body has two kinds of sweat glands: the exocrine glands,
found all over the body; and the apocrine glands, activated only at
puberty and are found in hairy areas e.g., the armpits and the pubic
region. It is the apocrine glands, which secrete proteins and fatty
substances that play a major role in causing body odor.
- Eating
spicy foods, e.g., curry, garlic, and onions.
What
you can do
- Take
frequent baths or showers, especially after exertion.
- Use
antiseptic or antibacterial soap or bathing gel.
- Use
a deodorant or antiperspirant on the armpits.
- Use
talcum powder, especially on the body creases, to keep the skin dry.
Prevention
Tips:
- Practice
good hygiene. For example, take a bath or shower at least once a day.
- Avoid
sweating excessively by keeping cool with a fan or air conditioner.
- Do not
leave perspiration to dry on your body for long periods, wipe yourself
dry.
- In warm
or humid weather, wear light clothing. Avoid fabrics, e.g., nylon,
which trap heat and moisture.
- Change
clothes, especially underwear, daily.
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