Are you someone who hesitates to hug others, fearing that they’ll judge you because of your strong body odour? Do you find yourself becoming self-conscious, constantly wondering if you are emitting an unpleasant smell? As a seasoned dermatologist, I have encountered numerous individuals, especially men who have bad body odour, especially in humid climates.
What causes this odour?
Picture this: you are in a cramped metro, and you are completely drenched in sweat. You notice people staring at you, making faces and some covering their noses. You get awkward and embarrassed by the situation, don’t you? But let’s look on the brighter side, you are not alone in this.
Skin is a bacterial playground and when you sweat, the water, salt, and fat in your sweat combine with these bacteria, creating an odour that can be either good, bad or barely noticeable. This depends on various factors—like the food you consume, medications or hormones. The latter can influence how much sweat and the type of sweat you produce. Therefore, changes in hormonal levels can affect your body odour.
Body odour can also be more prevalent due to a condition called hyperhidrosis, in which the body produces excessive sweat.
The good news is that you can manage and minimise body odour in various ways elaborated below.
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Tips to avoid body odour
Keep yourself clean: Practicing good overall hygiene plays a vital role in managing body odour. Shower regularly with mild antibacterial soaps, or translucent soaps enriched with glycerine. They are effective cleansers, and they also give the skin a fresh feel for a longer duration. Pay attention to areas prone to sweating, such as underarms. Maintaining oral hygiene by brushing twice daily contributes to a fresher and more pleasant smell. Wear clean, breathable and fresh clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton, linen or bamboo and avoid synthetic clothing. If you sweat profusely, change your clothes frequently.
Trim your hair: Men with a higher amount of body hair often face an increased likelihood of sweating as it provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Sweat clings to the hair follicles, making body odour more intense and prominent. You should also trim areas like the chest and groin, and shave your underarms—as it limits the surface area of the odour-causing bacteria and allows for better hygiene and thus, helps in odour reduction.
Use deodorant, talcum powder, and glycerine-rich soaps: For enhancing odour control, one must invest in products like talcum powder, and deodorants. With the summer season approaching, you can also get your hands on anti-fungal powders that not only help absorb moisture but also act as adsorbents, effectively trapping sweat and decreasing the risk of the growth of odour-causing bacteria. You can also use foot powders or antifungal sprays to keep your feet dry if you have a problem with smelly feet.
Botox treatment: If you are extremely self-conscious and want something that can provide you immense relief then Botox is the solution. Botox treatment in the underarm can control hyperhidrosis by reducing sweat production, providing long-lasting odour control. However, the treatment should be done under a trained medical professional.
Glycolic acid cream/spray: Applying a glycolic acid cream or spray a few times a week on your underarms greatly helps keep odour at bay. Pay attention to the keep the frequency of use to a minimum. Those younger than 21 years of age must not use it without medical supervision.
Visit a dermatologist: It’s important to remember that certain genetic conditions can contribute to body odour. If you suspect an underlying genetic factor, there is no shame in seeking professional assistance. Dermatologists can provide tailored guidance and support to address specific concerns and help you regain confidence in managing body odour effectively.
While everyone has a unique aroma, only a few individuals are blessed with the perk of having a subtle body odour. However, as a doctor, I must mention—resolving this issue will need more than simple quick fixes–you also need to watch what you eat.
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The natural way
Spicy foods, garlic, onions, excessive red meat, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can all aggravate body odour.
Consuming high-fibre foods such as fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, probiotic-rich yoghurt, kombucha, and whole grains, on the other hand, could assist in minimising it.
To address this issue further, include green leafy vegetables like spinach, parsley, and kale in your diet, as well as chlorophyll-rich foods like wheatgrass and spirulina. These can help you smell better and feel healthier.
Furthermore, drinking enough water is vital since it helps regulate body temperature and dilutes the concentration of sweat, resulting in a less prominent body odour.
By implementing these strategies and adopting a proactive approach towards personal hygiene, you can change how you feel about yourself and your body.
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)