Body odour is often an unpleasant and socially undesirable phenomenon that results from the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the surface of the skin....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
In this article and inline with a publication on Clevelandclinic, we will look at the main causes of body odour and how to manage it…CONTINUE READING>>>
What are the causes of body odour?
1. Sweat and Apocrine Glands: These glands, which are mainly found in the armpits, genital region, and around the nipples, produce a thick, milky sweat that contains proteins and lipids. When this sweat reaches the skin’s surface and interacts with bacteria, it produces a distinct and often offensive odour.
2. Diet and Foods: Certain foods, such as red meat, garlic, cabbage, onions, spices, and broccoli, contain volatile compounds (e.g., sulphur, which has a rotten egg smell) that can seep into the bloodstream and be released or excreted through sweat, which may produce a distinct offensive smell.
3. Hormonal changes during ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause are some of the factors that trigger characteristic body odour. Additionally, the surge in male and female sex hormones stimulates the apocrine glands, leading to increased sweat production, especially during puberty, hence leading to the development of body odour during this phase.
4. Failing to maintain good personal hygiene can worsen body odour. Regular bathing helps remove bacteria and sweat from the skin’s surface, reducing the chances of bacterial breakdown and unpleasant smells. Additionally, wearing dirty or unwashed clothing can contribute to the accumulation of bacteria and sweat, intensifying body odour.
6. Medical Conditions like Diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and liver or kidney diseases can also cause specific odours due to the presence of certain substances in the body.
7. High stress levels and anxiety can stimulate the apocrine glands, leading to an increase in sweat production and exacerbating body odour.
How Can Body Odour Be Addressed?
1. Regularly showering with anti-bacterial soap and water is essential to remove sweat and bacteria from the skin, especially from areas prone to body odour, such as the armpits, groyne, and feet.
2. Using antiperspirants that work by blocking sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat produced, or deodorants that mask odour and inhibit bacterial growth can help remedy this constraint.
3. Wearing clean, freshly laundered clothes helps minimise bacterial buildup and unpleasant odours. Additionally, change clothes daily, especially after engaging in physical activities that cause sweating.
4. Limiting the consumption of foods with strong odours, like garlic and onions, can help reduce body odour.
5. Applying natural remedies like apple cider vinegar or lemon and baking soda powder to the armpits can help control bacteria, balance the skin’s pH, and neutralise odours…CONTINUE READING>>>
