Sweating is a natural biological function that often occurs during times of stress or anxiety, or as the body cools itself from increased temperatures. Perspiration itself is odorless, but when it mixes together with the bacteria on your skin, an unpleasant odor can occur, states MayoClinic.com. Excessive underarm odor can create uncomfortable situations both socially and professionally. Sometimes, a medical problem may be at the root of excessive body odor, but it is usually a situation you can fix yourself with a combination of different tactics.
Regular Bathing
Keeping your body and underarms clean with regular bathing will help keep the bacteria on your skin under control, explains MayoClinic.com. If underarm odor increases quickly, bathe every day to ease the problem.
Natural Fibers
Wearing clothing made of fabric that allows your skin to breathe will help underarm odor. Choose fabrics such as cotton, silk or wool, which will permit air to flow freely inside.
Relaxation Techniques
Since sweating is one of the components of underarm odor and stress and anxiety contribute to sweating, practicing relaxation techniques may help if you are prone to anxiety. Activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation can help you calm your mind and deal with stressful situations, without the usual stressful result.
Home Remedies
Items you can find around the house can play a role in reducing the bacteria under your arms and eliminating your underarm odor. Soaking a paper towel in apple cider vinegar, then rubbing it under each arm will decrease the pH level and kill bacteria, according to the Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits website. A few drops of tea tree oil or lemon juice may also help with bacteria.
Botox
Botulinum toxin, also known as Botox, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive underarm sweating, in 2004. The Botox is injected directly into the sweat glands under the arms to effectively shut down the sweating mechanism, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. The procedure can be done in a doctor's office and usually doesn't require any restriction as far as activities following your treatment.
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