Simple Ways of Dealing With Body Odor

6 Ways of Dealing With Body Odor

What is body Odor? 

Body odor is the perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweat into acids.
Some say it is the smell of bacteria growing on the body, but it is actually the result of bacteria breaking down protein into certain acids.

It is also known as B.O., bromhidro

Apocrine glands are located in several areas, including the armpits.
When a body gives off a scent others may find unpleasant, it is known as body odor.

Body odor 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 odor.

People who sweat too much, such as those with hyperhidrosis, may also be susceptible to body odor. However, often the salt level of their sweat is too high for the bacteria to break down. It depends on where the excess sweating is occurring and which type of sweat glands are involved.

Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. It is the rapid multiplication of bacteria in the presence of sweat and their breaking down of sweat into acids that eventually causes the unpleasant smell.

Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places:

Feet
Groin
Armpits
Genitals
Pubic hair and other hair
Belly button
Anus
Behind the ears

The rest of the skin, to a lesser extent
Body odor can have a pleasant and specific smell to the individual and can be used to identify people, especially by dogs and other animals. Each person's unique body odor can be influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication.

                Causes Of Body Odor

Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and is largely linked to the apocrine glands. Most body odor comes from these.

These glands are found in the breasts, genital area, eyelids, armpits, and ear. In the breasts, they secrete fat droplets into breast milk. In the ear, they help form earwax. Apocrine glands in the skin and the eyelids are sweat glands.

Most of the apocrine glands in the skin are located in the groin, armpits, and around the nipples. In the skin, they usually have an odor. They are scent glands.

The apocrine glands are mainly responsible for body odor because the sweat they produce is high in protein, which bacteria can break down easily.

                        Prevention

A large concentration of apocrine glands is present in the armpits, making that area susceptible to the rapid development of body odor.

The following steps may help control armpit odor:1. Bathe often

Stick by the golden rule of showering daily and keeping yourself squeaky clean. Throughout the day bacteria and dirt accumulate on our skin and cause bad odor. Even if you stay at home all day you shouldn’t excuse yourself and not take a bath. Bathing daily gets rid of all sweat, grime and bacteria on your skin. Our sweat is naturally odorless, but when microscopic bacteria that live on our skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise quite a stinky smell. Carefully clean the sweat prone areas and dry yourself properly to avoid any dampness.

2.Shaving Pubic Areas

When armpits have hair, it slows down the evaporation of sweat, giving the bacteria more time to break it down into smelly substances. Shaving the armpits regularly has been found to help body odor control in that area. Reusable razors are available to purchase online.

3. Deodorant or antiperspirant

Deodorants make the skin more acidic, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive. An antiperspirant blocks the sweating action of the glands, resulting in less sweating. Some studies, however, have indicated that antiperspirants may be linked to breast cancer or prostate cancer risk.

4. Wear breathable fabrics.

Excessive sweating causes us to smell bad as it mixes up with the bacteria on your skin. When the temperature is soaring, it melts us down and we are left drenched in sweat, which isn’t a pleasant sight. Though sweating is good for health as it releases the toxins through our skin, but at the same time, it leaves us with awkward sweat patches which can be embarrassing, sometimes. To avoid such scenarios, choose light clothes made of natural fabrics to help your skin breathe. A garment that traps your perspiration is what makes you sweat more, further leading to discomfort and irritation. Choose fabrics like cotton, lightweight linen and light wool. They have moisture absorbing properties. 

5. Baking soda.

To get instantly rid of body odor, baking soda can come in handy. It can absorb all the moisture from the skin and take away the smell as well. Baking soda can kill the odor-causing bacteria and prevent excessive sweating and odor.  Since it is alkaline in nature, it will lower down the pH level of sweating parts to counteract the acids in sweat. So this baking soda not only reduces perspiration but also clears body odor effectively. Simply take a little of baking soda into your hands while taking shower and apply it onto underarms and scrub it for few minutes and then wash it off normally to clear the baking soda and the body odor.

6. Consume odor friendly food.

Sometimes, the food we consume may be contributing to the excessive sweating. Fiber-loaded food helps you detoxify the body by maintaining proper digestion. Consuming salad which comprises of raw vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, spinach, peppers, can naturally cleanse your insides. Adding citrus fruits to your meals can also detoxify your body by flushing out the toxins that may be causing body odor.  However, steer clear from having much cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli as the sulfur that is present in them can cause body odor.

This study suggests that current research is inconclusive on the risks of antiperspirant sprays.