Body OdourThe questions below were raised by visitors to the STOMP (Straits Times Online Mobile Print) website in the AskST section of the website. eMenders doctors provided the answers to the questions raised as a public health education project. The information provided below is of a general nature and should not be treated as a replacement for medical advice. You should seek consultation from a medical or healthcare professional about your specific medical condition.
Question:
How can we prevent body odour?
Answer:
Body odour arises primarily from bacterial growth in sweat excreted from sweat glands all over the body and oil/sweat glands under the armpits and around the groin.
Conditions which promote bacterial growth can enhance a pungent odour in glandular regions, usually most noticeable around the underarms and feet. Such conditions could arise from environmental effects, e.g. damp/dark conditions, consumption of spicy foods and garlic.
Preventative measures reduce bacterial growth. Shower often and clean underarms, groin and feet thoroughly. Keep these areas dry, changing garments and socks in between frequent washings. Deodorants decrease sweat pH to inhibit bacterial growth. Antiperspirants block sweat glands and should be used only on the underarms.
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), especially when localized on the underarms can also cause body odour. Treatments can be topical (BOTOX®, which blocks sweat glands) or surgical, which involves destroying the nerves in the affected regions.