Many people are unaware of the body odour problem, which is something that can easily be solved.!!!

Hidden truths on body odour

Sweat is a part of a daily occurrence, brought on when the adrenaline starts pumping. Our bodies are constantly producing sweat, but there are certain times when they produce a lot more. Sweat consists almost entirely of water, with some sodium and fat, none of which are toxic. It is not uncommon for one to feel discomfort caused by sweat and body odour (BO). The fact remains that many people are unaware of the body odour problem, which is something that can easily be solved.

Body odour is caused by a natural process that involves sweat, which occurs on the skins surface. The body sweats to control temperature and not to remove toxins. Additional sweat is produced to cool down our bodies when we are exposed to heat, physical exertion, stress or nervousness. When the sweat gland is stimulated, the cells secrete a fluid that travels from the coiled portion of the gland up through the straight duct and out onto the surface of our skin.

Many external factors contribute towards our self-esteem and the way others perceive us. If we are unaware of problems relating to BO, it can affect our daily activities and interaction with others. It is important to maintain good practices pertaining to hygiene and regulate issues connected to it.

BO is caused by a natural process that involves sweat, which occur on the skin's surface. Sweat itself is odourless, but if left on the skin for some time bacteria can form, therefore causing an unpleasant smell. It has been scientifically proven that people can become immune to their own body odour over time, resulting in the fact that they don't realise they have body odour, although they may notice it on others.

The body sweats about a litre a day, surprisingly the underarm sweat is about 1% of the body's sweat - we are just more aware of it because the sweat can't evaporate as easily from under the arm as from other areas of the body.

When the under arm area is washed with soap on a regular basis the skin loses its moisture or another word for this; it is in this environment that bacteria thrive. The bacteria feed on the sweat from the apocrine glands and on dead skin and hair cells which in turn is the primary cause of BO.

It is note worthy that much time and money is spent on personal grooming but an essential hygienic habit of eliminating body odour is neglected when it can be easily taken care of. Similar to shampooing and conditioning hair, manicuring nails and brushing teeth; using a deodorant is a necessity.

Personal hygiene experts have recommended, especially in tropical countries, that deodorants or antiperspirant deodorants be used after a shower, as these products combat the onset of sweat, thereby masking unpleasant odours. Deodorants permit the release of perspiration, but prevents odour by combating it with antiseptic agents, which remove odour-causing bacteria. Antiperspirant deodorants work by dissolving in sweat to produce a thin coating on the skin's surface that temporarily reduces underarm sweating, but do not alter the body's release of sweat to any significant degree.

Within such a hygiene-conscious society, it is important to step back and reassess hygiene practices and become aware of the issues connected to body odour and how it is produced. It is only by addressing the root cause of the problem that one can progressively move forward, build successful relationships and create a lasting impression.

dailynews.com