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Life - Health & Wellness Updated: October 13, 2022

Personal Hygiene: Five Ways To Prevent Body Odour

By Rasheed Olajide Awoniyi
October 13, 2022
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A lot of people have missed out on so many opportunities because of body odour and lack of proper personal hygiene. 

Body odour is a catch-all word for all organic odours coming from a person.

The term "odourants" refers to a group of compounds that the human body can create. Many compounds are crucial for normal biological function and, in moderation, do not produce offensive odours.

However, an excessive buildup of the chemicals on the skin may result in detectable odours.

As hormones and sweat glands become more active during puberty, body odour typically becomes more noticeable.

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Body odour is also more common in obese people and people with specific medical disorders, such as diabetes.

Unpleasant odours can result from bacteria's growing presence and their breakdown of sweat into acids.

People who sweat a lot, such as those who have hyperhidrosis, may therefore be more susceptible to developing body odour.

The following areas are the most likely locations for body odour to develop: feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic and other hair, belly button, anus, as well as behind the ears.

An individual's nutrition, sexual activity, medical issues, and drugs can all affect how they smell. 

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The following five measures can help control body odour even though there is no cure for all of the reasons for body odour.

1. Bathe frequently

Oftentimes, the reaction between one's perspiration and the germs on one's body, rather than the sweat itself, is what causes body odour.

Showering at least once a day will help one stay clean by washing away sweat and some of the bacteria on one's skin. 

Dermatologist Stephanie Gardner claims that sweat has no odour on its own.

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Gardner observed that the germs that reside on a person's skin proliferate quickly and produce quite a stench when they come into contact with sweat.

She stated, "Washing thoroughly can help avoid body odour, especially in the regions where you tend to sweat."

2. Always change your clothes regularly

It can be tempting to keep wearing the same outfits after a day of sightseeing or even after working out.

This is not suggested because the conditions are ideal for odour-producing bacteria.

It is ideal to change out of your sweaty gym attire as soon as you are finished exercising and to do the same after a long day at the office.

When you are perspiring a lot, change your clothes frequently, advised Gardner.

Fresh clothing reduces body odour. Change your socks as well, especially if you tend to have smelly feet.

Go barefoot whenever you can, replace your insoles frequently, and use deodorant powder in your shoes.

3. Stop Drinking And Smoking

Due to the accumulation of toxins in the body, drinking alcohol and smoking not only cause foul breath but also body odour.

Smoke tends to cling to your clothes and body for a very long time.

John Mayer, a specialist in substance misuse, pointed out that although the liver can only metabolize around 12 ounces of beer in an hour, the body treats alcohol like a toxin.

He explained, "The body eliminates the remaining toxins by a process known as oxidation, which breaks the toxins down into smaller bits known as diabetic acid, carbon dioxide, and water that the body can metabolize and expel through urine, breath, and sweat. 

“But sweat may be more noticeable because drinking causes the blood vessels near the skin to enlarge, which causes people to feel hot and as a result, trigger the body to sweat and in many cases cause body odour.

4. Wear Light Clothes

Wear natural fibres like cotton and jute, especially in hot areas, which is another unbreakable rule.

Avoid wearing synthetic materials and clothing that is too restrictive on the skin. Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing to promote airflow and keep you cool.

Although sweating is excellent for your health since it releases toxins via your skin, it can occasionally leave you with unsightly sweat patches that are humiliating.

Avoid these situations by dressing in airy, natural fabrics that let your skin breathe.

You sweat more when wearing clothing that holds moisture, which makes you feel even more uncomfortable and irritated. Pick materials like cotton, breathable linen, and light wool.

5. Shaving Your Armpits

While shaving your underarm hair won't stop you from perspiring, it might assist you to prevent developing smelly pits.

Because hair is permeable, it can absorb sweat-related odours. A marshy area caused by too much hair may support bacterial growth, which will probably make you smell unpleasant.

Additionally, an excessive amount of hair absorbs moisture and delays the evaporation process.

Grab your razor, just shave it off to save all the commotion, Gardner said.

You'll smell less and feel more refreshed as a result of the decreased germs. After engaging in any physical exercise, wash your underarms and change into clean clothing for additional treatment.

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Rasheed Olajide Awoniyi

Rasheed is a Prolific Content Writer who also has a niche in all Genres of Literature, Academic Pape...

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