Minimizing our body odours

Bromhidrosis is the medical term for unpleasant body odours associated with sweating.

The fact that 2023 is the hottest year on record has made it extremely challenging to keep our body odours to ourselves.

Men have larger sweat glands than women in their armpits and are less likely to shave this area, these two factors predispose them to a more unpleasant body odour.

Most underarm products are a combination of a deodorant and an antiperspirant. Deodorants reduce odours by decreasing the bacterial count, while antiperspirants reduce the volume of sweat produced.

Where sweat originates

Our bodies have two types of sweat glands. The eccrine glands are found over most of our body and release sweat via our pores onto our skin in accordance with our body temperature. As the sweat evaporates we cool down.

The apocrine glands, which begin to function in puberty, are found in the naturally hairy areas of our body. In particular the axilla (armpits), the groin, and pubic areas. The sweat released from these glands is lipid (fat) rich and is thicker and milkier than the sweat released from the eccrine glands. This sweat is normally odourless until it combines with the skin’s bacteria.

The areas of our body where bromhidrosis is most likely to emanate from:

● Armpits
● Groin
● Feet
● Genital/ pubic area
● Back of ears
● Anus
● Umbilicus (Navel)

Why does sweat smell?

It should be emphasized that sweat by itself is for the most part odourless. However, body odours primarily arise when the bacteria that are naturally present on the skin mix with our sweat, body salts, and fats in the sweat. The body odour is also influenced by additional factors such as:

● The build-up of Staphylococcus hominis on your skin, especially armpits. This bacteria contains an enzyme called C-T lyase which is responsible for converting substances in sweat into the fetid compound, thioalcohol.
● Your diet – e.g. Onion, garlic, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, callaloo, broccoli, cauliflower, kale), red meat, MSG, caffeine, curry, hot sauce, alcohol, chilly, cumin, horseradish, leeks, scallions, asparagus,
● Change in blood hormone levels – i.e. puberty, ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause,
● Medicines that you may be taking – e.g. tramadol, PPIs (omeprazole, Alocid, lansoprazole, pantoprazole), codeine, pregabalin, gabapentin, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants, pilocarpine, NSAIDs (Voltaren, diclofenac, Aleve, naprosyn, Motrin, ibuprofen), lithium, bisphosphonates, some HIV medications, L-thyroxine.
● Medical conditions – e.g. diabetes, elevated uric acid levels (Gout), hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, infections, cancers.
● Ambient temperature – the higher the temperature the greater the volume of sweat produced and the increased chance of a worsening body odor.
● Stress levels – Stress influences the volume of sweat produced.
● Body weight – Overweight persons are likely to sweat more and may report a malodorous body odour.
● Genetic factors – Your genetics can influence the makeup of your sweat. The more appetizing the contents of your sweat are to the skin's bacteria the more they will thrive.
Ultimately intensifying body odour.

When should one be concerned about sweating?

● A marked change in the volume of sweat that your body produces.
● When sweating impacts daily life.
● Sweating at night for no apparent reason.
● There is a sustained change in the odor of your sweat.
● If cold sweating.

Controlling body odour with home remedies

● Washing at least twice a day the entire body with soap and water, paying particularly close attention to areas that are most likely to generate odors, as outlined above. Dry yourself thoroughly afterward.
● Shaving the armpits regularly has been shown to reduce the odour generated from this area. With less hair, there is reduced bacterial buildup.
● Change and wash your clothes regularly.
● A good antiperspirant reduces the volume of sweat produced and the buildup of odour- generating bacteria in the armpit. This ultimately results in a reduction of the odour coming from the armpits.
● Wear light-coloured cotton clothing
● Once there are no medical contraindications, consider washing and or applying any of the following to your underarms – baking soda, dissolved rock salt, green tea, tomato juice, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and or witch hazel
● Ensure that you have an adequate intake of water
● Prior to considering the treatments outlined below, antiseptic scrubs, and or antibiotic ointments can be used in the areas of greatest concern regarding odor generation.
These should not be the initial go-to options, for this approach can facilitate the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria.

Controlling body odour in extreme circumstances

● A prescription-strength antiperspirant containing up to 30% aluminum chloride can be prescribed in order to significantly reduce the volume of sweat produced by the armpits.
● Botox injected directly into the armpit can significantly reduce the volume of sweat produced by this area.
● Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) is a type of surgery that is directed at severing the nerves controlling armpit sweating.
● Liposuction may be carried out on your armpits in order to remove the apocrine sweat glands.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale. For appointments: clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300, (Office), 1(784)455-0376
(WhatsApp)

Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper, or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.