The human body as well as every other animals body produces an odor, this odor cannot be avoid. It is called body odor, because it is produced by the body. It is associated with the hair, feet, groin, rind in general, armpits, genitalia, pubic hair, and lip. Body smell is mostly influenced by the leading histocompatibility compound molecules. These are genetically determined and beat a significant character in exemption of the organism. Some people do not get as bad body odor, and some people get really bad body odor.
What is it exactly that causes body odor?
At the root of body odor is the perspiration secreted by apcrine glands under the arms and in the genital region. Acted upon by bacteria, the perspiration emits a strong body odor. In younger adults and children age 12-20 body odor is often much stronger due to hormones.
Body odor is not always the result of poor hygiene. It could be that your deodorant is not doing its job for you. When choosing your deodorant, be sure to read labels. Look for the ingredient zirconium aluminum, which is more effective than those containing aluminum chloride. You should also really like the scent of the deodorant, or you’ll be better off choosing unscented.
Treatment Options
- Bathing: The best way to control body odor is by bathing daily. It is caused by bacteria acting upon perspiration and body oils, primarily in the glandular areas under the arms and near the genitals. Washing away the bacteria gives you a fresh start, whereas perfumes and lotions merely create a more complex body bouquet. It’s a little like being in a spa but without having to pay the cost. Plus, bathing can do such wonderful things for your skin, your psyche, and your looks.
| Bathing has been known to lift depression and helps you sleep. A soothing bath has been known to relieve menstrual cramps. |
- Apply a deodorant: The best time to apply a deodorant or antiperspirant is after a shower or bath so that your body will not have had time to develop sweat. Make sure that the area under your arm is completely dry before applying your deodorant so that its strengths will not be diluted in any way. Always be sure to wait a couple of minutes before dressing so that the deodorant or antiperspirant doesn’t rub off on your clothes. Depending on the weather and your level of activity, it’s possible to work up enough of the sweat later in the day that you might need to reapply your products.
- To make a basic deodorant powder, use ½ cup of baking soda; ½ cup of corn starch, and a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or cinnamon. Mix together and pat on.For a basic liquid deodorant, use ¼ cup each witch hazel extract; aloe vera gel; mineral water; one teaspoon vegetable glycerin, and a few drops of antibacterial essential oils such as lavender or tea tree. Combine the ingredients. Shake.
| The difference between a deodorant and an antiperspirant is simple. A deodorant covers up odor from any perspiration, usually with a fragrance. An antiperspirant actually plugs the opening of armpit sweat glands so that the perspiration never reaches the skin’s surface. Some health experts recommend using a deodorant so that you don’t stop your body from sweating, which is natural and healthy. Others state that it won’t hurt you to stop the action of a few sweat glands since you’ve got so many all over your body. |
- Add some Salt- go to the grocery store and pick up some sea salt. You’ll find it in the baking aisle along with everyday salt. Each time before you step into the bath, take two teaspoons of sea salt and add it to a teaspoon of vinegar. Massage this mixture on dry legs before stepping into the bath. Don’t worry about the salt being in your bath. Salt will help keep your bath water warm for a longer period of time. Why? Salt slows the transfer of heat from the water to the air.
- If you suffer from oily skin, cut up some overripe lemons, oranges, or grapefruits. Citrus acids kill bacteria and removes impurities. They dry up any excess oil. You’ll love the way it smells. It’s the ultimate aromatherapy!
- Be sure to wear clean underwear and clothes every day, preferably garments of natural materials (silk, wool, cotton) that allow air to circulate.
- Drink Plenty of Water.
- Wash the underarm at least twice daily with germicidal soap. You need two soaps in your bath, firstly a deodorant soap for your genitals, feet, and underarms (areas where you perspire) and a facial soap for your face, arms, and legs.
- Shaving the hair in the armpits may also help control odor.
- Daily elimination helps your body to remove harmful waste substances.
- Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol because both these liquids are dehydrating.
| Towel Tip
Here’s a secret to toweling off. Put some body lotion on a washcloth and pat yourself dry, starting at your feet and working your way up. This spa secret seals in the moisture from your bath and leaves your skin silky smooth. |
Body odor can disgust people easily, what smells not so bad to you, may be the worst thing someone else has smelled, it is important to keep your body odor under control.