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We all sweat, but not all of us stink! Some people are bothered by chronic unpleasant body odour. We all agree that spritzing yourself with perfume and soaking in a tub infused with bath bombs can make you smell better. But, even after a bath, are you unable to get rid of body odour? If this describes you, you should learn about the causes of body odour.
To know the exact causes behind chronic body odour even after a bath and ways to get rid of it, Health Shots spoke to Dr Pramod Kumar, Consultant-Dermatology, KMC Hospital, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore.
Dr Kumar says, “Body odour is a broad term for a variety of odours that emanate from a person’s body. The body produces a number of substances that are required for normal bodily functions. These substances can become foul-smelling when in excess or when acted upon by external sources.”
He adds, “Sweat, though odourless, when broken down by bacteria on the skin, can become odourous.“
Excessive sweating and body odour can be caused by hormonal fluctuations. According to Dr Kumar, “Body odour is more noticeable during puberty, pregnancy, premenopausal, premenopausal or menopausal stages due to increased hormonal and sweat gland activity.” During this stage, women experience hot flashes and night sweats, which increase sweating and odour.
Any cause of excessive sweating increases the possibility of body odour. Sweating can also be caused by certain medical conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, thyroid, kidney diseases, liver diseases, infectious diseases, and gout, which can lead to an increase in body odour. If you notice a sudden change in your body odour, you should check for other symptoms of these diseases and consult a doctor.
According to Dr Kumar, “Excess dietary intake of spicy foods, onions, garlic, alcohol, and caffeine may also cause foul-smelling sweat.” In fact, increasing protein consumption may result in increased body odour.
Body odour is common in people who are anxious, nervous, or stressed. If you’re smelling strange, your body is probably under a lot of stress.
Aside from these factors, hot weather, a rigorous regular workout routine, regular alcohol consumption, not changing underwear and bra regularly, wearing synthetic clothes, and a high sugar intake may all contribute to body odour.
Body hygiene plays an important role in body odour. Take a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap to keep your body clean and fresh. This will help to eliminate unpleasant odours.
Pay special attention to sweaty, hairy areas such as the armpits and groin. Shaving these areas helps sweat evaporate faster, preventing bacterial action on sweat.
Avoid wearing synthetic clothing, which prevents sweat from evaporating properly and can promote the growth of bacteria, resulting in body odour.
Antiperspirants and deodorants reduce perspiration by making your body less hospitable to bacterial growth and by blocking sweat glands. They should be used twice a day.
Avoid using unwashed clothes. Also, make sure detergents and soaps are completely rinsed off from the clothes.
Body odour, ladies, is usually not a sign of anything serious. However, if you have a problem like excessive and constant sweating that is causing unpleasant odour, you should consult your doctor.
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