Armpit odor can be a troubling problem, particularly if you feel as though you are already taking the proper steps to control it. Making some lifestyle changes or even changing the time of day in which you use your antiperspirant may be enough to control embarrassing odor.
How to Reduce Armpit Odor
Step 1
Shower or bathe daily. Washing your body regularly reduces the amount of bacteria on your body, reports MayoClinic.com. If you don't have time or available resources to shower, you can use a washcloth with soap and water to cleanse your armpits.
Step 2
Trim armpit hair. Binghamton University reports that hair can trap the bacteria that contribute to body odor. Keeping armpit hair neatly trimmed or removing it completely may help combat armpit odor.
Step 3
Apply a deodorant daily. Deodorant combats armpit odor in two ways. First, it contains alcohol or other substances that make the surface of your skin acidic, which discourages growth of bacteria. Second, it usually contains a fragrance intended to mask odors that are present.
Step 4
Wear breathable fabrics. If sweat builds up on your armpits, bacteria are more likely to multiple and create odor. Fabrics that breath, such as cotton, allow air to circulate and sweat to dry, which will reduce the amount of odor produced by your underarms.
Step 5
Use antiperspirant at night. According to website Consumer Reports Health, bedtime application of antiperspirant is more effective than daytime application because sweating occurs less at night. This allows the substances that block sweat to be absorbed more readily by your sweat ducts, making the antiperspirant more effective even after bathing the next morning.
Step 6
Eliminate foods that can contribute to body odor. Armpit odor isn't necessarily caused by bacteria alone. The foods you eat can contribute to the scent of your sweat. Eliminating foods such as garlic, onions or curry from your diet may help reduce underarm odor.
Tips and Warnings
- Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol consumption can contribute to body odor. Reducing or eliminating their use may help reduce armpit odor.
- If your armpit odor changes, it could indicate disease. Consult a physician if you notice a significant change in odor that can't be associated with recently eaten foods.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Antiperspirant
- Scissors or razor
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