Though anyone can have body odor issues, men are more likely to have body odor than women because they have more apocrine sweat glands and more natural odor-causing microbes under their arms than women do, explains "Slate" magazine. In some cases, body odor can be a sign of a more serious health problem, so check with your health care provider if you have concerns. Otherwise, you can address body odor with a combination of smart practices and products.
Step 1
Shower or bathe every day to prevent odor-causing bacteria from lingering on your skin. Consider switching to a mild, color- and fragrance-free soap.
Step 2
Dry yourself completely after your bath. Be especially sure to completely dry your feet, since microorganisms that cause odor thrive in damp environments like the skin between your toes.
Step 3
Choose natural fibers and materials for clothes and shoes. Synthetic materials can make you sweat, causing body odor.
Step 4
Avoid eating foods that increase body odor, including turmeric, mint, garlic, onion, cabbage, radishes and blue cheese, recommends "Slate." Different people's body odor may be affected by different foods, so if you notice troublesome body odor after a particular food, avoid that food in the future.
Step 5
Use a prescription antimicrobial or antiperspirant instead of regular deodorant to kill bacteria that cause body odor, recommends Dee Anna Glaser, a professor of dermatology at St. Louis University, in "Women's Health" magazine. Prescription antiperspirants may cause red, bumpy skin, however, so follow your physician's directions to avoid irritation, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Step 6
Use antiperspirant that contains aluminum chlorhydrate on high-sweat areas, like the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, at night to prevent waking up to body odor.
Tips and Warnings
- If your body odor is mainly in your feet, it could be because you tend to wear the same shoes every day. Shoes need more than one night to completely dry out from a day of wear, so wearing them day after day can keep your feet stinky. Alternate two pairs to solve the problem.
- If your sweat has a strong odor, it could be a sign of metabolic disorder, and you should see a physician, according to "Women's Health."
Things You'll Need
- Color- and fragrance-free soap
- Natural fiber clothes
- Prescription antimicrobial or antiperspirant
- Regular antiperspirant
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