YOUR best friend may have the look, confidence and all, but that body odour makes you rethink her personality altogether, every time.
Body odour (B.O) or bromhidrosis is a common phenomenon but pointing it out to the sufferers (especially your friend) may offend them. So, you hold your breath while you can and suffer in silence.
Body odour happens at puberty due to increasing hormones called androgens.
Research shows that those who are obese and eat spicy food regularly are susceptible to body odour.
Apart from taking care of personal hygiene, deodorants and anti-perspirants can be used to control sweat and body odour effectively.
However, understanding the problem is the first step to dealing with it.
CULPRIT: BACTERIA
Sweating regulates body temperature and helps the body to stay cool. Sweat is odourless, but when it meets the bacteria on the skin, it emits a rancid smell that we call body odour.
IMC Orion Healthcare Distribution medical consultant Dr Mohd Ariffuddin Che Mohd Ariffin says sweat glands provide an important source of nutrients for bacterial growth.
He says there are two types of sweat glands — eccrine and apocrine. The eccrine gland, found in virtually all skin, regulates body temperature and produces water and salt.
The apocrine gland is responsible for body odour. It is located in the armpits, areola and nipples, genital area and other areas abundant with hair follicles. When under emotional stress, it secretes proteins, lipids and steroids.
“The body odour is produced when bacteria breaks down the sweat into volatile acids,” says Dr Mohd Ariffuddin.
He explains: “Body odour is caused by two types of bacteria — corynebacteria and stathylococci.
“Corynebacteria produces hexanoic acid that smells rancid and cheesy, while stathylococci gives off fruity, onion-like smells.”
He says body odour is affected by gender, ethnicity, emotion, food as well as physiological, emotional and environmental factors.
“Research says the problem is more prevalent in females. Females also have a much more intense and sulphur odour intensity than male sweat,” he adds.
WIPE IT AWAY
Deodorants and anti-perspirants — roll-ons, sticks, sprays and creams — can help to control sweat and body odour. The products contain ingredients to either eliminate bacteria that causes the smell (deodorants) or prevent sweat from reaching the skin surface (anti-perspirants).
Dr Mohd Ariffuddin says there are increasing studies on the negative effects of frequent use of deodorants and anti-perspirants to the body. “There are studies linking the ingredients of deodorants and anti-perspirants like aluminium salts or parabens to cancer and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
“A study by KG McGrath which was published in the European Journal of Cancer Prevention in 2003 concluded that underarm shaving with anti-perspirant or deodorant use may play a role in the earlier onset of breast cancer,” he says.
Although there is no conclusive research linking the use of both products to various illnesses, that actually inspired him to create an innovative product to control body odour. The product — 28-Hour Deodorant — comes in the form of fragrant wet tissues that helps to eliminate bacteria which causes the unpleasant smell.
He says the wet wipes do not contain alcohol and parabens and are 100 per cent aluminium-free. “The wet wipes are formulated to eliminate odour not only at the underarm, but also feet and other areas with hair follicles.
“The ingredients are safe and suitable for all skin types. However, those with wounds or patients on dialysis or have acute or chronic kidney diseases are advised to consult us prior to using the wet wipes,” he says.
Unlike some deodorants and anti-perspirants, the wet wipes do not leave an unpleasant sticky feel after application.
The product is handy for travellers and bedridden patients who cannot bathe or shower, he adds.
Details at www.28jamdeodoran.my orwww.facebook.com/28jamdeodoran
Dealing With B.O.
1. Cut down food that makes you sweat more such as spicy food as well as strong-smelling food like petai, onions and garlic.
The aroma can be carried in the sweat, making you smell bad.
2. Keep yourself clean. Shower frequently and wash thoroughly on areas prone to sweating. A shower can wash away sweat and reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin.
3. Dry yourself completely after a shower. Dry skin makes it harder for bacteria to breed.
4. Use anti-bacterial soap and lotion.
5. Change clothes and underwear regularly, especially when you sweat heavily. Fresh clothes help keep body odour at bay.
6. Change socks regularly if you have foot odour. Use deodorant powders in your shoes, replace insoles frequently or go barefoot if possible.
Source: Dr Mohd Ariffuddin Che Mohd Ariffin & adapted fromwww.webmd.com
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