Body odor can be a highly embarrassing condition that has a variety of causes. It is an unpleasant smell that is given off from live bacteria that breed in specific areas of an individual’s body. Here are some guidelines to understand what exactly causes body odor and some simple tips to keep yourself free from body odor.

It is a common misconception that body odor is caused by sweat. Sweat by itself is odorless.

It comprises 99 percent water with some dissolved salts like sodium and potassium. However, sweat when combined with some bacteria that are known to breed especially in the folds of the skin or damp regions like the underarms, inner sides of the thighs or near the groin, is what causes an offensive smelling odor. The apocrine glands that are located near the genitals or other hairy regions, apart from producing sweat also create a slightly viscous substance that is an ideal breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. This condition may be further aggravated in those who experience excessive sweating.

One of the immediate and most practical ways of eliminating or reducing body odor is regular bathing and maintenance of hygiene especially in the folds of the skin and other areas that are prone to sweating.

If you exercise regularly and are prone to sweating, it is advisable you use a gently scented soap or shower gel to first get rid of the stench. Always wash off any cleansing agents that you use thoroughly with water and ensure that you dry the skin all over the body well, giving special attention to the fingers, toes, armpits, and genitals.

You could then opt to use a deodorant which is available both as a roll on or in spray form. While deodorants do not act on the stench causing bacteria, they do to some extent mask the odor caused by the bacteria.

If you sweat a lot or live in a very humid climate, you could additionally use an antiperspirant deodorant combination skin product. The antiperspirant essentially inhibits the flow of sweat to the surface of the skin. Hence, by reducing the sweat produced, they also partially inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

As a further precaution against body odor, you could opt for one of the colognes and deo sprays that are available at various price bands in the men’s cosmetics and skincare products line up. Be careful about overdoing the perfume or cologne, for even a pleasant smell may turn out to be overwhelming, especially when you are in a closed or air-conditioned space.

However, the bottom line to overcoming body odor is to ensure that you keep all parts of your body clean and dry, for body odor causing bacteria thrive only in warm and moist areas.