How to reduce sweat odor

The sweltering summer is just around the corner. Already, there are people complaining of the heat and sweating profusely. Let's look into ways to solve body odor.

◇ Cause of the odor

Humans possess two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Most of the sweat we produce comes from eccrine glands. Eccrine glands play a role in regulating body temperature by receiving signals from the sympathetic nervous system and are distributed throughout the body. The sweat produced here consists of 99% water and 1% waste products. Unless germs proliferate and cause an odor, the sweat is colorless and odorless. On the other hand, sweat secreted by apocrine glands contains a high amount of fat and therefore has an odor. Apocrine glands are located in parts of the head, armpits, and groin.

◇ It could be a sign of a disease

Severe body odor can be a sign of bromhidrosis. Bromhidrosis occurs when bacteria or fungi act on the softened stratum corneum of the skin due to excessive sweat secretion from the apocrine glands. You should suspect bromhidrosis if: ▲ your underarms become discolored when wearing white clothes ▲ you have been told by others that you have body odor ▲ you sweat excessively in your armpits ▲ your earwax is usually damp and sticky rather than dry ▲ or there is a family member with bromhidrosis. Treatment involves removing surface secretions, preventing bacterial growth, and adsorbing odor-causing substances. There is also a treatment that involves injecting Botox to temporarily paralyze the sympathetic nerves.

◇ To reduce odor

You can wash odor-causing areas, such as the armpits, with antibacterial soap, or purchase and apply a 0.3% diluted formalin solution from a pharmacy. Applying prickly heat powder or deodorant after showering also helps. In this case, removing armpit hair is more effective.

◇ Correcting dietary habits

Reducing the intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods such as meat, eggs, and butter is also a good method. The skin emits gas during metabolic activity, and the resulting odor varies depending on the food consumed. High-fat and high-calorie foods stimulate sweat gland secretion and intensify body odor. Instead, it is advisable to increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in antioxidants and help prevent oxidation.