Body Odour - A definite No-No!
So, I went to a supermarket the other day to get some groceries and this shop attendant, quite a pretty lady offered to help me carry my basket. She also directed me to the different sections where I could get stuff I needed. Even though she was pleasant looking and helpful, what stands out about the encounter was the really bad body odour she had. I mean, it was really bad making me wonder how a young, pretty girl like that could smell that bad and be oblivious to it. I could'nt tell her of course, but it definitely inspired this post.
Body odour is an unpleasant smell from the skin or body of a person. It can emanate from different parts of the body :
-The mouth medically known as halitosis.
-The underarms, skin or genitals medically known as bromhidrosis.
-The feet, known as bromodosis.
Body odour usually results when bacteria on the skin break down the acids in sweat. It is usually more common after puberty because that is when the apocrine and eccrine glands that produce sweat develop. These glands are located more in the underarms, genitals, feet and that is why these areas smell more than others.
So why do some people smell more than others? There are some factors that predispose to body odour. These include:
-Being overweight.
-Poor personal hygiene.
-Eating spicy food like garlic and onions.
-Certain medical conditions.
Body odour is definitely a social handicap as it may affect the way people percieve and relate with you and this may affect self-confidence and self esteem. So it definitely needs to be addressed. Some of the ways of preventing and treating it include:
-Increasing personal hygiene. Bathe at least once a day, twice if you sweat a lot and its a hot day.
-Use deodorants and anti-perspirants. Anti-perspirant is better as it contains Aluminium chloride which reduces sweating, so theres nothing for bacteria to break down. Deodorants just mask the smell of bacteria on your skin.
-Ensure you shave your underarms and pubic hair as hair encourages bacteria to lodge.
-Use of lemon or vinegar under your arms. This is a natural method that increases the acidity of the area preventing growth of bacteria.
Quite a lengthy post, I do hope you've learnt one or two things. Nobody should ever have to smell that bad.
Till next time, keep smelling fresh and stay healthy-pink.
Dr. Anire Oduko.
Body odour is an unpleasant smell from the skin or body of a person. It can emanate from different parts of the body :
-The mouth medically known as halitosis.
-The underarms, skin or genitals medically known as bromhidrosis.
-The feet, known as bromodosis.
Body odour usually results when bacteria on the skin break down the acids in sweat. It is usually more common after puberty because that is when the apocrine and eccrine glands that produce sweat develop. These glands are located more in the underarms, genitals, feet and that is why these areas smell more than others.
So why do some people smell more than others? There are some factors that predispose to body odour. These include:
-Being overweight.
-Poor personal hygiene.
-Eating spicy food like garlic and onions.
-Certain medical conditions.
Body odour is definitely a social handicap as it may affect the way people percieve and relate with you and this may affect self-confidence and self esteem. So it definitely needs to be addressed. Some of the ways of preventing and treating it include:
-Increasing personal hygiene. Bathe at least once a day, twice if you sweat a lot and its a hot day.
-Use deodorants and anti-perspirants. Anti-perspirant is better as it contains Aluminium chloride which reduces sweating, so theres nothing for bacteria to break down. Deodorants just mask the smell of bacteria on your skin.
-Ensure you shave your underarms and pubic hair as hair encourages bacteria to lodge.
-Use of lemon or vinegar under your arms. This is a natural method that increases the acidity of the area preventing growth of bacteria.
Quite a lengthy post, I do hope you've learnt one or two things. Nobody should ever have to smell that bad.
Till next time, keep smelling fresh and stay healthy-pink.
Dr. Anire Oduko.
Nice
ReplyDeleteHi Doc Anire, is it advisable to use these anti pespirants on kids age range 8 to 13 considering that they begin to sweat alot at this age but again how about the sensitivity of their skin? What's your take on this?
ReplyDeleteHello Modupe, thanks for reading my post. Yes, as soon as a child starts experiencing puberty at age 8-13, the child must be taught the rudiments of good hygiene and the child introduced to deodorants. Sometimes, bathing twice a day, shaving the underarm hair and using a deodorant may suffice. Deodorants are actually better because they just make the skin more acidic and prevent growth of bacteria without stopping the process of sweating. But if odour persists then anti-perspirant can be introduced. They stop the process of sweating and a research suggests that it may lead to some cancers though this is not conclusive and has not been proven. If there is sensitivity, natural methods like lemon and vinegar can be sprayed on the underarm. But most times, you can find a mild anti-perspirant product that is compatible with the most sensitive skin types. These mild anti-perspirants are usually odourless. Also, if all these tips are not working, then further help can be sought from a dermatologist as there are more options and treatments available to combat body odour. I hope this helps?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletenice one
ReplyDeleteSo apple cider vinegar would help?
ReplyDeleteIf it is vinegar, then it will definitely help by reducing the PH of the skin, making it more acidic thereby making it unfavourable for bacteria to grow
Delete