Body Odor

WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR

* The odor occurs on a daily basis and is noticeable to others, despite judicious hygiene.

* The odor is so strong that you notice it.

* You have a sweet or fruity odor or one that varies from the traditional "locker room" smell.

* Any body odor in a prepubescent child should be brought to the attention of a doctor.

What Your Symptom Is Telling You

As any subway rider can tell you, the aromatic emanations of the human body are sometimes enough to make a person seriously question just how far man has evolved as a species. B.O. may be the fragrance of choice in the animal kingdom, but in the civilized world it's not going to be confused with Chanel No. 5.

The popular notion that body odor is the smell of sweat is true . . . sort of. We actually produce two kinds of sweat: eccrine, a clear, odorless sweat that appears all over our bodies, performing the vital role of regulating body temperature, and apocrine, a thicker substance that is produced by glands in the underarm and groin areas. Apocrine sweat is a vestige of our prehistoric days and serves no apparent purpose. It, too, is odorless—until bacteria on the skin's surface act upon it. The by-product of this unholy union is what we call B.O.

"The intensity of some body odor may lead people to think that they have a serious medical problem, when in most cases they are merely the victims of bad genes or inadequate hygiene," says Selma Targovnik, M.D., staff dermatologist at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. "Most B.O. sufferers were simply born with larger, more active apocrine glands, or else they aren't doing as good a job as they should keeping the odor-producing bacteria off their skin."

"We don't know of any illnesses that cause that locker-room, apocrine smell, but some diseases will produce other kinds of skin odors," says R. Kenneth Landow, M.D., clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. "Gastrointestinal abnormalities can give the skin a very unusual smell. Diabetics and people with urinary infections will sometimes develop a sweet-smelling or fruity body odor. Diseases of the past, like the vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy and typhoid fever, were associated with strange smells."

In adolescents, B.O. is a sign of puberty, when the apocrine glands are first activated. Aging and metabolic changes can also bring on increased apocrine activity. And the smell of certain pungent foods (like garlic) can ultimately work its way through your pores and into the nostrils of others.

Symptom Relief

The secret to combating most body odors is to inhibit the body's production of apocrine sweat, decrease the number of bacteria acting upon that sweat or remove the offender. Give these tips a try, and soon you, and those around you, will be enjoying the sweet smell of your successful war against B.O.

Wash daily with a deodorant soap. "Using an antibacterial soap like Dial or Safeguard will work well on the bacteria that are producing the odor," say Dr. Targovnik. "You don't have to scrub long or hard; the antibacterial will do all the work. Use it at least once a day, twice, if possible." If these fail, more powerful prescription soaps like pHisoHex and Hibiclens are available.

Zap it like a zit. If antibacterial soaps aren't producing results, Dr. Targovnik suggests washing the areas with an acne cleanser such as those that contain benzoyl peroxide, which has strong antibacterial properties. But be aware: Excessive use could cause drying and irritation. If these cleansers don't work, you can also try dabbing on some Neosporin or an antibacterial ointment.

Freshen up. "During the day, if you can do a quick wash of your armpits with a wet washcloth or paper towel, you can take care of some of that odorous material that has been produced as well as many of those bacteria that will produce odor in the future," says Dr. Targovnik.

Use a deodorant. "Over-the-counter underarm deodorants will work fine on all odor-producing areas," says Stephen Z. Smith, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice and clinical instructor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky. "Check your labels. The deodorant should contain antibacterial metallic salts (aluminum or zinc) to kill odor-causing bacteria. Roll-ons and sticks will provide better coverage and longer-lasting protection than sprays."

Use an antiperspirant. "Commercial antiperspirants will slow down some of the apocrine sweat production," adds Dr. Smith. "They should contain aluminum chlorohydrate as their active ingredient and are often combined with deodorants."

Powder the offensive area. "Sprinkling some baking soda, talc, baby powder or cornstarch under the arms or across the body will absorb and mask many of the odors produced," says Dr. Landow.

Get the odor out of your clothes. Wash your clothes with an odor-fighting detergent. If necessary, take a change of clothes or underwear with you to work or school.

Rub on some alcohol. "You may want to try directly applying a splash or two of some rubbing alcohol, witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide during the day just as some extra maintenance," recommends Dr. Landow. These substances help reduce the number of odor-causing bacteria. Aim your splash where bacteria hang out—under the arms, for instance.

Avoid spicy, pungent foods. Frequent consumption of foods containing garlic, curry and cumin can cause some overpowering odors to emanate from your pores—often up to 24 hours after consumption. Try cutting back on these spices and see if it helps.

Trim underarm and body hair. "Since men are the biggest offenders, they should follow the example of women and shave their armpits," says Dr. Targovnik. "The hairs trap a lot of the sweat and odor and provide hiding places for the bacteria."