Why Do I Have Smelly Armpits?
In the past few days, my sweaty armpits have been making me feel very uncomfortable. My skin feels tight and itchy. When I shower, there is no way to stop the smell from coming out. Sometimes when I sleep, I wake up sweating profusely.
I don’t know what’s causing this problem but it seems like something is definitely wrong with my body!
How could this happen to me?
My doctor has prescribed medication which helps with some of the symptoms but nothing really cures the problem completely. I’ve tried everything from using antihistamines to eating foods high in Vitamin C to drinking lots of water. Nothing seems to work.
How do I get rid of this smell? What would you suggest?
Please help!!
Sincerely,
A Person With Smelly Armpits
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Sometimes, do you ever just feel like a freak of nature?
Well, according to some research, you might be right! There are certain rare medical conditions and genetics that could cause you to smell like that. Mostly it has to do with the food you eat or your own natural body odor.
Ever notice how some people seem to smell a lot better than others even after sweating?
It’s almost like they don’t have any odor at all. This is a result of genetics and some conditions that cause people to sweat less than others.
Unfortunately there isn’t much you can do if you are in this situation other than getting the right medication or seeing a doctor about it. It’s not something you can fix yourself but fortunately there are medical professionals that can help.
Most of them would be nutritionists that can analyze your diet and figure out what is causing the problem.
If you are really concerned about your problems, then I suggest that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Don’t try to tough it out or rely on over-the-counter medications because this might get worse and it could be dangerous to your health in general especially if you keep sweating like this.
Get an appointment with your primary physician or find a dermatologist in your area and just get it checked out, don’t suffer in silence like I did.
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Thanks a lot for taking the time to read my article and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Why Does My Armpit Smell?
Various diseases or health issues can cause a strong odor in your armpits. If you think this might be the case, see your family doctor right away. If not, there are some simple ways to get rid of the smell until you can see your doctor.
Bacterial Infections
A bacterial infection, or improper hygiene, is the most common reason for smelly armpits. This type of smell is typically much stronger than the natural smell of your sweat and is often compared to the smell of rotten eggs.
This is due to a type of bacteria known as zincliystera, which can be treated easily with an antibacterial soap or lotion. This type of infection can also be sexually transmitted, so it might be a good idea to get tested if you’re having vaginal discharge or discomfort when urinating.
Cancer
If you’ve noticed a change in your armpit odor and it’s a strong, constant smell that doesn’t seem to go away, see your doctor immediately. This is especially true if you find dark or swollen lumps in the area or if you’re experiencing pain or tenderness.
A strong smell could be a sign of an underlying cancer that must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Allergies
If you’ve recently changed your diet, been exposed to a new substance or started taking a new medication, you might have an allergy. This causes your body to react by releasing histamines, which then causes a reaction in your armpits.
You may notice other symptoms along with the smelly sweat, such as rashes, itchy skin, redness or swelling. If you think this might be the problem, stop using any new products and see a doctor.
Medications
Some prescription drugs can cause changes in your body odor. For example, some antipsychotic drugs, such as Thioridazine, have a strong odor.
This is more obvious if you don’t wash regularly, and can lead to unfortunate social situations. Other medications, such as tetracycline, have side effects that can cause changes in body odor. If you think this might be the case, try stopping the medication and seeing if the problem gets better.
Recommended Products
It is possible to buy products that get rid of underarm odor. These are typically deodorants or antiperspirants and are available in most supermarkets and drug stores.
Antiperspirants act by blocking the sweat glands, while deodorants disguise odor with their own scent. Some products, such as Certain Dri also work to reduce sweating and are often a combination of antiperspirant and deodorant. Products such as these can solve your problem until you can see a doctor.
How to Get Rid of Armpit Smell Naturally
There are also various home remedies that have been found to be effective in treating armpit odor. These include:
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
This is a very simple remedy that requires only two ingredients: baking soda and lemon juice. Baking soda has natural odor-fighting properties, while lemon juice acts as a cleansing agent.
All you have to do is mix the two ingredients together and apply the paste to your underarms. Wait for it to dry and then wash off. This process can be repeated every day until your problem goes away.
Cinnamon and Tea Tree Oil
You can also try making a simple mixture of cinnamon and tea tree oil, which are both great odor fighters. Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with two drops of tea tree oil.
Apply this paste to your armpits and leave it on overnight. The next day, take a shower as usual. This process can be repeated until the problem goes away.
Wear Loose Clothing
The type of clothing you wear can make a difference as well. If you wear tight clothing, it can increase sweating and result in more unpleasant odor.
It is best to wear loose clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton. This allows your skin to breathe and decreases the amount you sweat.
By practicing these methods, you can get rid of your armpit odor problem for good. Just remember to see a doctor if the problem persists, as it may be due to an underlying medical condition.
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Sources & references used in this article:
Curd your enthusiasm: smelly armpits become smelly cheese by R Fisher – New Scientist, 2013 – Elsevier
Pantyhose undergarment for controlling underarm perspiration as well as for providing shape, control and support for the body by S Albizre – US Patent App. 12/170,773, 2010 – Google Patents
Eccrine sweat glands are especially concentrated on the hands and feet. They produce evaporative sweat to cool our bodies. by PCOFM TINNESAND – ChemMatters, 2001 – teachermarten.com
Bodies that sweat: the affective responses of young women in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia by G Waitt – Gender, Place & Culture, 2014 – Taylor & Francis
Inheritance by SC – 1985 – JSTOR
The smell of sweat and rum: teacher authority in capoeira classes by J Eis – 1985 – JSTOR
Blood, sweat and tears: failed mappings of un-abjection in Hostage and La Haine by A Reis