How to Treat Body Odor

Though sweating is commonplace many people find that regular hygiene does not work at controlling body odor. This may be a chronic problem or something new, depending on the cause. These tips can help you better treat body odor by understanding its potential causes and making changes to your routine as necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Antibacterial soap
• General hygiene supplies
• Corn starch

How to Treat Body Odor

1. Know that two types of sweat glands exist. Eccrine glands, responsible for generalized body sweat, may produce little to no odor. Aside from the feet, it is often the apocrine glands, located in the arm pits, genital area and scalp, that prove more problematic. This is due to a fatty substance contained in the sweat that attracts bacteria. Bacteria feeding on sweat is a common cause of body odor. If body odor is widespread the problem may be internal, including one's diet or illness.
2. Practice regular hygiene first before attempting other methods of treating body odor but know that one shower a day is only a guideline. Some individuals require more bathing. Genetics, diet, health, hormones, and age are prime factors that affect one's natural smell; subsequently, hygiene demands may change over time.
3. Look to your diet to treat body odor. Reduce or eliminate foods such as onions and garlic along with strong spices, especially if sweating is expected. Caffeine and alcohol are common culprits for body odor as are tobacco products. Conversely, limiting sweets and eating a healthy diet of both fruits and vegetables may help.
4. Treat hormone and medication-induced body odor by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, changing your clothes and sheets frequently when sweats occur, and shower both morning and night, if needed. Also, wash the hair and scalp daily.
5. Address foot odor by changing your socks frequently if sweating is a problem. Wear breathable natural fabrics such as leather and dry your feet completely after bathing. Alternate your shoes daily to allow them to dry completely, and consider odor eaters to better absorb sweat. A once nightly application of antiperspirant to the soles of the feet is considered safe. Non-perfumed foot powder may also help treat odor.
6. Shower rather than bathe with antibacterial soap to best treat body odor on sweat prone areas. Keep dry skin moisturized. Use a non-perfumed deodorant and/or combination antiperspirant once or twice a day. Those containing aluminum are considered more effective. Use corn starch or talc-free powder on other areas of the body where perspiration is a problem.
7. Consult with a physician on other ways that you can treat body odor if it remains excessive and to ensure that your health is not a factor. Most prescription remedies to treat body odor are invasive. Discuss natural remedies to include: magnesium and zinc supplementation, chlorophyll, hormonal regulators, and stress-reduction techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid applying perfume to cover up body order as it tends to accentuate offensive smells.
• Carry moistened cleaning towelettes with you to freshen up during the day as needed.
• Note that some people are allergic to chemical deodorants and these should not be applied to the body other than directed to treat body odor.
• Check with your doctor if you develop a sudden change in your body odor as it may indicate a medical condition.