Does It Still Smell Like A Body Even Though It's Already Bathing? This Is A Medical Explanation

Illustration of body odor never goes away (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Already taking a shower twice a day, using antibacterial soap, even wearing deodorant, but still the smell of the body doesn't go away?

Apparently, the problem of body odor does not always mean you are not clean. According to experts, there are many other factors outside of body hygiene that can cause body odor to appear, even though you have maintained good hygiene.

The smell of the body does not actually come from sweat itself, but from bacteria that break the protein in sweat into acid. This process creates an unpleasant aroma, especially in areas such as armpits, managers, and other body folding.

Sweat glands are divided into two types:

- Apoprine Cells: There are hairy areas such as armpits and groins. The sweat from these glands contains fats and proteins that are easily described by bacteria, causing a pungent smell.

- Ekrin's glands: Spread throughout the body and produce more dilute sweat to regulate body temperature, but do not cause a significant odor.

Here are some reasons why body odors can still appear even though they have showered and kept clean, as reported by Very Well Health.

1. Hormone Changes

During menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal changes can affect the activity of sweat glands. Rising hormones can make sweat production more and smell sharp.

2. Eating patterns

Certain foods such as garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, as well as spicy and caffeinated food can trigger body odor. sulfur content and sharp compounds from these foods will be secreted.

3. Stress and anxiety

When stressed, the body produces more sweat from the aporrin glands. This sweat is more concentrated and tends to smell. This is why body odor can be felt even more when you are nervous or tense.

4. Clothing selection

Synthetic clothing such as polyesters, spandeks, or rayons can enshuffle sweat and heat. This creates an ideal moist environment for the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

5. Obesity

People with excess weight tend to have more skin folding, which can double sweat and make it easier for bacteria to breed.

6. Certain Diseases

Medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, skin infection (such as axillar triromicosis), to kidney or liver disorders can change the body's aroma. For example, odors such as ammonia or urine can be a sign of kidney function disorders.

7. Drug side effects

Some drugs such as antidepressants, non-steroid anti-inflammatory (NSAID), to certain supplements (such as omega-3) can cause an increase in sweat production or change the body's aroma.

If you have kept the body clean but the body odor still appears, here are some additional tips that can be tried:

- Use antibacterial soap or soap with benzoil peroxide to reduce the number of bacteria in the skin. After exercising or sweating a lot, don't delay taking a shower.

- Use clothes from ingredients that absorb sweat such as cotton, linen, or other natural fibers.

- Cukur or waxing in the armpit area to reduce bacterial buildup.

- Reduce consumption of foods that cause body odor.

- Use deodorant and anti-perspiration or select a combination product. If necessary, consult the use of the product prescribed by the doctor.

- Consultation to the doctor if the body odor appears suddenly, changes drastically, or is accompanied by other symptoms.