Smelly armpits make an individual feel uncomfortable and often affects social life. It causes body odour that can be very offensive. This article will outline steps you can take to help minimize and prevent armpit odour.
HOW SMELLY ARMPIT OCCURS
It is pertinent to note that the body of humans is made up of sweat glands that release sweats to cool down the body. There are basically 2 types of sweat glands which are;
1- Eccrine glands which open directly to the skin surface
2- Apocrine glands are in areas that contain hair follicles such as the groin and armpit.
When the body heats up, the Eccrine gland releases odourless sweat that will cool it. When this sweat mixes up with bacterias, it produces a bad smell.
You should also know that certain medications and foods we eat often cause the Eccrine glands to release sweat with offensive odour.
The Apocrine gland secrets odourless fluid during stress usually when a person has reached puberty. The odour is noticeable when it comes into contact with bacteria.
There are times some people have a medical condition known as Hyperhidrosis which causes an individual to sweat excessively in the hands, feet and armpits.
CAUSES OF ARMPIT ODOUR
According to the publication by Healthline, the offensive odour emanating from the armpit could be due to the following;
– Poor hygiene
– Not using the right cosmetic products
– Underlying medical condition, etc.
TREATMENT
The Doctor can recommend counter Antiperspirants or Deodorants for use. Sometimes both can be combined together.
Antiperspirants temporary blocks the pores that release sweat thereby reducing the quantity released on the skin, while Deodorants stops the smelling of the sweat.
If Hyperhidrosis is the cause of the bad odour, the Doctor can introduce Botox injection to the sweat gland to reduce sweating and smell.
HOW TO PREVENT SMELLY ARMPIT
You can prevent armpit odour by doing the following;
– Taking daily showers with soap
– Wearing loose-fitting clothes and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, etc.
– Shave or wax hair in the armpit or the groin area.
– Management of stress
– You can cut a lemon fruit into 2 halves and use it to rub on the armpit repeatedly. This clears the odour after few days.
It is advisable to see the Doctor if the odour is persistent despite taking measures to prevent it.
