Underarm odor is something that most of the people suffer from. Often it makes you embarrassed to go out with friends. Teenagers are more prone to underarm odor and they are at a loss as to how to get rid of this problem. There are a few remedies to get rid of underarm odor. First of all, let us see what causes underarm odor.
Smelly Armpit or Underarm odor Causes:
If you think that underarm odor is caused by sweat, you are wrong. In fact, it is the bacteria that are responsible for causing underarm odor. It uses perspiration to multiply, thereby breaking down the keratin, which is a protein that is present on the surface of the skin. This process leads to underarm odor.
How to Eliminate Underarm Odor Permanently:
Antiperspirant:
Most of you use an antiperspirant in the morning after you have had a shower. This proves to be ineffective as the sweat washes it away. So, the best time to apply an antiperspirant is at night, before you go to bed.
Keep underarms dry:
Try to keep your underarms as dry as possible, as it is bacteria that causes underarm odor. You can use wet wipes to dry your underarms whenever you sweat.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Take one teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with 8 Oz of water. Wipe your underarms with it whenever you perspire. Hydrogen peroxide is very effective for killing the bacteria that causes bad smell on your armpits.
Laundry:
If you suffer from smelly armpits, it is important that you change your clothes daily after your bath. If you wear the same outfit, you will not be able to get rid of the smell even after taking bath. Wash your clothes and then wear them. This way you can control underarm odor to a great extent.
Personal hygiene:
Make it a habit to take bath daily, and also after your workout. This will help in removing the underarm odor and also the bacteria that grow in your armpits.
Shave:
If you have underarm odor and you have not shaved your underarms, then it is time that you shave your underarms to get rid of the bad odor.
Nowadays many cosmetic surgeons are offering Botox treatment to prevent underarm odor. Here Botox is injected in the armpits. This prevents nerve impulses from the brain from reaching the sweat glands in the armpits. This helps in reducing underarm sweating as well as underarm odor. This is a costly treatment and effective for those who sweat a lot under their arms.
Home Remedies to Treat Underarms Odor:
Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is said to help in preventing the proliferation of odor causing bacteria because of its acidic nature. All you have to do is to splash some vinegar on your armpits after you have your bath. You need not worthy about the smell of vinegar. It will go off after a while. If you have a broken skin or have just shaved your armpits, avoid using vinegar. Before you use apple cider vinegar on your armpits, perform a spot test to make sure that you are not allergic to it.
Cornstarch or baking soda:
You can kill the bacteria that live under your arms and absorb perspiration by applying baking soda. It is also a good deodorant. Cornstarch also has similar properties and is good for getting rid of underarm odor. It is more absorbent than baking soda.
Dietary change:
People, who have a habit of consuming oily and fatty foods, as well as strong smelling foods like onions, garlic, curries etc, are more prone to smelly armpits and body odors. The reason is that these foods ooze out of the pores, thereby producing odor. This odor attracts bacteria, which multiply and produce even more odor. By avoiding such foods, you can reduce the odor produced by the body, and this will prevent proliferation of bacteria.
Essential oil:
Mix baking soda with lavender or orange essential oil and make a paste. Apply this on your armpits and this can help in controlling the bacteria that cause odor. This way you can prevent underarm odor. Let the paste get dry and then you can wash it off with water. Add enough essential oil, so that the paste you make has a strong smell of the oil. Only then will it be effective.
Iodine:
Iodine is also good for removing odor from the armpits. Apply iodine on your armpits and then scrub your armpits by using a brush with soft bristle. Leave it in your armpits for about 5 minutes and then you can have your shower. Using this continuously for a few days can help in getting rid of underarm odor.
Lemon juice:
Squeeze out juice from a lemon and add a little of water to it. Apply it on your underarms. The acidity of lemon juice can change the pH of the skin, thus making it hard for the bacteria survive and multiply. Let the juice get dry before you wear clothes.
Reduce stress:
As you know, you sweat more when you suffer from stress and anxiety. So, you have to control your stress levels if you want to reduce sweat. Meditation, yoga etc can help you lower your stress levels. You can choose one you are comfortable with. This way you will be able to control underarm odor.
Witch hazel or tea tree oil:
The antibacterial properties of witch hazel and tea tree oil help in getting rid of the odor causing bacteria that proliferate under your arms. Wipe your underarms about 4 to 6 times a day using witch hazel or tea tree oil. This helps in lowering the pH of the skin, thus making it difficult for the bacteria to survive.
So, try to follow some of the tips given above and get rid of underarm odor that has been troubling you.
