For some people, bad body odor has become a cancer that is eating away their lives. They have done everything the have heard, read, watched and could do, but nothing works for them. Body odor occurs when sweat and other skin secretions are acted upon by bacteria.
Some areas of the body, such as the armpits and genitals, are more likely to produce bad odor as they have more sweat glands and these produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on. The feet produce their own characteristic odor, which we tend to hide in our socks. Sweat anywhere else in the body is salty and bacteria do not live on it so much.
Causes of Bad Odor
Bad odor can be caused by physical as well as medical conditions. Dietary imbalances causing constipation and magnesium or zinc deficiency can cause body odor. People react differently to food to food nutrients. Some people who eat large quantities of meat are known to have an offensive body odor.
Hormonal imbalances can also cause bad odor. A surge in sex hormones caused by emotional stress can cause the groin to secret substances that cause odor. Also, Estrogen dominance which triggers early puberty may cause body odor, due to a rapid hormonal change.
Toxins in the body may also cause bad body odor. When toxins accumulate in the body, the liver and intestines may be choked up, causing odors to be given by the body.
Treatment for Bad Body Odor
Chlorhexidine 0.05% solution can be used to treat bad body odor. This is and antiseptic which is readily available in all pharmacies. 20% Aluminium chloride solution is also known to treat bad odor. Apply these medications to your armpits, feet and private parts at night. Wash off in the morning and apply the next night.
Botulinum toxin can also be used to cure excessive sweating. Botox is licensed only as a treatment for excessive sweating from the armpit, so it cannot be used for sweaty hands and feet. Inject a small amount into the skin in the armpit.
In cases where the sweating is severe and cannot be controlled by drugs, surgical options are available. One way is to remove the sweat glands from the affected area and the other is to suck the sweat glands from the inner layers of the skin. There are many other surgical procedures, but this is the most common.
Preventing Bad Body Odor
Take bath with soap and a lot of water daily. Wash the armpits, private parts and feet well. Washing cleans the body of sweat and kills the bacteria that act on the sweat, hence eliminating bad body odor. Depending on your condition, you may bath two to three time daily.
Deodorants and antiperspirants can also come in handy. Applying to the armpit two or three times daily can do a good job of clearing bad body odor.
Clothes must be washed after each day's wear. If possible, change your clothes at least once a day.
Bad body odor can be very embarrassing. With these steps, you can get rid of it for the better.
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