LETS TALK ABOUT BODY ODOR.(hyperhidrosis)

You may know someone with strong body odor or you have been told you’ve got strong body odor. What causes body odor? What can you do to prevent it? If you already have it, what can you do to help/treat it? Read on.

Body odor is not primarily caused by sweat. Sweat is generally odorless. What causes the unpleasant smell is the bacteria that build up on sweaty skin and react with sweat and oils to grow and multiply when sweat reacts with bacteria on the skin. These bacteria break down proteins and fatty acids, causing body odor in the process.

The skin is not meant to be without bacteria, we all need some good bacteria on our skin but the problem of body odor arises when these bacteria become so much. T o treat body odor, the root of the issue must be addressed.

Shower/bath daily
This is very important especially after being sweaty. This will wash away the sweat. Leaving sweat on creates a perfect environment for bacteria to flourish and always remember to towel dry.
Use antibacterial soap/wash
Remember the goal is not to wipe out every bacteria on your skin but to reduce the amount in those odor-releasing area of the body. Use of benzoyl peroxide-containing soap/wash in the armpit, groin and upper thigh will help reduce the amount of bacteria in this region.
Use antiperspirant.
Antiperspirant are meant to block the sweat duct reducing/preventing you from sweating at all. Most are made of Aluminium which is safe to use. Only very minimal amount ever find its way into the body system. Without sweat, nothing for the bacteria to break down. For effectiveness, this is better applied at nighttime when you are less likely to sweat.
Deodorants. Deodorant cause you to smell nice. Most are alcohol-based. They raise the acidity of the skin making it unfavorable for bacteria.
Cut Out or Cut Back On Certain Foods or Drinks
What you eat affects your body odor. Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also lead to body odor. And the aroma of foods like onions or garlic can be carried in your sweat. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also make you sweat more.
Wear Breathable Fabrics
The kind of fabric you wear can also affect how much you sweat as you go about your daily activities. Choose fabrics with better breathability such as cotton, silk, and wool to allow air to enter your clothes, and keep sweat from building up. For workout clothes, moisture-wicking, synthetic materials are best as they may be able to keep the sweat off your skin.
Don’t forget to change your socks and wear breathable training shoes to prevent foot odor as well!
Wash your clothes thoroughly

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Bacteria can easily accumulate and breed on used clothes, and unpleasant odor can stick when they not washed properly. Be sure to regularly wash your clothes and timely so the awful smell from odor-causing bacteria doesn’t stick.