Have you ever experienced stepping out of the shower fresh and clean, only to notice an unpleasant odour coming from your underarms shortly after? It can be both frustrating and embarrassing, but you’re not alone. This article will uncover the surprising reasons behind post-shower underarm odour and provide effective solutions to tackle it.
To understand why your armpits might still smell after showering, we need to consider various factors that could be causing the odour, despite showering typically eliminating it. We will also offer highly effective solutions to combat smelly underarms even after a thorough wash.
Common causes of armpit odour
1. Sweat glands and bacteria
There are two types of sweat glands in your body. They are Eccrine and Apocrine glands. Eccrine glands produce odourless sweat to cool the body. They cover most of the body including palms and soles. Meanwhile, Apocrine glands, found in the armpits, produce thicker sweat that can be broken down by bacteria resulting in what we call armpit odour.
2. Hyperhidrosis
This is a common condition where an individual sweats in excess or more than they should. It typically occurs in the underarms, feet, palms, scalp, and face. With this condition, the body uses sweat as a way to control temperature to cool itself. Around 3% of the population has this genetic condition known as primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
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3. Diet
Eating foods like garlic, onions, cabbage, and red meat can change the way your sweat smells. This is because they are high in sulfur and when your body secretes it out, it could produce an unpleasant smell. Some other foods that might make you sweat more are caffeine and spicy foods that contain curry or cumin.
4. Medical conditions
Armpit odour can be caused by a host of medical conditions. Some medical conditions associated with changing one’s bodily scent are menopause, liver and kidney diseases, infections and many more.
Tips for preventing armpit odour and staying fresh all-day
1. Use an antiperspirant deodorant
Making use of antiperspirants can greatly help with combating unpleasant odours. You can also get products that combine the effects of antiperspirant and deodorant to mask odours with a fresh scent. Antiperspirants work to reduce the production of sweat by blocking sweat glands and keeping your underarms dry. Look for products with aluminium chloride for optimum results.
2. Botox
A treatment that is endorsed by multiple celebrities, Botox injections work to temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweat glands, thus reducing sweat production. Botulinum toxin injections, also known as Botox, can take up to four to five days to work upon their injection. After this, their effects could last for four to six months.
3. Witch hazel
You can also go the natural route to tackle armpit odour by using witch hazel. Witch hazel is a natural astringent that contains antibacterial properties which can help to reduce sweat production and kill odour-causing bacteria. To use witch hazel for this purpose, you will need to apply a few drops of witch hazel to a cotton ball and apply it to your underarms. Stay consistent with this technique by using it morning and night.
4. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerhouse of bacteria-fighting properties. Similar to witch hazel, tea tree oil contains anti-microbial and astringent properties that can combat the bacterias that cause odours. To use tea tree oil, you will need to mix two drops of it with two tablespoons of water on a cotton pad and rub it on your armpits. Do this religiously every morning and night and you’ll have amazing results.
Note that caution has to be taken when using tea tree essential oil. It is highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if overused.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy for a lot of beauty treatments, including getting rid of armpit stench. It can balance the environment in the underarm area and eliminate any bacteria present there. Regular application of apple cider vinegar can also prevent bacterial buildup and maintain fresh-smelling skin.
For its application, pour some apple cider vinegar on cotton balls and apply it to your underarms.
While sweating is a natural thing we all experience and shouldn’t be ashamed of, armpit odour is something that makes one self-conscious and insecure. It could also make those around you uncomfortable as well. So, to avoid having awkward moments, it is best to nip the problem in the bud with all of the solutions provided above.
This Guardian Life content is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Guardian Life website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 112.
