KEEP YOUR SKIN HEALTHY TO PREVENT BODY ODOUR PROBLEMS

TAME  THAT ODOUR

THE UNPLEASANT ODOUR

Body odour or 'bromhidrosis' is caused by a natural process involving sweat that occurs on the skin  for long, the bacteria that normally live there or those get attracted to a 'stick skin' feed on it and cause bacterial decomposition. This is what causes the unpleasant smell or body odour. Some areas of the body like the armpits and genitals are more likely to produce the odour as these glands produce proteins and oils that the bacteria feed on.

• The unpleseant smell is typical to each one's body chemistry.
• The feet produce its characteristic odour. A humid climate, sweat and closed footwear allow the fungi and bacteria to flourish.

• Lack of hygiene, obesity, use of synthetic clothing, certain foods, caffeine, strong medications, liver and kidney problems, alcohol and zinc deficiency are certain important contributory factors towards body odour.

PREVENTIVE TIPS

These are few of the tips that are easy to follow and very effective in curbing the unpleseantness caused by body odour.

• Eat food that contains loads of fibre, whole grains, wheat,soy products and green, leafy vegetables.  Avoid processed foods.
• Drink plenty of water. This will help in diluting the sweat and urine, both of which contribute to body odour.
• Wear light coloured, loose cotton clothes to soak sweat and deflect the sun's rays.
• Body odour lingers on clothes, so wash clothes after every wash and avoid polyester fabric.
• Have frequent showers with a teaspoon of alum, added to your bath water.
• Use an antibacterial soap.
• Cider vinegar or white vinegar applied with cotton on the underarm areas help fight the unpleasant smell.
• A little baking soda with lemon juice helps kill the bacteria and also absorbs the sweat.
• Special attention should be paid to hygiene of the feet and  body folds, especially in obese people. Feet should be used between the toes and an antifungal powder should be used between the toes and in the body folds lie the armpits groin neck, under the breasts after wash regularly.  Preferably, wear open sandals..
• Avoid spicy food and caffeine.
• For very severe sweating or 'hyperhidrosis' injecting Botox  (botulinum toxin) in the armpit skin takes care of the condition for almost a year, after which it needs to be repeated. Other surgical procedures include partial removal of sweat glands themselves or destroying the nerves that control the sweating, seek professional help.

So, get started! keep body odour at bay. keep all around you happy too!