Body odour (also known as B.O, bromidrosis) according to Christian Nordqvist is a perceived unpleasant smell our bodies can give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweats into acids; it is as a result of bacteria breaking down protein into certain acids.
Body odour is most likely to occur in your feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic hair and other hair, belly button, anus, behind the ears, and to some (lesser) extent on the rest of our skin.
Since most of us here have been brought up to dislike body odour, below are five “Thou shall” of body odour:
- Thou shall shower at least once a day.
When you bath you wash off the sweat from your body. Sweat is virtually odourless, however when microscopic bacteria that live naturally on your skin mix with sweat, they multiply quickly and raise quite a stink. Thus, when you bath and wash those areas prone to sweating you reduce the odour that comes from your body. And for those who sweat profusely, they need to bath twice a day-at morning and night.
- Thou shall use antibacterial soap
Since bacteria account for body odour, it becomes important to bath with an antibacterial bar soap, the soap reduces the bacteria count, in turn reducing the odour.
- Thou shall dry thy body properly after every bath.
After every bath, dry your body well, especially those areas that produces sweat. If your skin is dry, it is harder for bacteria that cause body odour to breed on it.
- Thou shall use deodorants or antiperspirants
When you are done drying your body, apply deodorant or antiperspirant. Deodorants don’t prevent sweating; they however mask the smell of bacteria on your skin. Antiperspirant on the other hand contains aluminum chloride, a chemical that reduces sweating, and often also contain a deodorant.
- Thou shall reduce your consumption of “offensive” foods or drinks.
What you eat affects your odour. Foods that tend to make you sweat more, such as hot peppers or other spicy foods, might also contribute to body odour. Foods with strong flavour or aroma such as onions and garlic can be carried in the sweat, making you smell bad. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol may also cause you to sweat more.