How to get rid of smelly armpits: Six tips to help you banish bad smelling body odour
HOW TO GET RID OF SMELLY ARMPITS: Body odour can be extremely embarrassing for those who suffer from it, and very unpleasant for other people to smell. But what causes it and how can you get rid of it? Follow these six tips.
Expert REVEALS what causes body odour
Body odour is an unpleasant smell produced by bacteria on the skin that break down the acids in sweat.
The medical term for body odour is bromhidrosis. It can occur in various parts of the body, but is most common in the armpits.
People can start to produce body odour after reaching puberty, as this is the the apocrine sweat glands develop, which produce the sweat that bacteria breaks down.
Having body odour can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem, but it can be managed by getting rid of excess skin bacteria.
Keeping your armpits clean and free of bacteria will help keep odour under control
Follow these six tips to keep armpits clean and free of bacteria.
Shower or bathe every day
Taking a warm bath or shower every day will kill the bacteria on the skin. On hot days, it may be advisable to shower or bathe twice a day.
Don’t forget the armpits
Wash your armpits thoroughly, using an antibacterial soap.
Use deodorant or antiperspirant
Always use a deodorant or antiperspirant after bathing or showering, to help combat sweat.
Wear natural fibres
Natural fibres such as wool, silk or cotton allow the skin to breathe, which means sweat will evaporate quicker.
Wear clean clothes
Wash clothes regularly to ensure you are not putting dirty or smelly clothes back on.
Limit spicy food
Spicy food like curry and garlic can make sweat smell, so cutting down on these could help.
The NHS advises seeing a doctor if sweating or body odour causes you distress, if you notice a change in body odour, or if you suddenly begin to sweat much more than usual.
“Your armpits contain a large number of apocrine glands, which are responsible for producing body odour,” said the NHS.
“Keeping your armpits clean and free of bacteria will help keep odour under control.”