BODY ODOUR- CAUSES AND REMEDIES

   Body odour is simply defined as the unpleasant odour given off by the body. Body odour is something that most people have to deal with at some level, it can affect a person's confidence and self-esteem and in extreme cases, it can lead to anxiety, depression and social withdrawal .
   Body odour causes can vary from person to person based on a number of different factors. Understanding some of the basic causes of body odour will help to point people in the right direction for finding suitable ways to reduce and prevent body odour.

CAUSES OF BODY ODOUR

1. Sweat
   The human body (skin) has two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

Eccrine – Eccrine glands occur over most of the body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. Eccrine sweat glands secrete sweat directly onto the skin. that is responsible for cooling the body when temperature rises. It is also primarily made up of water.

Apocrine – Apocrine glands develop in areas abundant in hair follicles, such as the areola,armpits, groin and around the eyelids. They produce sweat that is like a milky fluid, that is thick nd also contains what bacteria feed on as it’s secreted. It is commonly secreted when you're under emotional stress and it is odourless until it combines with bacteria found normally on the skin. They are larger than eccrine glands and are dormant in the body until puberty.

2. Bacteria
  We all know that bacteria and sweat are mostly to be blamed for body odour. Sweat itself is odourless by nature but, the bacteria on the skin break down sweat molecules and produce acid compounds that have an odour which therefore, results to body odour. These acids have distinct smells and are typically what constitutes body odour.

3. Illness and Medication
   Some medical conditions can cause someone to smell differently. For instance, a fruity smell can sometimes be a sign of diabetes, while a bleach-like smell may indicate liver or kidney disease.
   Antipsychotic and antidepressant can result in excessive sweating as side effects. Also, overuse of aspirin can also lead to an increase in sweat production.

4. Food
   The food we eat can play a role in our body odour and our breathe. The nutrients and compounds in food can influence odour. For example, organic compounds like sulfides have pungent odours and are often released in the body as food is broken down. Over consumption of foods that are associated with body odour can lead to increased body odour. Some of these foods are:
- Red meat
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Seafood
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Onions
- Spices such as coriander, curry etc.

5. Hormonal Changes
  A common side effect of menopause are hot flashes which can lead to increased perspiration. More odour compounds are produced as more sweat
is produced. Also, males that have low levels of testosterone due to improperly working testicles tend to sweat more which can lead to body odour.

WAYS TO REDUCE BODY ODOUR
   Body odour problem can be managed by getting rid of excess skin bacteria  which are responsible for the smell. Here are some self care advice:

1. Good Hygiene
- Apocrine glands are responsible for producing body odour, and the armpits contain a large number of it, so keeping the armpits clean, dry and free of bacteria can reduce body odour.
- Take a bath or shower at least twice every day to kill the bacteria on your skin and also remove dead skin and fatty acids that accumulate throughout the day, especially on hot days. It is important to use an antibacterial soap to wash the body thoroughly especially under the arms, chest and groin area.
- Wash your armpits thoroughly using an antibacterial soap.
- Shave your armpits regularly to allow sweat to evaporate quicker, giving bacteria less time to break it down.
- Wear clean clothes, and make sure you wash your clothes regularly.

2. Deodorant and antiperspirant
   Use a deodorant or an antiperspirant after bathing or showering. Deodorants and antiperspirants work in two ways to help reduce body odor. Deodorants work by using perfume to mask the smell of sweat, while Antiperspirants contain aluminium chloride and aluminum chlorohydrate, which reduces the amount of sweat produced by the body. So they temporarily control bacterial growth by dissolving in sweat and forming a barrier over the glands thereby preventing sweat from being released onto the surface of the skin. Use roll-on antiperspirants if you sweat heavily.

3. Choice of clothing
   Wear natural fibres, such as wool or cotton which allow your skin to breathe,and which will make sweat to evaporate quicker.

4. Well Balanced Diet
   Because certain foods and spices like red meat, garlic and curry contain high amounts of sulfides and other compounds that causes body odour, Limit the amount of those foods. Keep a balanced diet consisting of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables