Body odour is a common concern that men and women around the world, suffer from. It causes much embarrassment, discomfort and stress because of its unpredictability and recurrence. People generally are unable to find a solution to it as they aren’t aware of the cause in itself.
One World News brings to you the causes, treatments and ways to prevent its commencement, right from the American Board Certified Dr. Kiran Lohia, Master in Dermatology and Medical Director of Lumiere Dermatology, New Delhi. So, read on, to suffer no more!
What Causes Body Odour?
Body odour is caused by two primary factors, the first component being sweat. Perspiration is a vital process that your body uses in order to balance its equilibrium. It regulates your temperature and helps maintain proper homeostasis. There are two types of sweat glands – the first is eccrine sweat glands, which are found all over the body. They make salt and water when your body is overheated. The second type of sweat gland is apocrine glands which are found in the hairy areas of the body such as the groin and armpits. They are attached to the follicles and act in reaction to the hormones or stress. These glands give off a more waxy and fatty material that is full of cell debris.
The second factor is bacteria! Bacteria thrives on the apocrine glands’ (multi-cellular glands which release some of their cytoplasm in their secretions, especially the sweat glands associated with hair follicles in the armpits and the pubic area) emissions and multiply in response to their activity. They break down the cell debris and fat and create amino acids, resulting in that characteristic and frustrating odour. Ever noticed, that babies don’t smell? That is because they have not developed their apocrine glands yet! And, in kids before puberty, hormones have not activated those glands so they do not tend to smell either!
How do You Treat Body Odour?
Not to worry, there are many treatment options for body odour!
1. Wear deodorant or an anti-perspirant: Deodorants make the area more acidic, thereby creating an environment where bacteria cannot grow. These deos are perfectly safe to wear on a daily basis but look for those without added fragrance in them. Anti-perspirants act by reducing the amount of sweat produced. They can be better used by those who tend to sweat more than normal.
2. Consider reducing the amount of your sweat: Botulinum toxin is a safe method for reducing the amount in which you perspire. The patient is given some injections of botulinum toxin in the armpits – the toxin blocks the signals from the brain to the sweat glands, resulting in less sweating in the targeted area. A single treatment can last from two to eight months. This is a popular treatment amongst the celebrities for the red carpet.
3. Radio frequency can also act naturally to reduce the amount of sweat: Look for an accredited skin doctor who understands how to use this new technology.
4. Go to your dermatologist: You may have an underlying fungal infection or hormonal condition that is not allowing your odour to go away. Make sure you go to a proper skin specialist who can determine if you have any problem that is making your odour occur.
How Do You Prevent Body Odour?
The most important prevention method is maintaining a proper hygiene. Keep the hairy areas of the body clean and wash it with soap and water on a daily basis. It is very important to take a bath after exercising, or else, the accumulated sweat will become an added doze for the smelly bacteria.
Secondly, wear cotton clothes. Cotton fibers allow moisture to evaporate from the skin so that sweat does not stick around. Letting the hairy areas breathe is very essential.
Thirdly, it is advised to avoid spicy food. Garlic, curry or other spices can change the smell of your sweat, so avoid them for a better fragrance.
Finally, do not forget to shave! Hair traps sweat, allowing bacteria to proliferate. If you do not remove the hair regularly, then you will continue to suffer from the frustrating body odour.
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