Body odor is an embarrassing problem that can occur when bacteria mixes with sweat. Medical News Today reports that people who eat spicy foods, are obese or have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are more prone to body odor. Preventing body odor involves keeping the skin free of bacteria and treating any underlying causes.
Identification
Both eccrine and apocrine glands produce sweat, although apocrine glands are most likely to mix with bacteria to cause odor. Eccrine glands are found throughout the skin's surface, while apocrine glands are found in areas with many hair follicles, such as the underarm area or groin. Odor occurs when bacteria-laden sweat breaks down into acids. Body odor is most noticeable on the groin, belly button, anus, feet, pubic hair, genitals, armpits and behind the ears, according to Medical News Today.
Removing Bacteria
Keeping the skin clean removes the bacteria that cause odor. MayoClinic.com recommends bathing daily and drying the feet thoroughly after bathing to prevent the growth of microorganisms that grow in the damp areas between toes. Cleaning the skin more frequently than once per day may be a good idea if the weather is warm or if sweat becomes trapped under skin folds.
Stopping Sweating
Odor cannot occur if you don't sweat. Regular use of an antiperspirant may help to prevent sweating, but standard antiperspirants may not be sufficient if you suffer from hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. Special clinical strength over-the-counter antiperspirants may be more helpful. If clinical strength antiperspirants are not successful in controlling underarm perspiration, your doctor may prescribe a prescription strength antiperspirant.
Considerations
If spicy foods cause body odor, removing them from your diet can help relieve the problem. Medical News today recommends wearing natural fiber clothing--cotton, wool or silk--to allow for better evaporation of sweat from the skin. Washing your feet throughout the day and changing your socks and shoes if they become sweaty can help to reduce odor.
Medical treatment
Medical treatment can help you to control stubborn body odor. If underarm sweating is a problem, your doctor may recommend treatment with the botulinum toxin type A. Toxin injections prevent sweating for approximately four to eight months, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Doctors also use oral medication to prevent excessive sweating. People who suffer from sweaty hands and feet may benefit from iontophoresis, a treatment that reduces sweating by sending a low-voltage current through water to the hands and feet. In severe cases, surgery is used to cut the nerves to the sweat glands or remove the glands completely. A side effect of both procedures is excessive sweating in other areas of the body.
Warning
A sudden increase in sweating can indicate a disease or illness. If you notice an increase in sweating or a smell a different kind of odor, see your doctor. Body odor can be a symptom of several diseases, including hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease or alcoholism. Medical News Today reports that diabetes can cause a fruity body odor, while liver or kidney disease may cause a bleach-like smell.
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