Armpit odor is an embarrassing problem. Many believe that perspiration is responsible for body odor, but this is only partially true. As MayoClinic.com explains, sweat itself is almost odorless. Underarm odor is a result of perspiration's interaction with bacteria on the skin. Therefore, remedying armpit odor can be achieved by either decreasing sweat or by reducing the amount of bacteria in the area. However, as underarm odor is common in people with a condition causing excessive perspiration called hyperhidrosis, the focus is generally on reducing sweat.
Step 1
Bathe every day with warm water and soap. Basic hygiene practices are the first line of defense against the bacteria on the skin that is responsible for body odor. Be sure to thoroughly dry your underarms after bathing, as they are an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive when an area is damp.
Step 2
Shave or trim your armpit hair. Hair can hinder thorough cleansing and drying of the skin underneath. Dirt and bacteria can get trapped in the hair as well, and it slows the evaporation of sweat, permitting increased interaction with bacteria, as Medical News Today reports.
Step 3
Wear shirts made from natural fibers such as cotton, rather than synthetic materials, as they allow the skin to breathe, suggests MayoClinic.com. However, during physical activity, specially-designed clothing that wicks moisture from the body is beneficial.
Step 4
Apply a deodorant and antiperspirant product made with 10 or 15 percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate, recommends the International Hyperhidrosis Society. These products are considerably more effective when applied at night before bed. Wash them off in the morning to prevent irritation. You can re-apply in the morning after showering if you find it necessary. These products are available over the counter, but stronger solutions are also available by prescription.
Step 5
Ask your doctor about botox injections if antiperspirants fail to control your sweating and armpit odor. Injections into the armpits, a treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004, are highly effective at stopping excessive perspiration, notes the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Botox paralyzes the sweat glands. This is, however, only a temporary fix, and further treatment sessions are needed as the effects gradually wear off.
Step 6
Consider iontophoresis treatments. A device administers an electrical current that interferes with the functioning of the sweat glands, explains Hyperhidrosis.org. Your doctor will instruct you on proper usage at home, and average treatments take about 20 minutes and are usually performed daily.
Step 7
Consult with your doctor about having a surgical procedure known as an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, or ETS, to stop excessive sweating. An incision is made in the armpits under general anesthesia, and sympathetic nerves are either clamped, cut or partially removed to stop sweat production.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid spicy foods and caffeine, as they make you sweat, advises MayoClinic.com. Also, strong-smelling foods such as garlic and onions can contribute to general body odor problems.
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