Body odor describes the unpleasant smell often associated with sweating and bacteria growing on the body. By itself, sweat is odorless. When you add bacteria to the mix, they multiply rapidly, which results in a foul odor. Certain parts of the body are more favorable to bacterial growth. These may include the stomach, feet, armpits, groin and scalp. Other factors including gender, overall health, genetics, medications and diet.
Significance
Strong body odor is embarrassing to those who suffer from it and offensive to those who smell it. When not easily treated by using conventional methods such as deodorants or when caused by a medical condition, excessive body odor can cause shame, ridicule and social isolation for people of all ages. Because of society's preoccupation with body odor, the consumer market is strong for body washes, scented shampoos, colognes, perfumes and deodorants.
Time Frame
According to KidsHealth.org, body odor usually begins to emerge during the adolescent years and is typically not a problem during childhood. During puberty, the apocrine glands become more active and larger and causes sweating to increase during exercise or sports, or when in warm climates. According to the Mayo Clinic, stressful situations can also cause these glands to constrict and result in the body sweating more than normal. This will continue through the teen years and continue into adulthood. It can become even greater when the body's hormone levels fluctuate in situations such as menopause and pregnancy. Body odor is more commonly found in men than women at all stages in life.
Misconceptions
Although people believe foul body odor is cause by perspiration, sweat is actually odorless. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, most body odor cases are caused by metabolic dysfunction, poor diet or the multiplication of bacteria. While taking frequent showers or baths can reduce the severity and incidence of some body odor, the underlying cause will not be eliminated. Other than the extreme and offensive varieties, body odor is completely normal as it is the result of the body getting rid of waste products that were introduced through the environment or diet.
Prevention and Solution
The use of over-the-counter of prescription deodorant products can aid in preventing or reducing body odor. If personal hygiene is responsible for the offending odor, bathing on a daily basis can help to eliminate odor, especially in the groin region or under the arms, which is where anaerobic bacteria thrive. Some sufferers have noted that reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcohol, coffee, spices, onions, garlic or meat can be helpful in eliminating odor. Wearing loose-fitting clothing can also help as it slows the growth of bacteria by allowing moisture to escape and keeping it off the skin.
Warnings
While body odor is not only unpleasant for the person who suffers from it and those around him, it may also be an indication that there is an underlying medical condition at work. When the odor is extremely foul and cannot be controlled or prevented with a change in diet or over-the-counter remedies, a physician should be consulted. A number of diseases involving digestion, food allergies, infections or diabetes, among others, can result in excessive body odor.
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