Body Odor: Expert Advice On When To Seek Medical Help

If you have ever dealt with body odor, you’d agree that it is one of the most embarrassing experiences ever. The impact on a person’s self-confidence often hinders the desire to seek medical attention, which tends to lead to a worsened condition. But how do you know your self-care and personal hygiene habits aren’t up to par, and when it’s time to seek professional help? 

“Generally, for everybody, the interaction of sweat, dirt from the environment and bacteria – virtually always on the skin – may result in some amount of body odor,” explains Dr. Caleb Mawutor Dzunu, Family Physician at St. Luke Catholic Hospital, Ghana. “This is usually taken care of by regular baths, shaving of pubic hairs and applying principles of self-care and personal hygiene,” he adds. 

Armpit odor is an issue experienced by many. When your armpits smell like onions or generally your sweat smells like vinegar, it becomes a serious cause for concern.

Recommendations

In addition to practicing these simple self-care habits, the following have proven to work in certain cases:  

• Wearing breathable clothes and ensure they’re kept clean. Fabrics that are moisture absorbing are a great way to stay airy and dry. 
• Considering cutting back on spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine because they raise body temperature and cause more sweating. 
• Washing with soap that contains any of the following ingredients as they help fight body odor: tea tree oil, oregano, eucalyptus and peppermint. 
• Using deodorant or antiperspirant regularly

However, there are times when despite all of the personal care in the world, body odor still persists. What do you do in this case?

Check list

Dr. Dzunu advises seeking medical help and reviewing the following check list to ascertain the need to see a doctor. 

• Anytime you are not comfortable with your body odor is enough reason to see a health professional. 
• When self-care and personal hygiene fail.
• If there is a known medical condition such as diabetes or liver problems and you notice a change in your body odor.
• When you notice a change in your skin integrity.
• Obvious wounds and ulcers on your skin, especially wounds that fail to heal.  

“Body odor may be the only lead to a health condition. Don’t hesitate to see your health professional,” Dr. Dzunu urges.

It’s important to know that body order treatment exists. You need not be ashamed to seek help.