Body odor usually becomes more evident during puberty , as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes , are also more susceptible to having body odor.
Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells. As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odor. Some research suggests that people, and moreso animals, are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles. Apocrine glands start to function at puberty and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin.
These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odorless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odorant molecules in greater concentrations, causing body odor. In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration and are not as strongly linked with body odor.
Having a large concentration of apocrine glands in the armpits and groin makes these areas susceptible to the rapid development of body odor. Although there is no universal treatment for the causes of body odor, taking the following steps may help control body odor:. Deodorants and antiperspirants with natural ingredients are available to purchase online.
A person may also experience noticeable body odors in areas that are often covered by clothes, such as the feet. A combination of increased humidity and sweat trapped in the fabric can promote bacterial multiplication and activity.
This can lead to body odor. If you're looking for something long lasting, miraDry could be worth exploring. It's is a non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure that works to destroy your sweat glands by using thermal energy.
Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. Frederic Cirou Getty Images. The sweat glands become more active in both males and females during puberty. As a result, it is common for teenagers to start to get smelly armpits when they did not before. Some people have a medical disorder that makes them sweat more than they should. The name for this condition is hyperhidrosis.
People who have the disorder have overactive sweat glands that release sweat even when they are not hot or exercising. Hyperhidrosis is usually harmless , but it is sometimes the result of an overactive thyroid. When sweat mixes with bacteria, it can lead to a distinctive body odor , which people commonly refer to as B.
If this odor becomes chronic, doctors call it bromhidrosis. Some foods, such as garlic , can change the way sweat smells. People should shower or bathe once a day and after exercise. They should also wear clean clothes every day and change their clothes after exercising. As well as practicing good hygiene, people can try other ways to combat smelly armpits.
These include:. Shaving the armpits and using a deodorant or antiperspirant can often help prevent body odor. Regular deodorant comes with a fragrance that will help mask the smell. Antiperspirant contains chemicals that stop people from sweating. They plug the sweat glands, which tells the body to stop making sweat. These simple measures might not work for people with hyperhidrosis.
If sweating is excessive, it can cause smelly armpits even if a person washes regularly and uses deodorant or antiperspirant. The first thing that a doctor will recommend is usually a prescription strength antiperspirant. Sometimes, these might burn or irritate the skin. If this happens, the person should tell their doctor.
If prescription strength antiperspirants do not stop the excessive sweating, doctors might suggest the treatments below. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain sulfur, which your body absorbs and secretes through your sweat.
Eating these veggies can impact your underarm odor for one to six hours. Meat is harder to digest than other foods, so your body has to work harder to process it. The amino acids in red meat leave a residue in your intestines. Your intestinal enzymes break down the residue during digestion, which mixes with bacteria on your skin and intensifies your body odor.
Fish like tuna and salmon contain choline, a type of B-vitamin that produces a pungent fishy smell. Some people who eat fish can secrete choline in their sweat for up to a day. People who experience armpit odor after eating seafood may have a metabolic disorder called trimethylaminuria. The odor will appear within a few hours and can last up to a day. It might be time to take a good, hard look at your personal care routine. Practicing good hygiene habits can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your armpits.
Do you have a bad habit of re-wearing sweaty workout clothes between washes? Letting sweat sit on your shirts creates a breeding ground for sweat-causing bacteria.
Wear a fresh shirt every time you go out or exercise, and wash your clothes immediately after a heavy sweat session. Underarm hair traps moisture and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to breed. Shave or trim your pits frequently to keep the armpit odor under control. Infrequent showering can cause bacteria to build up on your skin. Shower at least once a day or every morning and night and scrub your extra-sweaty areas with a scent-free, antibacterial bath soap.
Stay away from strongly scented soaps, which can make your armpits smell worse.
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