Mel’s Ten Tips for Avoiding Body Odor

Body odor is considered a very offensive personal characteristic in today’s modern world. In one study in which I took part, carried out by the British Dental Association some seventeen years ago, body odor led the objective human properties, ahead of bad breath, scruffy clothes and dirty fingernails. How do we control it?

I studied bad breath and body odor for several decades, invented a deodorant soap and carried out research on armpit bacteria using a novel device. This e-book is a combination of what I have learned as a scientist, and my personal thoughts, and my tips should be construed as such.

Characteristic body odour comes from the armpits (axilla). It develops at puberty and continues during our sexual lives. In the armpit, two types of glands (eccrine and apocrine) secrete aqueous and fatty substances that the bacteria need to thrive and produce gases.

Tip One

Carry out good personal hygiene. Shower often (depending on climate, your job, and the level of your physical activity). I do not have a strenuous job but I live in a warm moist climate and therefore shower at least once a day.

Tip Two

Showering with soap is not good enough – you also need the abrasion. For the areas that are moist and smell the most (armpits and between legs) you may want to use a cloth or sponge.

Tip Three

When you shower, concentrate on the areas of your body that accumulate grime and odors during the day, This might be restricted to the head, face and neck, axilla and groin.

Tip Four

Clothes that come into contact with the armpit should be made of 100% cotton. Synthetic textiles tend to trap and release the odors, perhaps because of their inferior moisture wicking abilities. with soap is not good enough – you also need the abrasion. For the areas that are moist and smell the most (armpits and between legs) you may want to use a cloth or sponge.

Tip Five

Bacteria can persist on clothing so wash upper body clothing at the highest possible temperature (temperatures over 70 degrees Celsius are the best).

Tip Six

In warm climates (or if you work under stressful or highly active conditions), your short or blouse will smell after one day of wearing. Don’t rewear it before washing it.

Tip Seven

Aluminium salts are highly effective as anti-perspirants – they clog the sweat pores that give the bacteria food and moisture. Problem is that aluminum is a neurotoxin. So even though there is no scientific consensus that antiperspirants are dangerous, I suggest you choose deodorants that don’t contain aluminium.

Tip Eight

We can smell our own armpits but have no idea to what extent others smell us. If you are worried about having BO, ask someone in your family for a frank answer. And if someone in your family has body odor, be sure to tell them. No one else ever will.

Tip Nine

If you wear perfume, apply just a tiny bit and keep it in a cool and dark place. Perfumes go bad and then you smell bad, rather than good.

Tip Ten

If you suffer from excess sweating in your armpits (hyperdromisis), you can consult your physician. There are various ways to control it.