Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)

Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)
How to detect and fix body odour

By Dr Shyneth Galapia | Reprinted with permission from Ezyhealth & Beauty magazine

Click here for Part 1

Body odour may also be influenced by poor hygiene, age (more common in adolescents, adults), gender (male) and diet. Dr Chan says, “Food like garlic, curry, strong spices and too much red meat can contribute to body odour.”

There’s a solution to whatever is causing body odour. Hygiene is of utmost importance. A little help from deodorants and antiperspirants are often enough to get rid of the offending odour.

Visit a dermatologist when these tricks fail to solve your odour troubles or if you suspect that a medical problem are is causing your body odour.

NECK
Odour trouble: Neck stench (accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Apply absorbent agent such as baby powder
- Don’t allow sweat to dry; wipe it off right away

UNDERARMS
Odour trouble: Underarm stink (increased number of sweat glands, accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Routinely apply deodorants or antiperspirants
- Get rid of underarm hair

CHEST/BACK
Odour trouble: Smelly torso (accumulation of sweat)

How to fix:
- Apply an absorbent agent such as baby powder
- Trim or get rid of chest hairs
- Wear cotton undergarments or use garment shields to help absorb the sweat. Lightweight clothing is also recommended
- Wipe off sweat right away

FEET
Odour trouble: Smelly feet (increased number of sweat glands, accumulation of sweat, fungal infection)

How to fix:
- Keep your feet clean and dry (don’t forget the spaces between your toes)
- Wear a clean pair of cotton socks everyday
- Use foot deodorants and antiperspirants
- Go barefoot when you can, to allow air to dry your feet
- Consult a dermatologist for fungal infection

GROIN/GENITALIA
Odour trouble: Malodorous groin (increased number of sweat glands; vaginal infections)

How to fix:
- Make sure to wash your private parts thoroughly each time you bathe
- Using a gentle feminine wash may help keep the area fresh
- Wear cotton undergarments to help absorb the sweat
- Consult a doctor for vaginal infections

HEAD
Odour trouble: Smelly hair and scalp (increased number of sweat glands, oil, dandruff, cigarette smoke, dust)

How to fix:
- Wash hair regularly
- Consult a dermatologist for dandruff and scalp disorders

GENERAL HYGIENE PRACTICES
- Bathe daily, even twice or thrice a day if you sweat profusely
- Wear clean, dry clothes. Bacteria strive in moist environment

Special thanks to Dr Chan Yuin Chew, Dermatologist, Dermatology Associates, Gleneagles Medical Centre and Dr Eileen Tan, Dermatologist, Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre.

Sources:
1. Are You A Walking Smell Bomb? (Part 2/2)
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003218.htm
3. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sweating-and-body-odor/DS00305