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What Causes Strong Body Odor That Exists Even After Bathing?
Question: even after a bath ..i feel there are still traces of body odour in my underarms which worsen during the day despite being in air conditioning. what can I do to avoid this
Brief Answer:
Measures to reduce body odor
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Body odor is commonly due to bacterial action on human sweat.
Sweat produced from apocrine sweat glands- which are present in areas like underarm region, breast and groins- is acted upon by resident bacteria to produce an offensive body odor. Body odor is worse if there are more bacteria present or the level of apocrine sweat production is high e.g in summers.
People usually complain about body odor after puberty, as the apocrine glands become active under the influence of hormones.
I suggest you to practice certain general measures like...
1. Apart from maintaining a good hygeine and bathing twice daily you may use an antibacterial soap for bath.
Reducing bacterial population on skin would reduce production of odoriferous breakdown products due to bacterial action on human sweat.
2. Regular shaving or trimming of body hair (e.g. armpits) would reduce sweat accumulation as well as reduce bacterial growth.
3. Certain foods like garlic and hot spices, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine etc can also lead to body odor. You may avoid these.
4. You may use a dusting powder on body/ torso to keep dry.
5. Specifically for underarm region i would suggest that you to use a deodorant Or an antiperspirant lotion e.g Drysol lotion which contains aluminium chloride hexahydrate 20%. This would help both ways by reducing sweating as well as reducing bacterial growth.
Regards
Measures to reduce body odor
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Body odor is commonly due to bacterial action on human sweat.
Sweat produced from apocrine sweat glands- which are present in areas like underarm region, breast and groins- is acted upon by resident bacteria to produce an offensive body odor. Body odor is worse if there are more bacteria present or the level of apocrine sweat production is high e.g in summers.
People usually complain about body odor after puberty, as the apocrine glands become active under the influence of hormones.
I suggest you to practice certain general measures like...
1. Apart from maintaining a good hygeine and bathing twice daily you may use an antibacterial soap for bath.
Reducing bacterial population on skin would reduce production of odoriferous breakdown products due to bacterial action on human sweat.
2. Regular shaving or trimming of body hair (e.g. armpits) would reduce sweat accumulation as well as reduce bacterial growth.
3. Certain foods like garlic and hot spices, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine etc can also lead to body odor. You may avoid these.
4. You may use a dusting powder on body/ torso to keep dry.
5. Specifically for underarm region i would suggest that you to use a deodorant Or an antiperspirant lotion e.g Drysol lotion which contains aluminium chloride hexahydrate 20%. This would help both ways by reducing sweating as well as reducing bacterial growth.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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