Good hygiene will keep nasty smells away
Mar 29, 2009
WHEN bacteria act upon sweat and other skin secretions, a distinctive unpleasant sweaty odour, especially from the armpits, groin and feet, is emitted.<br>
By Anthony Olwoch
WHEN bacteria act upon sweat and other skin secretions, a distinctive unpleasant sweaty odour, especially from the armpits, groin and feet, is emitted.
It is common to come across people emitting an unpleasant body odour. Unpleasant body odour is not only offensive but also destroys the confidence of the victim, especially in public.
In some cultures and rural settings, the sweaty odour is considered erotic and plays a role in sexual arousal.
Sweat, by itself, does not smell. It is only after it is acted upon by bacteria on the skin that a person develops the unpleasant sweaty smell.
Two types of glands produce sweat; the eccrine and the aporcine glands. The eccrine glands are spread throughout the body, but are concentrated in the palms, armpits, soles of feet and the forehead.
They help in temperature regulation by expelling a solution of water and salt, thus cooling the body.
The apocrine glands are concentrated around the groin and in the armpits.
They develop during puberty and respond to conditions like nervousness, sexual arousal and anger. Sweat produced by these glands is rich in organic substances that attract bacteria, hence producing a strong odour.
Dr. John Mubiru, a general practitioner at Kibuli Medical Clinic, says several factors play a role in the production of bad body smell.
They include low blood sugar, liver disease, diabetes, menopause, emotional stress, zinc deficiency and metabolic dysfunction.
“The presence of disease or metabolic problems may produce body odour that smells fruity or like nail-polish remover,†he says.
Dietary imbalances, resulting from constipation or deficiency of magnesium or zinc can also cause bad odour.
Refined sugars also play a role because they provide food for bacteria and fungus on the skin.
Mubiru explains that some individuals cannot metabolise (convert into energy) food containing large amounts of choline (one of the B vitamins), such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes thus resulting in a “fishy†smell.
Depending on an individual’s body chemistry, some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a distinctive body odour which can be offensive.
Tobacco is another contributing factor. Not only does its smell come through the lungs but permeates through the skin, probably mixing with other elements of a person’s body chemistry to create a distinctive odour.
Poor hygiene; not cleaning up properly, not having proper, regular baths and using dirty clothes can cause body odour.
Clothes and shoes trap sweat, thus encouraging bacterial activity.
Proteins and oils from certain foods like onions, garlic, spices and certain drugs may cause one to emit smells.
Home remedies to fight body odour
lMaintaining good body hygiene is the most effective way to get rid of an unpleasant body smell.
It is recommended to wash the body thoroughly with soap and water, sometimes more than once each day.
Using anti-bacterial soap is helpful in controlling bacterial activity responsible for a sweaty smell. Use a good sponge and brush in circular movements.
Deodorants containing mild anti-bacterial agents and scents slow down bacterial activity, giving the body a pleasant perfumed smell.
A cheaper alternative is baking soda, a good natural deodorant. When applied to the armpits and between toes, it helps to absorb odour.
Herbal therapy. This involves the use of preparations containing essential oils of rosemary (herbal extract). Add one to eight drops to some water and apply where needed.
White vinegar is also helpful. Place some on a cotton ball and apply to the underarms. This will give you a fresh smell all day.
Baby powder applied in areas of heavy perspiration is also helpful.
lShaving the armpits helps one to get rid of body smell since excessive body hair retains sweat and bacteria.
Changing and washing clothes often, especially underwear, socks or stockings is helpful.
Wearing cotton clothes and leather shoes is helpful because they allow sweat to evaporate faster than synthetic materials like polyester. These look good but trap sweat.
Try eliminating some foods for a week and observe if there is any change.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
Tea tree is an anti-bacterial herb. Make a deodorant by putting two drops of the oil into one tablespoon of water and apply where needed.
For excessive underarm odour, try using a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) from a pharmacy. Put a teaspoonful in a glass of water and wash under the arms. If it does not work, increase the amount of peroxide.
Mubiru says treatment using zinc tablets helps to balance the body’s metabolism and reduce cause of body odour.
“If the smell persists after washing, using deodorants and trying other treatments, or when the odour is different from the easily recognisable smell of sweat, it is important to seek the help of a medical doctor,†he says.
Additional reporting by Esther Namirimu
WHEN bacteria act upon sweat and other skin secretions, a distinctive unpleasant sweaty odour, especially from the armpits, groin and feet, is emitted.
It is common to come across people emitting an unpleasant body odour. Unpleasant body odour is not only offensive but also destroys the confidence of the victim, especially in public.
In some cultures and rural settings, the sweaty odour is considered erotic and plays a role in sexual arousal.
Sweat, by itself, does not smell. It is only after it is acted upon by bacteria on the skin that a person develops the unpleasant sweaty smell.
Two types of glands produce sweat; the eccrine and the aporcine glands. The eccrine glands are spread throughout the body, but are concentrated in the palms, armpits, soles of feet and the forehead.
They help in temperature regulation by expelling a solution of water and salt, thus cooling the body.
The apocrine glands are concentrated around the groin and in the armpits.
They develop during puberty and respond to conditions like nervousness, sexual arousal and anger. Sweat produced by these glands is rich in organic substances that attract bacteria, hence producing a strong odour.
Dr. John Mubiru, a general practitioner at Kibuli Medical Clinic, says several factors play a role in the production of bad body smell.
They include low blood sugar, liver disease, diabetes, menopause, emotional stress, zinc deficiency and metabolic dysfunction.
“The presence of disease or metabolic problems may produce body odour that smells fruity or like nail-polish remover,†he says.
Dietary imbalances, resulting from constipation or deficiency of magnesium or zinc can also cause bad odour.
Refined sugars also play a role because they provide food for bacteria and fungus on the skin.
Mubiru explains that some individuals cannot metabolise (convert into energy) food containing large amounts of choline (one of the B vitamins), such as eggs, fish, liver and legumes thus resulting in a “fishy†smell.
Depending on an individual’s body chemistry, some people who eat large quantities of meat or who are vegetarians have a distinctive body odour which can be offensive.
Tobacco is another contributing factor. Not only does its smell come through the lungs but permeates through the skin, probably mixing with other elements of a person’s body chemistry to create a distinctive odour.
Poor hygiene; not cleaning up properly, not having proper, regular baths and using dirty clothes can cause body odour.
Clothes and shoes trap sweat, thus encouraging bacterial activity.
Proteins and oils from certain foods like onions, garlic, spices and certain drugs may cause one to emit smells.
Home remedies to fight body odour
lMaintaining good body hygiene is the most effective way to get rid of an unpleasant body smell.
It is recommended to wash the body thoroughly with soap and water, sometimes more than once each day.
Using anti-bacterial soap is helpful in controlling bacterial activity responsible for a sweaty smell. Use a good sponge and brush in circular movements.
Deodorants containing mild anti-bacterial agents and scents slow down bacterial activity, giving the body a pleasant perfumed smell.
A cheaper alternative is baking soda, a good natural deodorant. When applied to the armpits and between toes, it helps to absorb odour.
Herbal therapy. This involves the use of preparations containing essential oils of rosemary (herbal extract). Add one to eight drops to some water and apply where needed.
White vinegar is also helpful. Place some on a cotton ball and apply to the underarms. This will give you a fresh smell all day.
Baby powder applied in areas of heavy perspiration is also helpful.
lShaving the armpits helps one to get rid of body smell since excessive body hair retains sweat and bacteria.
Changing and washing clothes often, especially underwear, socks or stockings is helpful.
Wearing cotton clothes and leather shoes is helpful because they allow sweat to evaporate faster than synthetic materials like polyester. These look good but trap sweat.
Try eliminating some foods for a week and observe if there is any change.
Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake.
Tea tree is an anti-bacterial herb. Make a deodorant by putting two drops of the oil into one tablespoon of water and apply where needed.
For excessive underarm odour, try using a solution of hydrogen peroxide (3%) from a pharmacy. Put a teaspoonful in a glass of water and wash under the arms. If it does not work, increase the amount of peroxide.
Mubiru says treatment using zinc tablets helps to balance the body’s metabolism and reduce cause of body odour.
“If the smell persists after washing, using deodorants and trying other treatments, or when the odour is different from the easily recognisable smell of sweat, it is important to seek the help of a medical doctor,†he says.
Additional reporting by Esther Namirimu