Before using a home remedy, you should consult your doctor. Remember that many of them are based on popular wisdom rather than scientific data and could also cause allergic reactions.
Fighting underarm odors is a bigger problem for some people than others. Underarms are one of the parts of the body that, due to sweat, can produce an unpleasant odor. There is a home remedy that could help combat this odor, without resorting to deodorant.
Before revealing it, it is necessary to know the cause of the sweat product odor. In this way, in addition to knowing this new alternative, we will learn to treat it and, in some way, prevent it.
Note: The medical consultation is the best option to treat any problem you are suffering, including a bad smell in the armpits.
What is perspiration?
Perspiration is the action by which we sweat. It is a vital function of our body, through which the body regulates its temperature. When the temperature of our body increases, it begins to perspire and sweat appears.
Sweat itself is odorless, but its interaction with certain bacteria on the skin can cause an unpleasant odor, MedlinePlus notes. Why should this be? Well, the armpits would be a favorable space for the proliferation of bacteria.
Among the areas affected by sweat, in addition to the armpits, the feet and hands stand out. When these three areas show excessive perspiration, it is called ” primary or focal hyperhidrosis.”
Perspiration can also originate as a result of another medical condition. In this case, it is called “secondary hyperhidrosis” and can spread throughout the body or be limited to one area.
Perspiration, as a natural phenomenon, occurs in response to an increase in body temperature during physical exercise, heat, fever, and other circumstances. Conversely, excessive perspiration occurs without these triggers and can lead to significant discomfort, both physically and emotionally.
Homemade cream for bad odor in armpits
Here we present a simple and homemade remedy that we can prepare ourselves. In addition, it is assumed that its components could replace the normal deodorant that we use.
It is worth clarifying that the following is not a scientifically based remedy, therefore its use should be made after consultation with the specialist.
Ingredients:
- A bottle of moisturizer for the body (preferably 200 ml round bottles, as this makes it easier to mix).
- Boric acid (sold in drugstores, in a 1000 g bag format).
Compound:
Open the cream jar. Take out two tablespoons of cream and add one of boric acid. Stir so that everything is well mixed.
Take special care with boric acid:
- Wash your hands after using it.
- Avoid falling on surfaces and not being cleaned.
- Avoid falling on the skin in its pure state.
Application:
The application of this home remedy should be done in place of the deodorant. In fact, this product should be used just like a normal deodorant to combat bad underarm odors: in the morning, when leaving the house, etc.
Little by little, the smell would be neutralized, thanks to boric acid, which would act as an antiseptic. It would also favor the reduction of perspiration.
Its use can spread to the feet or other parts of the body that present this problem. A 2015 study indicates that boric acid would be an effective option to alleviate the symptoms of vaginosis, by eliminating bacteria. However, more research would be necessary.
Other tips to reduce perspiration
Some tips that would also help reduce, but not eliminate, perspiration, are:
- Use cotton fabrics, which allow the skin to breathe, as recommended by Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of the Institute of Integral Dermatology.
- Avoid consuming excessive coffee, alcohol or spicy substances.
- Avoid extreme situations of nerves, worry and anxiety, which could cause excessive perspiration in our body.
- Use socks and shoes that have good ventilation; and change, if necessary, several times a day.
If you want to try this home remedy against underarm odor, consult your doctor to receive his professional opinion.