ALTERNATIVE THERAPRIES SERIES : 29 : BODY ODOR

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

BODY ODOR


SYMPTOMS

• A distinctive, sweaty odor, especially from the armpits, groin, and feet; usually considered unpleasant.

• Any unusual odor emitted from body tissues, different from sweaty smell, but not necessarily unpleasant.



Americans have an aversion to body odor. It is the source of much self consciousness and locker room humor. It supports a huge industry selling soaps, fragrances, deodorants, and antiperspirants to a willing public. Many cultures, however, don’t understand the problem. They consider body odors normal, acceptable, even erotic. Body odor is a general term for what happens to sweat and other skin secretion when they are acted upon by naturally occurring bacteria. Two types of glands produce sweat, the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are dispersed throughout the body but are concentrated in the armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the forehead. When the body is overheated from hot weather, physical exertion, or fever the eccrine glands helps regulate body temperature by expelling a solution of water and salts that evaporates and cools the skin. the apocrine glands are concentrated in the armpits and around the groin. These glands develop during puberty and have nothing to do temperature regulation; instead, they respond to such condition as sexual arousal, nervousness, and anger, as well as to heat and exertion. The sweaty they produce is rich in organic substance that attract bacteria and produce a strong odor. Scientist believe that such odors may have been recognized as sexual signals by our ancient ancestors, just as they are in most animals.

CAUSES

By itself, sweat doesn’t have an odor. Only after sweat is acted upon by naturally occurring bacteria on the skin does a person develop what we are recognized as a sweaty smell. The smell is especially noticeable in the feet, armpits, and groin, because those areas have a high concentration of sweat glands. Also, shoe and clothing trap perspiration, encouraging bacterial activity. Eating certain foods and taking certain drugs can also causes distinctive smells; the cancer fighting medication tamoxifen, for instance, may induce a distinctive odor. Proteins and oils from food such as onions and certain spices may cause you to give of their characteristic smells. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as zinc, may also contributed to body odor. Women are sometimes troubled by odors associated with menstruation, but most of these can be prevented with good hygiene. Body odor that smells fruity or like nail-polish remover, ammonia, or maple syrup may indicate the presence of the disease or metabolic problem. Disorders that may produce unusual body odor include fungal infections, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and various gastrointestinal problems. A person who has persistent, non-sweaty smell should be checked by a doctor to a diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
TREATMENT

The most effective way to rid your body of odors is to wash soap and water, sometimes more than once day. To help control bacterial activity responsible for a sweaty smell, wash with an antibacterial soap. Deodorants containing mild antibacterial agents and scents help to slow bacterial action and cover up underarm odor, but they don’t stop perspiration. To do that, you have to use an antiperspirant that blocks eccrine glands and suppress their function. If you choose an antiperspirants, be patient; it must be used daily for about a week to provide maximum effectiveness. You should be aware that antiperspirants contain metallic salts that can be absorbs by the skin and may cause irritation. If that happens, discontinue use and try another product, preferably one with different active ingredients. Many authorities discourage the use of antiperspirants altogether. They contend that people should not try to prevent or reduce sweating at all, since it is one of the body’s natural processes.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE

To control unusually persistent, profuse sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis, a doctor may recommended a prescription antiperspirant containing a high concentration of an ingredient such as aluminum chloride. These product must be used with care because they can cause skin irritation.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Tablets containing chlorophyll, a natural plant product, are sold as a deodorant that can be taken orally. Dusting the underarm and toes with baking soda, a good natural deodorants, also help absorb odor. Crystallized mineral salts to control body odor are sold in health and cosmetic stores.

HERBAL THYRAPIES

Preparation containing essential oils of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are recommended as herbal deodorants and can be used antibacterial washes.

NUTRITION AND DIET

Excessive sweating may be linked to a zinc deficiency. Taking 30 to 60 mg zinc supplement daily may help resolve the problem. 
AT HOME REMEDIES

• Bathe, shower, or wash yourself thoroughly every day. Use a mild underarm deodorant or antiperspirant if you arms and between your toes after drying off.

• Change, wash, and dry-clean your clothes often, especially underwear, socks or stockings, and anything worn next to the skin. in hot weather, avoid tight clothing and wear sandals, with or without socks.

• Cotton clothes and leather shoes let perspiration evaporate faster than synthetic materials.

• Excessive body hair helps to retain sweat and bacteria, so one way to minimize body odor is to shave under the arms.