If you suffer from stinky pits, getting rid of them is probably at the top of your to-do list. Underarm odor is one of the most unpleasant body odors next to bowel movements and bad breath, so your concern is understandable. Getting rid of underarm odor can be as simple as using antiperspirant or as complicated as visiting a physician, but it depends on where the issue origins.

The glands underneath the arm are called sudoriferous glands or sweat glands. These glands help maintain body temperature and eliminate toxins by releasing sweat. Your underarm odor may be a mixture of sweat and bacteria being released from the sudoriferous glands. This release of bacteria happens to everyone so there is no need to worry, your solution could be quite simple.

On the other hand, there are more severe causes of underarm odor. Bromhidrosis is a disease of the sweat glands that gives off a very offensive odor. If you have Bromhidrosis your odor is due to yeast, sweat, and bacteria interacting underneath your pits. This is normally cured by injecting Botox into your underarms so that you no longer release sweat.

The level of offense your pits emit all depends on your body. All humans contain microorganisms, but the type and amount they have varies from person to person. Some bacteria gives off a stronger odor than others and there is nothing you can do except adopt better hygienic practices.

First, try using an antiperspirant to get rid of underarm odor

The most common way to combat underarm odor is to use a deodorant. Deodorants work by killing odor-causing bacteria so that your underarms stay fresh. If you use a deodorant with an antiperspirant, it probably contains aluminum salts to help dissolve your sweat. If you are reading this with concerns about a child, it is never too early to use a deodorant. The first time you smell body odor spewing from your child, it is time to introduce them to their first antiperspirant.

Deodorants

There are several types of deodorant:

• Powder goes on dry and comes in several scents.
• Gel is packaged in stick form and goes on wet.
• Roll-on is a liquid deodorant that rolls on smoothly.
• Crème is probably the type of deodorant used the least, it is normally applied with the fingers.
• Spray deodorant comes in an aerosol can and is sprayed directly under the arms.

If regular deodorants are too harsh, try a natural one

As discussed earlier, antiperspirants contain aluminum. Studies show that applying aluminum to your skin can be linked to breast cancer. It is believed that if you have an open wound on your underarms the aluminum in your deodorant can enter your body and damage your DNA.

Companies are aware that aluminum has a bad reputation so some have eliminated the ingredient. If your underarm odor is strong, getting rid of antiperspirant may not be the best idea. Remember that antiperspirant keeps you from sweating, so without it more sweat could be released than normal.

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Though you may not like this advice, it can help get rid of underarm odor

Some cringe at the thought of applying deodorant to get rid of underarm odor because you are preventing the body from releasing toxins. If you’re anti-deodorant or looking for other ways to control underarm odor, keep reading.

1. Let your armpit hair grow

Armpit hair isn’t pretty, but letting it sprout could be your remedy for underarm odor. When you have hair under your arms it helps to keep the area dry, therefore masking odor. Before you decide to grow a lion’s mane underneath your arms, you should be warned that this method should be combined with another. Having hair on your armpits does not guarantee odor free underarms.

    2. Avoid using soap

If you’re not into hairy underarms, try ditching soap to get rid of underarm odor. Almost every soap on the market can strip your skin of moisture. If your armpits are not properly hydrated your glands will begin to release sweat to combat dryness. If you already suffer from underarm odor, the last thing you want to do is cause more sweat. Instead of harsh soaps use water but be thorough because water doesn’t dissolve dirt and bacteria as quickly as soap can.

   3. Rub these insane ingredients under your arms to mask the odor

If you want to ditch the deodorant try rubbing one of these ingredients under your arms.

• Lemon juice
• Vodka
• Apple cider vinegar

For those with sensitive skin, applying these ingredients on a daily basis may irritate the skin. If you want to ensure that your skin will not react, perform a patch test before putting these ingredients to the test.

Watch the foods you eat, they can contribute to underarm odor

Do you notice that after you’ve eaten, your breath and bodily fluid mimic the smell of your meal? When you consume a food or beverage, it runs through your body and eventually secretes through the glands. Remember your underarms are a detox center, and anything you put into your body can be released from them. Check out some other healthy foods!

Preventing underarm odor is easy, take your hygienic practice to the next level by following these steps:

• Wash your clothes regularly- If you suffer from underarm odor, you may find that almost all of your clothes have stinky pits even after they’ve been washed. This is because your clothing has the power to absorb your sweat. Once certain bacteria settle, their smell can linger for ages so it is important to stay on a regular laundry schedule. Try washing your clothes once per week.
• Invest in a pre-wash formula- Purchase a laundry spray and douse the underarm area of your shirts with it after you remove them. These sprays have the power to eliminate odor and bacteria before washing.
• You may need to shower more frequently– Are you taking enough showers? One shower per day may not be adequate for people who suffer from underarm odor. You could also be taking showers at the wrong time. For example, if you are a night sweater you may want to opt for a morning shower to wash away the bacteria from the night before.

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