Body odor is referred to as an unpleasant smell of the body. Usually, it is noticeable in people who sweat a lot and those who do not have a good personal hygiene. As an effect, they may have low self-esteem due to social restrictions, but it can be managed. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for body odor.
Causes
Body odor is primarily associated with sweating and bacteria. As per the Medical News Today, this occurs when the body sweats and the bacteria living on the skin break down the sweat into acids, which results to the unpleasant smell. Since this is the root cause of body odor, improper hygiene, such as not taking a bath will leave the situation unresolved.
Signs and Symptoms
People sweat naturally; however, the odor varies from one person to another, as per Mayo Clinic. According to the publication, a person should see his doctor if he suddenly begin to sweat more than the usual, if sweating disrupts his daily routine, if he experiences night sweats without an exact reason, and if he notices a change in his body odor.
Home Remedies
While deodorants are widely used as counter to body odor, home remedies can also be applied to manage the condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice
Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice are both weak acid forms and they serves as remedies for body odor. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, apple cider is a potent anti-bacterial agent and it helps the body maintain a balanced skin pH. As per the publication, the person soaks a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and rubs it on his underarms. Then, he waits for two to three minutes prior to taking a shower. The remedy is done two time a day – one in the morning and one prior to going to bed. As an option, the person may also add two teaspoons of the vinegar, along with honey, to a glass of warm water. The mixture is consumed thrice a day prior to eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Conversely, lemon juice helps manage body odor with its acidic property, which reduces the skin’s pH; this kills acid-sensitive bacteria due to failure to thrive. As per the publication, the person cuts one lemon into two halves. Then, he rubs half of it on the underarms, ensuring that the juice gets onto the skin. He allows it to dry, before he takes his shower. The remedy can be done once a day until the odor resolves.
Baking Soda and Lime Juice
The blend of baking soda and lime is another remedy for body odor. According to Rapid Home Remedies, baking soda helps absorb the sweat and eliminate bacteria, making it a natural deodorant. Then, lime also has its acidic properties, just like lemon, making it hard for the bacteria to survive. As per the publication, the person needs baking soda and lime or lemon. He mixes the baking soda and lime juice to make a paste, which is applied to the underarms. The person leaves the paste on the underarms for about five to ten minutes, before rinsing them with water. Once done, the person may take a bath. An alternative to this remedy is cornstarch; it serves as a more potent sweat absorbent than baking soda, so it is beneficial to people who sweat a lot.
It is not advisable to let body odor ruin one’s lives due to social issues and concerns. Home remedies can help manage the situation, as well as medical consult if the condition is persistent. This will enable the person to assess the situation, plan, make actions, learn, and evaluate outcomes.
Source: 54health.com
