DEAR Dr. Fritz,

Good day to you! I am really concerned with my body odor and excessive sweat. I am so embarrassed when my friends would smirk because of my smell. I feel this is so obvious when I am sweating. I really don’t like this. I do hope you can help me with this. I also wanted to know how much would this cost if I would have this treated.

H. Chicano

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Dear H. Chicano,

I understand your situation but, don’t you worry, you can do something about it.

Let’s begin by getting to the root causes of body odor. Here are some: Heavy exercise, warm or hot weather, overweight, changes in hormones, health conditions, like diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease, certain medications, like antidepressants and diet which is of fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods like garlic, curry, and onions.

Now, here’s how to treat body odor:

1. Hydrogen peroxide solution

Use 1 teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to 1 cup (8 ounces) of water. Use washcloth and wipe this on affected areas (underarms, feet, groin). But, if you are sweating due to workouts, be sure to wash your workout clothes always because these gym clothes are breeding ground for bacteria.

2. Change your diet

Try staying away from fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods like garlic, curry, and onions.

3. Aggressive treatments

When you have excessive sweating, talk to your doctor. Surgery can be the solution. This can cost around P150,000.

There are also certain medical problems, or secondary hyperhidrosis which can lead to excessive sweating. This includes: diabetes, menopause hot flashes, thyroid problems, low blood sugar, some types of cancer, heart attack, nervous system disorders and infections. So, be sure to see your doctor and have them treated.

Opps! We have more things to talk to. Let’s talk about more on the next issue. Until then!

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She is the co-host of digital page of Superbalita. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthyis Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)