The solution to offensive body odor, for most of us, is to simply use a regular deodorant, but for some of us, that solution doesn't work. Deodorants that don't last any length of time, and the embarrassment it causes, can be troublesome to say the least.
For those that could use some extra help with this problem, here are ten ways to combat offensive body odor and keep you feeling fresh and clean all day.
Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
According to Kenzo Sato, M.D., professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa, the armpits, and the groin area are the most likely places to smell. When our bodies perspire, bacteria begins to grow on our warm bodies. That is the culprit creating body odor. Soap and water will wash away all of that odor-causing bacteria, and if you use a deodorant soap, that is all the better because that will put up a temporary barrier again bacteria. Taking two showers a day will help keep bacteria away, and for some people, that solves the problem.
Wash More Than Your Body
It is surprising how many people will take a shower and put the same dirty clothes back on. Every time you shower, you should put on clean clothes after. Don't wear the same clothes over and over, because the same smelly bacteria that grows on your skin gets on your clothes, and it will stay there until they are washed.
Choose Natural Fabrics
Wear natural fabrics instead of synthetic types because natural fibers will absorb more perspiration than the others. Wearing clothes made of cotton or linen are two good choices.
Walk On the Wild Side
Use the same soap hunters use before they go out into the wild. Before going hunting, the hunters mask, or conceal their body odor so the wild game they are hunting cannot detect them. How do they do that? Most hunting stores will tell you to use pine soap. The executive editor of Field and Stream magazine, Dave Petzal, says, "Pine soap will remove all trace of body odor from anyone's body, but you will smell like a pine forest."
You can use glycerin soap if you don't care for the pine scent, and glycerin soap is odorless.
Wash Like Surgeons Do
If you perspire too much, a regular deodorant might not be good enough to handle a lot of perspiration. If that is the case, try using an antibacterial surgical scrub. It is sold in most pharmacies over the counter. Ask the pharmacist where to find it. This will prevent any bacteria from growing on your skin.
Try an Antiperspirant
If your body odor is caused by not being able to use deodorants because they make you break out in a rash, go to the pharmacy, and ask your pharmacist for an antiperspirant. A deodorant will cover any odor, but an antiperspirant will reduce the amount of water coming from your sweat glands, and is less irritable than deodorants. Sweating less means less bacteria on the skin.
Watch What You Eat
According to Lenise Banse, M.D., a dermatologist with the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, certain proteins and oils in food will remain in your body secretions for several hours after eating them and will create an odor. Foods to be avoided are fish, curry, cumin, and garlic.
Don't Get Irritated
If both deodorants and antiperspirants give you a rash, try using a topical antibiotic cream. It will do the same thing as a deodorant without any irritants such as perfume that is added to most deodorants.
Stay Calm
If you know ahead of time you will be in a situation that will upset you or make you nervous, such as a job interviews, use extra deodorant, because certain emotions will make you perspire more, such as anger or getting excited during a sexual encounter. Try using extra precautions on days facing strong emotions.
Try the Trick for Stinky Dogs
If none of these ideas work, then follow an old remedy for removing skunk odor from pets, and humans too. Take a bath in tomato juice. This really works, only you don't have to fill a bathtub with tomato juice – just pour a couple of cups into your bath water and sit there for bout 15 minutes. This will remove any kind of body odor, even the horrible smell of a skunk.
Following any of these ten ideas should do the trick of getting rid of any bothersome body odor, so you will be able to sit among other people without offending anyone's nostrils, and can feel more confident all day.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sandi Black - Sandi Black- Las Vegas Freelance Writer
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