In earlier times, the recognition of special body odors in patients depended mainly on the acumen of the olfactory perceptions of the examining physician. In fact, before the modern laboratory facilities were available, physicians used the distinctive odors of certain diseases like diabetes, diphtheria, scurvy, yellow fever, typhoid etc as an important sign in confirming the diagnosis.
Today, however, there are advanced techniques like gas chromatography and mass spectrometry which help in pinpointing the exact odor producing chemicals in a given secretion or tissue. Infants with malodorous sweat should be investigated for the inherited aminoacidurias. Other lab tests would follow the physician’s assessment as to the probable cause of the abnormal body odor.
Body Odor Remedies
Once the exact or suspected causes of abnormal body odor are determined, the following principles apply in getting rid of the offensive body smells.
Treatment of Armpit Odor
Odor from the armpits is the main source of body odor. Hence treatment of armpit odor is of paramount importance in getting rid of abnormal body odors.
- Scrupulous cleansing of the armpits several times a day, preferably with a germicidal soap or povidone iodine skin cleanser, removes the axillary apocrine sweat and also suppresses the growth of the armpit bacteria.
- Reduction of the bacterial flora in the armpits through use of non-sensitizing topical antiseptic creams or solutions is a very important remedy for armpit odor. Regular use of deodorants containing metallic aluminum, zirconium, and zinc salts or hexachlorophene achieves this.
- Shaving the armpit hair prevents accumulation of sweat and bacteria in this area and the resulting malodors.
- Wearing cotton absorbent clothing and changing it frequently helps get rid the body odors
- In individuals who have axillary hyperhidrosis, use of topical aluminum chloride 20% or intradermal injection of Botox reduces the sweating.
- Finally, masking the odor with the use of perfumes is a common treatment option. These agents may cause allergic contact dermatitis, hence should be used with caution. Preferably these should be applied to the clothes only.
Remedy Generalized Abnormal Body Odor
The treatment of generalized body odor also involves control of sweating, application of antiperspirants in the folds, use of antibacterials and masking of the offensive odor through the use of perfumes. While cleansing, special attention is given to the body folds, which are the most common source for body odor. Particular attention is needed to control food habits, reduce weight and proper control of diabetes, if present.
Frequent applications of antifungal or antibacterial dusting powders help reduce bacterial flora and absorb the excessive sweating.
Remedy for the Foot Odor
Excessive sweating of the feet also predisposes to maceration, bacterial and fungal infections and unpleasant foot and body odors. Excessive palmoplantar hyperhidrosis may be controlled through topical antiperspirants, tap water iontophoresis, intradermal Botox injections, etc. Regular cleansing with germicidal soaps, use of absorbent powders inside the socks, and daily feet soaks with potassium permanganate or Burrow’s solution will get rid of the smelly feet.
Taking care of the fungal and yeast infections of the feet and intertriginous area in between the toes, if present, is also important in curing the offensive feet odors. A bacterial infection with punched out round depressions on the soles, known as pitted keratolysis, responds well to antibacterial treatment.
In addition to the above, avoiding excess intake of garlic, onion, spices, fish, mutton (sheep), and alcohol also helps reduce the offensive body odors. Drinking lots of water, fresh juice and increasing intake of green leafy vegetables improve the body odor. Avoiding red meats and opting for lean meats is also advisable to reduce strong body smells. Changing the type of milk consumed sometimes help in changing body odors in children.
Home Remedy for Body Odor
Many home or natural remedies have been suggested to get rid of offensive body odor. Out of these, some useful ones include: a few drops of rose water in the bath water, cider vinegar in water as armpit cleanser, tea tree oil in water as deodorant spray and turnip juice as an underarm deodorant.
Frequent bathing and changing into fresh cotton clothing, especially during summer months, is the vital step in getting rid of abnormal body odor.
Reference
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or Suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
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