Body odor, caused by a combination of skin bacteria that lead to sweat, can be prevented. As many people observe, this odor can also be triggered by hormones, illnesses, medications, or specific conditions, all of which contribute to an unpleasant smell.
Sweat alone does not cause body odor, but after interacting with the bacteria on your skin, it produces a smell that can be bothersome to those around you.
Sometimes, you may meet someone who smells like garlic, spices, onions, or other foods. However, a person can still have body odor even without sweating, and there are also those who sweat a lot but do not emit an unpleasant smell.
Before understanding how to prevent body odor, it’s essential to know the different types of sweat that your body produces and the reasons behind them.
Eccrine glands
Eccrine glands produce sweat to regulate and cool down body temperature. This type of sweat is commonly found on the hands and feet, especially in extreme heat.
Apocrine glands
This type of sweat is often associated with body odor. Apocrine glands are located in areas such as the scalp, armpits, and pubic region. Sweat from these areas, when not washed promptly, leads to body odor.
Sweating is a natural bodily function, but depending on your diet, hygiene habits, and individual characteristics, it’s easy for the body to develop a bad smell.
Some factors that increase the likelihood of body odor include obesity and anxiety. Health conditions that can cause body odor include liver disease, urinary tract infections, menopause, and more.
Cleveland Clinic has provided some simple steps anyone can take to maintain skin hygiene and prevent body odor:
They wrote, “Shower daily to remove the bacteria that might accumulate on your skin, focusing on areas prone to sweating, like the armpits, and use unscented soaps.”
- Avoid having underarm hair, as it can trap bacteria and lead to sweat accumulation on the body.
- Do not wear unwashed clothes, even if it’s just for one day.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out foods that cause strong body odors, like garlic, onions, alcohol, and others.
Some herbal medicine experts suggest simple remedies for treating body odor.
They say lemon juice has the ability to kill harmful bacteria on the skin and cleanse it when applied to areas with hair, such as the scalp.
People who don’t fully understand the situation often resort to using perfumes or deodorants when they notice body odor, but this can sometimes make the smell worse!
Healthline reports that foods rich in sulfur, such as broccoli, cabbage, and others, can also cause body odor. It’s recommended not to stop eating these foods, as they have health benefits, but instead to take better care of the body after consuming them.
Excessive sweating and body odor can sometimes indicate a medical condition that needs attention. If you sweat profusely without engaging in physical activity or being exposed to heat, or if you touch your skin and feel it’s constantly wet, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor to check for any underlying health issues.
BY NIKUZE NKUSI Diane
