Underarm odor is a common occurrence for anyone who sweats. This is because of the environment that sweat provides for anaerobic bacteria to grow and thrive in the armpits. As these bacterial colonies grow and ferment your perspiration, the result is body odor. When underarm odor occurs, there are both commercial and home remedies to help treat the problem.
Hygiene
The first line of defense against underarm odor is bathing with soap on a regular basis. Bathing removes the perspiration, body oils and dead skin cells that bacteria feed off of to create body odor. Bathing daily is important, as well as bathing after physical activities that cause you to sweat.
Deodorant
Deodorants are another basic method to stop underarm odor. Deodorants first work through antimicrobial ingredients, such as triclosan, that kill the bacteria that cause odors. They also work through a variety of active fragrance ingredients, which overpower the natural smell that the bacteria let off.
Antiperspirants
Antiperspirants take underarm odor control one step further than deodorants. Most antiperspirants not only provide the same antimicrobials and fragrance as deodorants but they also provide additional active ingredients that help prevent sweat from occurring. Active ingredients, such as aluminium chloride, aluminium zirconium and aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, provide an extra layer of protection from body odor by clogging the pores of the armpits. Without perspiration providing the necessary environment for bacteria to thrive, bacterial colonies are reduced, along with body odor. Antiperspirants come in both over-the-counter and prescription strength depending on how much you sweat.
There is some concern that the aluminum ingredients in antiperspirants can contribute to the development of certain cancers, such as breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, no clear link has currently been made between cancer and the use of antiperspirants containing aluminum.
Alternative Remedies
Along with the typical supermarket or prescription products, many choose to use alternative remedies for underarm odor. For example, baking soda is a common product used for homemade deodorants. Vinegar is also an option for killing bacteria in the armpits to limit body odor.
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