'How can I get rid of my body odour?'
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Q: Over the past year I've started to notice that I've got body odour. I shower every morning, sometimes taking as many as three showers a day. When I first come out the shower I smell good, then say an hour later I smell again. It's so embarrassing. I've tried all sorts of deodorants from antiperspirants to body spray. Nothing seems to work. I've heard that this may be some sort of medical condition. I would appreciate any help. Greg, 19. |
our online advisors reply:
Thanks for your question.
We all have our particular aroma that is normal and healthy. However, if this smell is particularly bad, or you are sweating a lot even though you regularly wash, you may need to do something else.
Sweat itself does not smell. It is bacteria breaking down sweat to produce fatty acids, which has that characteristic smell. Your armpits, groin and feet are particularly rich in protein and prone to bacteria developing.
There are several things you can do to reduce this effect:
- Pungent foods such as onions, fish, garlic and spicy meals can be smelt in sweat and make it more noticeable.
- Try not to wear clothing that makes you too hot. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, are better than synthetic fabrics for allowing your skin to breathe. You should also try to wear clothes that are as clean as possible, as clothes will retain the smell of sweat.
- Some people find shaving the armpits useful as hair holds sweat and gives the bacteria more to work on.
There are also treatments available that are stronger than your average deodorants and antiperspirants. These can be obtained without prescription from any chemist.
- Chlorhexidine 0.05% solution will not stop sweating, but it helps to reduce the bacteria, and thus any unpleasant smells.
- 20% aluminium chloride (known as 'Drichlor', 'Anhydrol Forte' or 'Perspirex') is a solution that is applied to the armpits before sleeping which prevents sweating.
If necessary, for severe sweating, your GP can help with other options, including injections and even surgery. We've got more information about the use of botox injections to control excessive sweating in our feature no sweat.
You could also check out the relaxation and breathing article in our complementary medicine section. You may find the exercises helpful in reducing your sweating.
The NetDoctor and Embarrassing Problems websites have more information about body odour and sweating, and describe the various options available for treating it.
I hope this helps.
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