How to Eliminate Armpit Odor

Eliminate armpit odor with careful hygiene.

Armpit odor is an unpleasant occurrence for anyone who has reached physical maturity. While perspiration is natural and unavoidable, you can avoid the associated odors that sometimes accompany it. Perspiration is clear and has no odor. When perspiration contacts bacteria on the surface of the skin, a chemical reaction occurs and you may give off an unpleasant odor. Eliminate armpit odor and keep yourself smelling sweet with careful and regular personal hygiene.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Washcloth (optional)
• Towel
• Antiperspirant/deodorant
• Shirts made from natural fibers

Instructions

1. Wash your armpits with antibacterial soap at least once per day. Apply the soap to the washcloth if you desire or simply lather your hands and apply the soap to your armpits. Rub the soap lavishly over your armpits to remove all of the bacteria from your skin. Rinse the soap from your armpits with warm water--either by rinsing the washcloth and wiping away the soap with the washcloth or by directing a stream of warm water over your skin.

2. Dry your armpits thoroughly with a clean towel.

3. Apply the antiperspirant/deodorant liberally to your armpits, covering all skin areas with the product.

4. Wear shirts made from fabrics like cotton or silk. Because these are natural fibers, they allow air to flow through the fibers and help keep the skin in your armpits exposed to air.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider washing your armpits more than just once per day. You may have more success eliminating armpit odor if you wash your armpits in the morning and again before you go to bed. Apply additional antiperspirant/deodorant before you go to bed also.

• Some people have success reducing the amount of perspiration they secrete by reducing their sodium intake. You may be able decrease the strength of your body odor by reducing your onion and garlic intake as well.

• Consult your physician if you cannot control underarm perspiration with over-the-counter antiperspirants and deodorants.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sweating and Body Odor