Problematic with body odor

DEAR Dr. Fritz,

Good day to you! I am really concerned with my body odor. I am so embarrassed when I realized that my friends would smirk because of my smell. I feel this is so obvious when I would be sweating. I really don't like this. I do hope you can help me with this.

Thanks and more power to your column.
Embarrassed teen baby

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Dear Embarrassed teen baby,

I understand how you feel about this. It's really quite embarrassing to see your friends sneer at you. But, don't fret. There's help around.

I believe you are a teenager - basing on your pseudonym. This bromhidrosis or body odor would usually crop up during this time because of rising hormones called androgens. However, these hormones are not active until puberty. This is the reason why when you were a kid, you smelled good.

Your smell is a lot obvious when you sweat - as you claimed. Sweat itself doesn't have any smell. However, the bacteria make use of it as a breeding ground and they grow fast there. When this happens, this is the time, you smell bad.

So, how do you fight this enemy? If you really want to be odor-free, the following tricks can help you smile and shine your way.

1. Put on some antiperspirant at bedtime.

This gives the product the chance to do its job while you are sleeping and not sweating. The problem is, mostly antiperspirants are spread over after shower. But, the sweat you get during the day will wash off the product and would make you powerless against sweating.

2. Deodorants do not prevent sweating.

Since, they only cover the smell, make sure that if you use them, it has also an antiperspirant.

3. Keep your underarms dry.

It would be hard for the bacteria to multiply in a dry area.

4. Try this solution to fight body odor.

Use one teaspoon of peroxide (three percent) to one cup (eight ounces) of water. Apply this on areas you feel smells bad with a washcloth.

5. Wash your workout clothes regularly.

Sweaty gym clothes are grounds for breeding bacteria. So, wash them always - to get rid yourself of the smell.

6. Change your diet.

Fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods such as garlic, curry, and onions, can leak through your skin pores and will give off the body odor you despise of. So, stay away from them. However, before making any sweeping dietary changes, you should talk with your physician or dietitian.

7. Talk to your doctor.

If you sweat so much, there are so many treatments you can choose. Your doctor can help you with this. Certain medical conditions can also be the reason why a person can sweat out too much. A talk with a physician can help with the diagnosis and the treatment.

8. Shave your underarm always.

This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and will lessen your sweat and odor.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is still a pound of cure. So, the best way out is through prevention and proper hygiene will not get you wrong.

Good luck!

Dr. Fritz

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(For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar Davao, Granlan Building, R. Castillo St., Davao City or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. )