Often feel insecure because of body odor problems? Don't worry, now you don't have to worry anymore. There are several ways to get rid of body odor that are effective and you can try. With the loss of body odor, you can move more comfortably and regain your confidence.
In the medical world, body odor is known as bromhidrosis. The appearance of an unpleasant body odor is generally caused by the growth of bacteria on the surface of the skin and armpits. These bacteria will process sweat into acids, resulting in an unpleasant odor.
This is the reason why body odor can appear more often when your body is sweating a lot.
Recognizing the Causes of Body Odor
Sweat is produced by sweat glands in the skin. There are 2 main sweat glands in the skin, namely eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are located almost all over the body and are in open areas, while apocrine glands are in hairy areas, such as in the groin and armpits.
Eccrine glands will secrete sweat with a composition of water and salt when body temperature increases. Meanwhile, the apocrine glands secrete a fatty fluid. A person's body will secrete more fluid from these glands when under stress.
When mixed with bacteria, the fluid from the sweat glands will then trigger the formation of body odor.
Body sweat production will usually be more when the temperature is hot or after exercising or doing strenuous physical activity. However, the production of sweat in some people can occur in excess. This condition is called hyperhidrosis.
The causes of excessive sweating in the body can vary, for example certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid gland disorders, or side effects of drugs, such as antidepressants.
Here's How Eliminate Body Odor right
Although harmless, body odor often causes a person to lose self-confidence. If you experience body odor and are bothered by it, there are several ways to get rid of body odor that you can try, namely:
1. Take a shower by regular
Bathing regularly at least once a day is the most appropriate and easy way to get rid of body odor. This way, your skin will be free of bacteria, dust, and germs, which can cause body odor.
When bathing, make sure to clean the sweat-prone body parts, such as the armpits, groin, neck, and face, until they are completely clean.
2. Using antibacterial soap
To eradicate the bacteria on the skin that causes body odor, you can use soap that contains antibacterial substances. However, this type of soap may not be suitable if you have dry or sensitive skin.
If your skin is often irritated after using the soap, you can replace it with a soap that contains moisturizers and does not contain fragrance, such as baby soap.
3. Dry the body properly
The next way to get rid of body odor is to make sure you always dry sweat-producing areas, such as the armpits and groin. If the area is dry and clean, it will be harder for bacteria that cause body odor to breed.
4. Wear the right clothes
For everyday wear, you can choose clothes that are comfortable and absorb sweat well, such as cotton. For sports, you can choose materials that absorb sweat more easily, such as synthetic fabrics.
Also, make sure to always change socks to avoid smelly feet.
After undergoing physical activities or sports that make your body sweat a lot, make it a habit to dry yourself often and don't forget to take a shower.
5. Use deodorant or antiperspirant
Deodorant doesn't prevent sweat from coming out, but the scent will block out body odor. Meanwhile, antiperspirants can reduce sweat that comes out of the body. This product is usually recommended for people who often produce excessive sweat.
6. Pay attention intake food
Consumption of spicy or strong-smelling foods, such as onions, garlic, onions, peppers, and caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages can make a person sweat more than usual.
Avoiding or reducing these foods and drinks can help you reduce body odor.
If the various ways to get rid of body odor above still don't work, it's a good idea to consult a doctor to determine the cause of body odor and get the right treatment.
For example, to eradicate the bacteria on the skin that causes body odor, your doctor may recommend using a special soap or antibacterial medication.
In addition, to reduce excessive sweating, the doctor may also give Botox injections. The function of Botox is to reduce the ability of the eccrine glands to produce sweat.
If that doesn't work for your body odor, your doctor may suggest another method, namely sweat gland surgery or liposuction.
