Treatment for body odour
Body odour is an unpleasant smelling odour, which is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. Most people experience body odour at some point in their lives, usually during or after exercise or when it is hot outside. Poor hygiene and excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, can also cause body odour. People who have certain medical conditions, including diabetes and people who are obese also have a higher risk of suffering from body odour.
Treating body odour
Body odour is not pleasant and some people may feel very self-conscious about the way they smell. If this is the case, do not hesitate to see your doctor, as they will be able to offer advice and recommend treatments.
Self-help treatments:
- Wash on a regular basis.
- Wear loose fitting clothes.
- Use antiperspirant instead of deodorant.
- Wash your armpits thoroughly using antibacterial soap.
- Shave your armpits regularly.
- Limit foods with a strong odour (such as garlic and spicy food).
Other treatments
If the changes listed above do not work, other treatments may be recommended. Your doctor may advise you to use a strong antiperspirant, which contains aluminium chloride. Aluminium chloride helps to block the sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat secreted by the glands.
If aluminium chloride does not work, other treatments, including surgery and Botox may be recommended. Botox provides a short-term cure for sweating, with treatment repeated every 4-8 months, while surgery provides a long-term cure and involves removing some of the nerve tissue from the sympathetic nervous system.