Underarm odor doesn’t need any introduction at all; in fact oftentimes it seems to speak up before you do making the problem that much worse. This isn’t the kind of problem that can be easily covered up as perfumes and body sprays and layers of deodorant will only mask it a little for a short period of time. If you’re looking for some relief from underarm odor there are several things you can do to reduce the smell.
Step 1
Keep cool. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body thoroughly hydrated to reduce the chance to sweat and stay out of the heat and sunshine as much as possible. The less you sweat, the less odor there will be.
Step 2
Wash under your arms with an antibacterial soap. It’s the combination of sweat and bacteria that creates the smell. Eliminating bacteria will greatly help to get rid of the odor. Be sure to rinse well and dry off completely before getting dressed.
Step 3
Apply deodorant or an antiperspirant after you bathe and dry off and reapply it throughout the day as needed. Deodorants fight against bacterial growth whereas antiperspirant helps to disrupt sweat production. Experiment with different types and brands to find which one is best for you.
Step 4
Wear clothing that won’t overheat your body such as clothing that is light and airy and light in color so as to reflect the sunshine. Don’t wear the same shirt two days in a row. If the odor clings to your clothes add a cup of white vinegar to the cycle next time you wash your laundry to help get rid of the smell.
Step 5
Avoid foods that have their own strong odors such as garlic and onions and red meats. Spicy foods may cause you to sweat and should also be avoided. Opt instead for fresh fruits, vegetables and increase your zinc intake with cucumbers and asparagus as low zinc can lead to body odor issues.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor if the odor is persistent and nothing seems to help. Sometimes medications can cause or worsen body odor, but only your doctor can modify dosage and help to pinpoint any other medical causes for the odor.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Deodorant or antiperspirant
- White vinegar
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