What is it all about with body odour?

Most of times people find themselves with unpleasant smells without realizing the cause. They claim it is the sun, a long working day, name it, yet even one who did not get sun exposure or a long day of workout may smell. According to experts the cause is bacteria that breaks down sweat into aromatic fatty acids, which produce the unpleasant odour. Dr. Jean Claude Muhindo, a skin doctor, (dermatologist) and general practitioner explains that body odour is a general term referred to when sweat and other skin secretions are acted upon by naturally occurring bacteria - one of the most unpleasant things that people tend to suffer from. Dr. Muhindo said,” everybody sweats. We have to. Sweating is the body’s biological way of cooling down, sweat itself does not smell, but it is a wonderful culture for the bacteria that live on our skin.” Sweating starts when the temperature rises above the normal, then the sweat glands, which act as tiny air conditioners have to maintain the homeostatic balance. Surprisingly our sweat has no odour of its own. It usually smells bad only when the bacteria act on it after reaching the skin surface. The unfortunate part of body odour is that the person who has it may be so accustomed to their own smell they might not notice it. Body odour is individualistic and differs from person to person. However, men sweat more than women, so it is no surprise they are the worst offenders. But young children rarely have body odour because the specialized glands in the armpits and genital areas do not become active until puberty. Dr. Jean-Claude Muhindo said areas that are associated with body odour are the underarms, feet, pubic hair and skin in general. The body odour of a person is dependant upon multiple factors like gender, genetics, health, diet, medication and many more. Not surprising unpleasant body odour can have an adverse effect on a person’s social life. An explanation for the flood in cosmetic stores of body sprays and deodorants. Muhindo explained that most people tend to combat bad body odour with products like deodorants or body sprays as a solution. But it can only diminish the effects temporarily. In fact bad body odour indicates that you are disturbed emotionally or physically. In youth at a stage of puberty, sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones and protein. Oil production by the skin in the armpits and genital areas also increases. Body odour may then become a problem, especially if hygiene is poor. But however, it is also a sign of growth. Nervousness and anxiety form part of body smell symptoms. If you sweat profusely after having done a strenuous physical exercise workout, chances are you are going to smell badly. The foot produces its own characteristic odour. We tend to wrap them in socks and shoes, making them hot and humid and allowing fungi, as well as bacteria, to flourish. Muhindo also says serious illness, fungal infections ,kidney disease, liver problem, strong medications, alcoholism, smoking, deficiency of zinc in the body, cavities, presence of toxins in the body - release chemicals that cause the unpleasant smell. Body odour may be influenced by diet. People with body odour should avoid foods that are rich in lecithin or cantina/lysine such as Soya products, corn, wheat and also chocolates, peanuts, nuts, raisins, cereals, eggs, or limit the intake of these foods to a small part of the daily diet. Such foods contain chemicals that are excreted in the skin. Body odour is often easily treated and a medical diagnosis is not usually necessary, the doctor said. Take a regular bath or shower, at least once a day. After that using an anti-perspirant can help to reduce sweating, and some also inhibit bacterial growth. The smell almost always disappears with a shower or bath, but can return rapidly, especially if a person puts on unwashed clothes covered in old sweat and bacteria. It is therefore essential to wash clothes thoroughly; particularly clothing that comes into contact with sweaty areas such as socks, underwear and shirts. Fresh clothes should be worn every day, and clothing should be washed at as high a temperature as possible, then dried as quickly as possible. Bacteria can survive in damp clothing and produce a characteristic smell. Another useful trick is to shave your armpits because this hair provides a greater surface area for sweat to adhere to giving the bacteria a fertile breeding ground. Feet should be washed regularly, dried thoroughly and treated with antifungal powder if necessary. Avoid closed, sweaty shoes such as trainers, and wear fresh cotton socks or keep feet bare in open sandals as often as possible. Dr. Jean-Claude Muhindo, proposed some supplements such as chlorophyll tablets or chlorophyll liquid at each meal they may also help because chlorophyll is a great deodorizer, vitamin B combined with magnesium, can help reduce certain secretions that can be a cause of odour and also zinc tablets. No more body odour feel fresh and interact with everyone else confidently. Contact: byawakaj@yahoo.com