Body odour occurs as a result of sweat making contact with bacteria (that already resides on your skin) and the bacteria breaking the sweat down into acids. While sweat itself is almost odourless, its combination with bacteria on your skin results in an offensive odour that can make you and others around you uncomfortable. People who are overweight, have a condition like diabetes or kidney disease, are experiencing hormonal changes or taking certain types of medication, such as antidepressants are more susceptible to body odour (NHS, 2019).
Source: DailyTrust
If you suffer from persistent body odour, here are 5 tips that could help tackle the problem:
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Shower Regularly: Shower at least twice a day to wash away sweat and some of the bacteria on your skin. Using an antibacterial soap while showering will also aid in reducing body odour. Remember to wash thoroughly, especially areas where you are likely to sweat the most like the armpit and groin.
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Use ‘Industrial Strength’ Antiperspirants: Using strong antiperspirants that contain aluminium chloride could also help to reduce perspiration and ultimately, body odour. They don’t require a prescription and can be found in your local beauty/drug stores.
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Wear Light Clothes: Preferably wears clothes made from cotton and other natural fibres. Avoid synthetic and tight fitting clothes that don’t allow the skin to breathe.
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Watch Your Diet: Your body odour is affected by what you eat so avoid spicy, garlic and onion-based foods. Remember to hydrate and include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
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Reduce Tobacco & Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol and tobacco consumption result in bad mouth odour and a build up of toxins in your body that will then result in body odour so it is advised to reduce or completely cut off consumption of both of them (Whelan, 2019; Kassel, 2018).
What other tips do you have for anyone battling persistent body odour?
N.B: If body odour persists in spite of proper hygiene and dietary practices, consult a healthcare professional.