Ways to Treat and Prevent Body Odor

Actually, most of the sweat that we produce does not have any smell. Eccrine glands, found in most of the exposed areas of the body, produce a watery sweat that usually evaporates quickly, leaving behind only dry skin, which does not attract much odor-producing bacteria. Apocrine glands produce sweat that bacteria love, and the odor created from the combination of eccrine and apocrine sweat can be a humdinger. The apocrines are located in parts of the body where moisture can collect and thus attract bacteria. So if your daily shower does not seem to be enough to keep your body odor at bay, here are some ways that you might wish to adopt.

1. Watch What You Are Eating

Certain foods, particularly spicy foods and those made with garlic, can increase body odor. If you suspect that a food or spice is causing your body odor problem, eliminate if from your diet to see if that helps.

2. Air Out Your Shoes

For as many hours as possible, go barefoot. Let your shoes air out for at least 24 hours between wearings.

3. Try Antibacterial Soap

Since body odor is the result of apocrine secretions combining with bacteria, an antibacterial soap can temporarily eliminate the source of the most offensive odors. However, some antibacterial soaps can dry out or irritate your skin. In that case, use a soap substitute like Dove or Cetaphil to help add moisture when washing the less odor-producing parts of your body.

4. Wipe The Sweat Away

Baby wipes are not just for babies. They are especially handy when you are under stress and your sweat glands are secreting more odor-producing moisture than usual. Alternatively, use a premoistened towelette to wash away the odor instantly.

5. Be Smart About Socks

Make sure your socks are absorbent so that they can soak up and draw moisture away from the foot. One of the best materials to look for in socks is a synthetic called polypropylene. And make sure you change your socks frequently, especially after any type of strenuous activity or if you are prone to foot odor.

6. Apply Powder

Odor-producing bacteria hate dry places. You can keep your body dry by applying talcum powder to any odorous areas. If you suffer from yeast infections, avoid products that contain cornstarch, as they can exacerbate the problem.

7. Initiate The Attack

Entrenched fungus that causes foot odor and chronic athlete's foot may require stronger measures. Over-the-counter products containing miconazole nitrate, found in Desenex spray, or clotrimazole, found in Cruex or Mycelex cream can kill the source of such irritation and may save you from further distress. Use as is directed on the label.

About The Author:
Raymond Lee Geok Seng is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is a writer specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He has spent countless of time and efforts conducting research and share his insightful and powerful secrets to benefit men and women all over the world. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.