Body odour can become a major problem if not taken care of. The precursors of body odour i.e. sweat and dirt could also lead to skin problems if excess. Although it is essentially associated with hygiene, it may also be influenced by genetic build-up, diet etc. There are many myths about it too, and various solutions on how to get rid of body odour.
Myth about how to get rid of body odour: Sweat
Sweat is actually almost odourless. Bacteria present naturally on skin chemically break down sweat to produce the stink. Whenever you do any physical activity, it is good to take a bath to prevent setting in of body odour.
Myth about how to get rid of body odour: Soap
A good hot bath even without soap gets rid of all dead skin, compacted sweat, and everything that can be broken down by bacteria. Soap can never exterminate all the bacteria, so the fragrance is all it gives. Also soap is a chemical, and not using it works just fine. The best option is a regular bathing habit.
Prerequisites of how to get rid of body odour
A daily bath is absolutely essential, plus a bath whenever any sweaty activity is done. During a bath, care should be taken that a thorough rubbing is given to oneself. Thorough cleaning of parts such as the groin and armpits is necessary, since these areas have coarse hair and compacted sweat and sometimes pheromone secretions which promote bacterial activity. Change of clothes (and washing of clothes) everyday is essential too, since your clothes, especially socks and innerwear import sweat and bacteria from your body. Washing of shoes regularly is required for countering foot odour.
Besides the obvious methods, the following are also effective
How to get rid of body odour Solution 1: Hair
Hair gives a greater surface area for bacteria to flourish, and hence its absence, especially from the stinky areas is advisable. A shampoo bath once a week is helpful. More importantly, a good practice is to trim or regularly shave armpit and pubic hair, since body odour is very often associated with these parts.
How to get rid of body odour Solution 2: Deodorants
Deodorants usually reduce sweating significantly and kill bacteria. Take care to not apply too much, though; it may cause irritation. Also deodorants have a fragrance which improves aesthetics.
How to get rid of body odour Solution 3: Clothing
Tight clothing promotes sweating, which in turn promotes bacterial growth. Unless the situation demands warm clothing, light, well ventilated clothes are advisable. Tight clothing like elastic straps, tight jeans should be avoided if you have a tendency to sweat profusely.
How to get rid of body odor Solution 4: Posture
Your posture can induce sweating, especially in areas which have skin in contact with skin, such as insides of knees and elbows, armpits and groin. Sitting for long periods also induces sweating on the skin of the buttocks. A frequent change of posture is advised.
How to get rid of body odour Solution 5: Environment
If you are in a hot and humid place, you cannot do much but bathe. If you can influence the environment, though, it is good to have a well-ventilated, cool, moderate humidity environment. Air movement is important since it evaporates sweat.
How to get rid of body odour Solution 6: Foot odour
Foot odor can persist for a long time since it is difficult to change or wash shoes as often as clothes. Feet have a large number of sweat glands, and if enclosed, tend to release a lot of sweat. The sweat and bacteria, plus dirt are transferred to socks and shoes. An effective method is to wash feet thoroughly every time you remove your footwear. Also choice of footwear socks can bring about a change. Both should be well-ventilated. Cotton socks are better than nylon or polyester socks. Nowadays shoes with odour eaters on the insoles are also available.