The armpits are a common source of excessive body odor, but armpit odor is not caused by sweating. Perspiration is mostly odorless. Armpit odor occurs when bacteria feed off the oily sweat produced by the apocrine sweat glands and multiply. Body odor is often more severe under the arms because sweat evaporation is limited by clothing and arm position. Preventing armpit odor involves controlling bacteria growth, reducing sweating and increasing air circulation to the underarms.
Step 1
Wash your underarms twice each day using an antibacterial soap and warm water. This will help control bacteria growth and clean away any accumulated oil from under your arms. Excessive sweating may necessitate more frequent bathing.
Step 2
Wear clean clothing made of natural fabrics. Armpit odor can seep into fabrics, causing them to smell. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, improve air circulation under your arms and help keep you dry and free of odor.
Step 3
Wipe your underarms with witch hazel or white vinegar after bathing, but before applying deodorant or antiperspirant. Rub your armpits with a cotton ball soaked in vinegar to kill bacteria and lower your skin's pH. The bacteria responsible for body odor cannot survive in lower pH levels.
Step 4
Use a deodorant and/or antiperspirant to control odor and sweating. Deodorants minimize and mask body odor, but they do not stop or reduce sweating. Antiperspirants work by clogging the sweat glands under your arms, which cuts off the food supply to the bacteria responsible for producing armpit odor. Prescription-strength antiperspirants are available if over-the-counter products are ineffective.
Step 5
Dust your underarms with baby powder, cornstarch or baking soda to absorb moisture and odor throughout the day. TeensHealth recommends using underarm pads to absorb excess sweat, control odor and prevent clothing stains.
Step 6
Eat a diet rich in green, leafy vegetables, and add parsley and alfalfa to your meals. These foods may help neutralize negative odors, according to Columbia University. Avoid consuming caffeinated beverages and spicy or pungent foods, such as garlic and onions, if they alter and increase your body odor.
Step 7
Learn stress reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help control sweating and armpit odor triggered by anxiety and stress. The MayoClinic.com states that stressful situations can trigger excessive perspiration in some people.
Tips and Warnings
- Taking chlorophyll, magnesium or zinc supplements may help improve your armpit odor, according to Health911.com. The MayoClinic.com explains that the amount you perspire is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, strenuous exercise, environmental heat, anxiety, diet, mood, medications, hormones, and underlying medical conditions.
- Columbia University warns that a sudden change in your body odor may indicate a potentially serious underlying disease, such as diabetes, heart problems or a thyroid disorder. Consult your doctor if excessive sweating and armpit odor are new symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Witch hazel
- White vinegar
- Cotton balls
- Deodorant
- Antiperspirant
- Cornstarch
- Absorbent underarm pads
- Parsley
- Alfalfa
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