Body Odor (Bromhidrosis) : Type, Factor, Symptom, Diagnosis,Treatment And Home Remedies

Body odor or Bromhidrosis is excessive body odor caused by bacteria and yeasts of sweat gland secretions and cellular debris.There are two types of sweat glands, such as Apocrine sweat glands and Ecrine sweat glands.Apocrine sweat glands, which secrete the majority of chemical compounds needed for the skin flora to metabolize it into odorant substances.It is located in the armpit (axillary) region, the areola, anogenital region and around the navel.Ecrine sweat glands produce a more dilute, watery sweat, when the body has an increase in temperature.It is located over the body, but most numerous on the hand palms and the feet soles.An individual's body odor is affected by genetics, sex, lifestyle and medication.Body odor is largely influenced by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.Body odor varies from person to person.

Two Types of Bromhidrosis or Body Odor (BO)

1. Apocrine Bromhidrosis happens in the axillary (armpit),  breasts and groin regions.The odor develops when bacteria break down the sweat.Bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretion yields ammonia and short-chain fatty acids with their characteristic strong odors.
2. Ecrine Bromhidrosis occurs when bacteria degrade keratin that has been softened by ecrine sweat.It is located in the soles of feet and the hand palms.Ecrine may be caused by ingestion of some foods, such as garlic, curry, onion, alcohol, toxins, and certain drugs (penicillin, bromides).

Factors of Body Odor

• Food
• Drink
• Disease

Symptoms of Body Odor :

• A change in the odor of the body
• Night sweat for no apparent reason
• A sudden sweat much more or less than usual
• Disruption of sweating in daily routine

Diagnosis

To diagnose body odor, a doctor uses some tests :

• Medical History is about patient's health habit and past illnesses.
• Physical Exam is an exam of the body to check general signs of health.
• Blood Test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample.
• Urine Test is to check different components of urine.It is to find the cause of symptoms.

Treatment 

Body odor can be reduced or prevented by using :

• Deodorants are the substance applied to the body to prevent body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration in the armpits, feets and other areas of the body.
• Antiperspirants prevent sweating by affecting sweat glands.They are typically applied to the underarms.
• Disinfectants are antimicrobial agent.
• Underarm liners eliminate armpit stains sometimes caused by antiperspirants.The liners are applied directly to clothing
• Triclosan is antibacterial and antifungal agent found in soap products.
• Special soaps or foams with antiseptic plant extracts, such as ribwort and liquorice, chlorophyllin ointments and sprays topically and chlorophyllin supplements internally.

Home Remedies

• Rosemary can inhibit the growth of bacteria.It has natural deodorant property.It contains menthol and chlorophyl to eliminate odor.

Its way : Put one half cup of dried rosemary leaves into four cups of hot water.Wait for ten minutes and mix into the bath water.Soak in the bath water for fifteen to twenty minutes and dry the body.Follow this way once daily.

• Lemon juice can lower pH level of the skin.It has acidic property.

Its way : Cut a fresh lemon into two halves and rub one half of the lemon on the armpits. Wait until drying on its own.Take a shower.The way can be done once daily.Stop using this remedy if the odor is gone completely.

• Baking Soda helps in absorbing moisture, sweat from the skin and killing bacteria.

Its way : Mix one tablespoon each of baking soda and lemon juice.Apply it to underarms and other areas of the body.Wait for a couple minutes and wash them off water.Do not scrub.This way can be done once daily for a week.

• Apple Cider Vinegar can eliminate body odor by balancing the pH level of the skin.It is a powerful bacteria-fighting ingredient.

Its way : Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and rub it on the armpits.Wait for two or three minutes then take a shower.This remedy can be done twice daily.

• Regular bathing with an antibacterial soap to reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin.

• Wearing synthetic fabric for exercise to avoid moisture from the skin.Wearing daily natural fabric, such as cotton, wool and silk to avoid trapping sweat and moisture.

• Doing yoga, meditation or biofeedback to control the stress that triggers perspiration.

• Drinking lots of water to flush toxins out of the body.