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What is body odour and who is more prone to suffer from the condition. Body odour is an unavoidable happening of the human body that happens to us all. No one is exempt. It is a natural body function (sweat) on the skin surface which causes body odour.
As much as we talk of smell and odor, sweat is actually odourless but if left on the skin the bacteria that normally live on the skin break it down. This process releases chemicals that give it an unpleasant smell. Because each individual is different - their sweating maybe more severe than that to what others may suffer. Sweating can be mild for some people where they use a tissue to dab themselves dry whereas in contrast some people may need towel because they sweat profusely.
Some areas of the skin such as the armpits and genitals are more likely to produce body odour because the sweat glands in these areas are slightly different. These glands produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on. Sweat elsewhere in the body is mostly salty water and bacteria cannot thrive so easily, so less odour-forming chemicals are made.
One common body odour we can all relate too is that of smelly feet (The dreaded cheesy smell) Foot odour normally forms because the feet are closed in i.e. covered in socks and shoes, this of course then makes them hot humid and sticky allowing fungi as well as bacteria to flourish.
Distinguishing body odour smells can be so very different on each person.Some body odours can rise from your diet. Particular food types can enforce smells. Chemicals contained in certain edibles that encourage excretion in the skin are the much favoured Indian curry, garlic and even strong spices. Body odour is more directed towards adults because kiddies rarely have body odour. The reason for this is because young children have not yet reached puberty. Puberty is when specialised glands in the armpits and genital areas become active. However in saying that it does not mean a child will not smell if they don’t wash.
Hygiene is most profound for the prevention of body odors developing. There are many products to help reduce odors or unpleasant smells, but if bathing is not sanctioned then these products will not help, in fact they will only add to your problem, e.g. stale sweat on the body sprayed over with a scented deodorant. At puberty sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones and protein, and oil production by the skin in armpits and genital areas increases.
Body smells vary from person to person. In a nut shell body odour is a smell that is unpleasant if sniffed. Hot and humid conditions can make you sweatier hence more odours.
Keeping body odour at bay is easy unless your body odour type needs medical attention. Have regular showers at least once a day. After reaching puberty use antiperspirants and deodorant these are useful in helping to reduce sweating (some also inhibit bacterial growth).
Fresh clothes is important, never put on an item of clothing that you have worn prior because bacteria may still be settled on the sweaty garment. Clothing should be washed at a high temperature and then dried as quickly as possible (bacteria can survive in damp clothing and produce a characteristic smell within the clothing).
To avoid any dreadful pong from smelly feet the feet need to be washed and dried thoroughly and treated with antifungal (anti-athlete's foot) powders if necessary. Unless the smell is caused by an infection - then washing regularly is the best way to keep body odour at a minimum..
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