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SWEATING IT OUT? Body odour can be an embarrassing problem. Zeenia F Baria suggests ways to counter it
When you live in a city like Mumbai, sweating is unavoidable. While sweating is a normal body function, when it turns to body odour, it becomes an embarrassing problem. Ever been at an important social event and suddenly have all eyes on you for the wrong reasons?
Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says that body odour or 'bromhidrosis' is caused by a natural process involving sweat that occurs on the skin's surface. "Though sweat is odourless, if left on the skin for long, bacteria that normally lives there or those that gets attracted to 'sticky skin', feed on it and cause bacterial decomposition. This causes an unpleasant smell or body odour. Some areas of the body like the armpits and genitals are more likely to produce the odour as these glands produce proteins and oils that bacteria feed on. The smell is typical to each one's own body chemistry," says Dr Pai.
Cosmetic Physician Dr Rashmi Shetty says that what you put in your mouth matters most. "Sulfurous foods such as garlic and onions are a big no-no. Red meat should be had in moderation. Taking 30 to 50 milligrams of zinc daily can dramatically reduce certain types of odour. If you notice a sudden change in your body odour, it may indicate something more serious. A fruity smell may be a sign of diabetes, while an ammonia-like aroma could indicate liver disease. Bacteria multiply best on wet surfaces. And since we can't bathe often, an easy option would be to use wet wipes — they clean well and have anti bacterial and ph balancing properties. Use an effective deodorant or an anti perspirant. An antiperspirant doesn't actually prevent odour, it blocks your sweat ducts with aluminum salts, reducing the amount of perspiration that is able to reach your skin.
Deodorants don't stop you from sweating, they include antibacterial chemicals or compounds that work to eliminate odour by turning your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria," says Dr Shetty.
According to Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Dr Malvika Kohli, each person's unique body odour can be influenced by diet, gender, health and medication. "Men tend to suffer from it more commonly than woman due to the sheer number of apocraine glands found in them. Medical and surgical options are explored in severe cases when conservative methods have failed. Body odour can get you an awkward situation and and can also be a total turn off. The best thing to do is to take simple precautions that will curb this embarrassing problem," says Dr Kohli.
FIGHT BODY ODOUR
Eat foods that contains loads of fibre, whole grains, wheat, soy products and green leafy vegetables. Avoid processed foods, spicy foods and caffeine.
Drink plenty of water. This helps diluting sweat and urine, both which contribute to body odour.
Wear light coloured, loose cotton clothes to soak sweat and deflect sun rays. Body odour lingers on clothes, so wash clothes after every wear and avoid polyester fabrics. Change socks and undergarments daily. Clothing made of cotton and linen are more absorbent and able to soak in sweat better. Have frequent showers with a teaspoon of alum, added to your bath water and use an antibacterial soap. Bathe after working out or playing a sport.
Cider vinegar or white vinegar applied with cotton on the underarm areas help fight unpleasant smells.
Special attention should be given to hygiene of the feet and body folds especially in obese people. Feet should be washed properly and an antifungal powder should be used between toes and the armpits, groin, neck, under the breasts after a bath. Underarms tend to accumulate more sweat so removing hair from the area prevents sweat rings.
Use deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride immediately after bathing and drying your skin. Use sprays, roll-ons and sticks, which are hypo allergic and fragrance, alcohol and preservative free.
Lack of hygiene, obesity, use of synthetic clothing, certain foods, caffeine, strong medications, liver and kidney problems, alcohol and zinc deficiency can contribute towards body odour.
Cosmetologist Dr Jamuna Pai says that body odour or 'bromhidrosis' is caused by a natural process involving sweat that occurs on the skin's surface. "Though sweat is odourless, if left on the skin for long, bacteria that normally lives there or those that gets attracted to 'sticky skin', feed on it and cause bacterial decomposition. This causes an unpleasant smell or body odour. Some areas of the body like the armpits and genitals are more likely to produce the odour as these glands produce proteins and oils that bacteria feed on. The smell is typical to each one's own body chemistry," says Dr Pai.
Cosmetic Physician Dr Rashmi Shetty says that what you put in your mouth matters most. "Sulfurous foods such as garlic and onions are a big no-no. Red meat should be had in moderation. Taking 30 to 50 milligrams of zinc daily can dramatically reduce certain types of odour. If you notice a sudden change in your body odour, it may indicate something more serious. A fruity smell may be a sign of diabetes, while an ammonia-like aroma could indicate liver disease. Bacteria multiply best on wet surfaces. And since we can't bathe often, an easy option would be to use wet wipes — they clean well and have anti bacterial and ph balancing properties. Use an effective deodorant or an anti perspirant. An antiperspirant doesn't actually prevent odour, it blocks your sweat ducts with aluminum salts, reducing the amount of perspiration that is able to reach your skin.
Deodorants don't stop you from sweating, they include antibacterial chemicals or compounds that work to eliminate odour by turning your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria," says Dr Shetty.
According to Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Dr Malvika Kohli, each person's unique body odour can be influenced by diet, gender, health and medication. "Men tend to suffer from it more commonly than woman due to the sheer number of apocraine glands found in them. Medical and surgical options are explored in severe cases when conservative methods have failed. Body odour can get you an awkward situation and and can also be a total turn off. The best thing to do is to take simple precautions that will curb this embarrassing problem," says Dr Kohli.
FIGHT BODY ODOUR
Eat foods that contains loads of fibre, whole grains, wheat, soy products and green leafy vegetables. Avoid processed foods, spicy foods and caffeine.
Drink plenty of water. This helps diluting sweat and urine, both which contribute to body odour.
Wear light coloured, loose cotton clothes to soak sweat and deflect sun rays. Body odour lingers on clothes, so wash clothes after every wear and avoid polyester fabrics. Change socks and undergarments daily. Clothing made of cotton and linen are more absorbent and able to soak in sweat better. Have frequent showers with a teaspoon of alum, added to your bath water and use an antibacterial soap. Bathe after working out or playing a sport.
Cider vinegar or white vinegar applied with cotton on the underarm areas help fight unpleasant smells.
Special attention should be given to hygiene of the feet and body folds especially in obese people. Feet should be washed properly and an antifungal powder should be used between toes and the armpits, groin, neck, under the breasts after a bath. Underarms tend to accumulate more sweat so removing hair from the area prevents sweat rings.
Use deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride immediately after bathing and drying your skin. Use sprays, roll-ons and sticks, which are hypo allergic and fragrance, alcohol and preservative free.
Lack of hygiene, obesity, use of synthetic clothing, certain foods, caffeine, strong medications, liver and kidney problems, alcohol and zinc deficiency can contribute towards body odour.
TAKE YOUR PICK: There are several roll-on deodarant sticks that are available in the market today
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