- October 6, 2019
- Dermatology
- Kristina Degtyareva
Summer is coming, and with it comes one very serious and annoying problem - the unpleasant smell of sweat. Of course, when the weather outside is hot, increased sweating is a completely normal function of the body. It allows you to regulate metabolic processes, maintain optimal water-salt balance, and participates in thermoregulation. At the same time, some people's sweat does not have a strong unpleasant aroma, while others, on the contrary, literally scare away others with their unpleasant odor. We propose to talk about how to get rid of the smell of sweat under the arms using a variety of professional and folk remedies. Let's consider the reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor!
Why does sweat smell bad?
Experts say: sweat itself has no odor. An unpleasant odor appears due to the fact that pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply in the armpits. It should be noted that the smell intensifies if hair grows under the armpits. In addition, stress, feelings of fear, and nervous tension affect the smell. The menu should also be reviewed: if it contains a large amount of fried food, alcoholic drinks and coffee, you should not be surprised that you smell unpleasant.
Separately, it should be said that an irritating odor appears due to problems with the thyroid gland, diabetes or hormonal imbalances. However, the simplest and most common cause of an unpleasant odor is poor hygiene. In this case, you should change the detergent and select a gel with an optimal pH level.
Speaking about the reasons for the smell of sweat under the arms, we cannot fail to note the performance of heavy physical work. In this situation, in order to solve the problem, it is enough to simply reduce the load on the body. Among other reasons, experts note prolonged exposure to the sun and poor choice of clothing. Among the reasons for the smell of sweat under the armpits in women, experts name the beginning of the menstrual cycle, menopause, and menopause. Increased sweating can also be a cause of excess weight or a malfunction in the thermoregulation system.
Why does a person sweat?
We cannot stop sweating. Different people produce sweat in different degrees and quantities. At normal ambient temperatures, the volume of secretion is about 500-600 ml, in the hot season it is 10-15 liters.
- With sweat, our body releases metabolic products and toxins.
- The secretion prevents the body from overheating, thereby carrying out the process of thermoregulation.
- Sweating is necessary to maintain normal water-salt balance.
- Sweat moisturizes the skin of the feet and palms, maintains its elasticity, and protects it from pathogenic microflora.
Solving the problem from the inside
In order to overcome the unpleasant odor that your armpits emit, try a small experiment: eat right for at least a week: add a large amount of fruits, herbs and vegetables to the menu, exclude all sweets and starchy foods, give up oil. Start drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. If after a week the unpleasant odor disappears, most likely you just need to stick to this diet. The smell of sweat in the armpits can be eliminated by following all the rules of hygiene. In the summer, take a shower twice a day and change your clothes promptly.
In order to completely eliminate sweating, many turn to specialists for special injections that can suppress the activity of the sweat glands. This procedure is very popular, because it can eliminate sweat for a long time, but we must not forget that it has many contraindications. In addition, it is harmful to health, in particular, the cardiovascular system.
Preparations that neutralize the smell of sweat
There are a number of drugs that can help get rid of unwanted odor. Almost all of them can be found in any pharmacy. They are available for free sale, but it is best to consult a specialist before using them. What kind of drugs are these? Experts highlight the following:
- Zinc ointment. This product quickly relieves even the most severe sweating.
- Galmanin. This medication is a dry powder made from salicylic acid and zinc. This is a kind of antiseptic that dries out the skin.
- Salicylic-zinc paste. This product can quickly eliminate the spread of microorganisms and dry the skin.
- Urotropin. This drug is found in pharmacies less often than others, but it is incredibly effective in the fight against sweat. Among its analogues is Hexamethylenetetramine, which is sold in powder or solution, completely ready for use. This product should be applied to the skin of the armpits before going to bed.
- Pasta Lassara or Teymurova. In order to eliminate the smell of sweat from your armpits, you can use one of these ointments. The latter, by the way, temporarily completely blocks the activity of the sweat glands. Sweat production will be stopped for several days, which means that the strong smell of sweat under the arms will disappear for a long time. Of course, you can use such products only after consulting a doctor; the reason to refuse them may be increased skin sensitivity.
- Formidron. Experts say: this remedy is one of the cheapest and at the same time effective against unpleasant odors. The drug has two effects at once - deodorizing and antibacterial. That is, a person does not develop an unpleasant odor, and he begins to sweat much less.
For excessive sweating, experts also recommend using special underarm pads. They will be able to attach to skin or clothing, absorb released liquid and block unpleasant odors. Moreover, such a gasket is very thin, it will not even be noticeable!
Diseases as the cause of changes
It is impossible to determine the disease by the smell of sweat. At home, you can get a rough idea of the diseases occurring in the body if you know their additional symptoms. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis only based on research results.
Stomach ulcer
It can be acute or chronic, with or without perforation or bleeding. One of the signs of the disease may be a change in the smell of sweat - a sick person smells of cat urine or ammonia.
Other symptoms also develop at the same time:
- pain in the stomach;
- nausea, vomiting;
- heartburn or acid belching.
A more accurate diagnosis is made on the basis of gastroscopy. Treatment of the disease will also eliminate unpleasant body odor.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
In cases where the sweat smells like vinegar, the development of pulmonary tuberculosis can be assumed. With this disease, the development of different forms is possible, and the clinical picture will depend on this. Along with a change in the smell of sweat, patients complain of the following manifestations of the disease:
- painful cough;
- sudden weight loss;
- secretion of sputum;
- hemoptysis;
- lack of appetite, weakness, apathy.
To understand whether a change in the smell of sweat is a consequence of tuberculosis, you need to contact a phthisiatrician, undergo an examination and adhere to the treatment tactics chosen by the doctor.
Attention! Tuberculosis is dangerous for other people, so careful monitoring of the patient’s condition is necessary.
Diabetes
A disease in which the level of glucose in the blood increases and various metabolic processes are disrupted. As a result of the resulting chemical reactions, malfunctions occur in all body systems; glucose enters sweat through the blood, which acquires a sweetish odor.
The most striking symptoms of diabetes mellitus of the first and second types are:
- increased urine volume;
- increased urge to urinate, especially at night;
- a sharp decrease in body weight with increased appetite;
- hunger almost immediately after eating;
- constant thirst.
Acetone appears in the urine of a sick person. If the kidneys work intermittently, then this substance will begin to be excreted from the body through the sweat glands, which will lead to a change in the smell of sweat.
Attention! If you notice an ammonia odor, contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation. Diabetes mellitus can be life-threatening.
Oncological diseases
With various oncological diseases, especially bladder cancer, a person's sweat takes on the smell of rotten meat. If the bladder is damaged as a result of tumor growth, tissue particles along with pus end up in the urine. Rotting processes begin in the liquid, which is reflected in a change in body odor.
The best deodorants
Deodorants can also help get rid of unpleasant odors. True, choosing the best one is quite difficult - due to the incredible variety. To make the task easier, we have prepared a review of the most effective deodorants for men and women.
Top 3 deodorants for women:
- CRYSTAL BODY DEODORANT. This product effectively copes with the growth of bacteria, preventing the smell of sweat from even appearing. Its advantages include the absence of a strong odor and hypoallergenicity.
- ADIDAS PERFORMANCE ACTION 3 CONTROL. This deodorant blocks sweating and retains its effect for a long time. In addition, it smells pleasant, but unobtrusively. The only downside is that it can leave marks on clothes.
- GARNIER MINERAL. "Invisible spray" does not leave marks on clothes, and its effect lasts 48 hours. However, such a long exposure can irritate the skin, and therefore it is recommended to wash off the product at the end of the day.
Top 3 deodorants for men:
- OLD SPICE TIMBER. The product instantly blocks the production of sweat, thereby protecting against odors for a long time. The spray is ideal for use in summer.
- AX. The advantages of these deodorants include not only reliable protection against odors, but also a huge selection of amazing scents.
- ADIDAS TEAM FIVEM. This deodorant can be called smart, because as soon as a man’s sweating increases, the product starts the cooling process. Add to this a light pleasant smell and the presence of a menthol complex.
Is it possible to remove makeup with oil?
– Often girls, when they start thinking about natural skin care, begin to wash off their makeup with oil. But there is not a single component in the oil that would allow you to wash off cosmetics. You can wash your face with a product that contains surfactants. They are not in oil. Here you have a dirty kitchen sink - you fill everything with oil, wipe it, will it be clean after that?
I am often approached by women who have decided to take care of themselves “naturally” and use only oil for all facial skin care. As a result, they come to one thing - extreme dryness.
Oil should not be the only remedy, and it is better to use oil whey instead - so that there is a composition of oils with different iodine numbers (so that there is no oxidation), so that there is a varied palette of fatty acids. Let it complement your care, not become a base.
– What about hydrophilic oil?
– Hydrophilic oil contains a lot of surfactants - much more than in any other cleanser, so it is not suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin; it will dry out the face very much. I would recommend hydrophilic oil to anyone who needs to remove makeup: all sorts of foundations with silicone, something that is sprayed from an airbrush. All special products for this purpose contain vegetable oils so that they can dissolve silicones and similar substances.
Also, hydrophilic oil is more likely to be suitable for frequent care for those who describe their skin as predominantly oily. But I don’t recommend just using hydrophilic oil for everyone – it will dry out the skin. Foam, milk, gel - use what suits you.
Folk remedies for sweat odor
If you do not want to use medications and are used to coping with problems using folk remedies, you should know that there are certain measures that help not only reduce the intensity of sweating, but also eliminate the foul odor. Components such as regular baking soda, decoctions of various herbs, hydrogen peroxide, black radish, citrus fruits, and aromatic oils will help resolve the issue. Almost all of these products are safe, and therefore there is no need to consult a doctor before use. How to get rid of the smell of sweat under the arms using folk remedies? Let's tell you right now!
Apple vinegar
How to remove underarm sweat odor using apple cider vinegar? Simply dilute 3 tablespoons of this ingredient in a liter of warm water and leave for two hours. After an evening shower, you need to dry yourself and then wipe your armpits with a homemade remedy. You can be sure: throughout the next day the smell of sweat will not bother you. However, it should be noted that it is not recommended to carry out this procedure every day, because even in small concentrations, vinegar can lead to irritation. Over the course of one week, you can wipe your armpits with vinegar no more than 2-3 times.
Tea mushroom
One of the most effective remedies for the unpleasant odor of sweat is an infusion of kombucha. It not only stops the development of microorganisms, but also takes care of the delicate skin of the armpits. With its help, you can prevent the appearance of unpleasant amber for 6-8 hours: to do this, you need to wash your armpits with cool water and tar soap, dry them thoroughly with a towel, and then apply the mushroom infusion using a cotton swab. When the liquid is completely absorbed, you can get dressed. The substances included in the infusion reduce the activity of sweat glands and eliminate bacteria.
How to get rid of ingrained aroma using automatic processing?
You can remove the smell of sweat from clothes using a washing machine. The best result is achieved by pre-washing with laundry soap.
In this case, the processing is carried out as follows:
- The soiled item is turned inside out.
- Lather the moistened area of the fabric.
- Let things sit for 20-30 minutes.
- Wash as usual in a washing machine.
Detergents with enzymes and components that are aimed at removing biological contaminants have proven themselves well.
Baking soda
This is one of the best remedies for sweat odor. It’s easy to prepare a deodorizing composition: you need a teaspoon of soda for one glass of hot water. When it is completely dissolved, add a few drops of any essential oil to the water. You can apply the solution to the skin of your armpits twice a day, no more than five days a week. It is not recommended to do this more often, because soda can dry out the already sensitive and delicate skin in the armpit area.
Another baking soda sweat remedy recipe also includes cornstarch and cocoa butter. The composition is absolutely safe and can be used by both adults and children. In order to prepare the product you will need 20 grams of baking soda, the same amount of corn starch, 5 tablespoons of liquid cocoa butter. This deodorant should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Hydrogen peroxide
Thinking about how to get rid of underarm sweat odor? Try using hydrogen peroxide. Please note: it can only be used in diluted form: you will need 1 part of the product for 20 parts of water. Dip a cotton pad or cloth into the resulting mixture and then treat the problem areas. It is best to do this twice a day - in the evening and in the morning. If you do not adhere to the recommended proportions, you may suffer serious burns or irritation.
Important Preface
Dear friends! You can finally trust the advice in an article from the Internet. The author, Tatyana Didukh, has a medical education (paramedic, dentist - see the site's Experts page), so all recommendations have undergone her strict moderation for suitability and safety. Enjoy it for your health!
Dear reader! Please also pay attention to the peculiarity of the Chistulya-Info website - each article contains a selection of the best advice left by experienced housewives on thematic forums. Save time by reading ready-made collections. Use proven tips that work.
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Black radish
This vegetable can also be used to combat odor. You will need one medium-sized radish, from which you will need to squeeze the juice, and then combine it with the same amount of pharmaceutical glycerin. The composition should be mixed thoroughly and rubbed into the skin of the armpits in the morning and evening. It is best, of course, to carry out this treatment after a shower. Be careful: radish can cause severe irritation, so if you feel a burning sensation after application, rinse your armpits and avoid using radish.
What about face masks?
– Personally, I am against masks in bags. Firstly, from an environmental point of view: you throw away this bag (usually a non-degradable foil bag) and a fabric mask too - most likely, there are polymers in there that also do not decompose.
Secondly, imagine how many preservatives there must be for it to be stored in a plastic bag for years, and how much benefit is there for your face?
– You recommended clay-oil masks, but why are clay-water masks bad?
“They just dry out your face terribly.” Thanks to the oil, the mask does not dry out, and when healing mud or clay dries on the face, it is very bad, it is very tugging.
There are many options: cover with film, a special reusable mask, a damp towel, soak with a brush or spray. But a clay mask is not for everyone, but for those who have really oily skin and noticeable pores. There are actually few such people. There are many more people with dry, dehydrated skin prone to all sorts of reactions.
Mud and mud are also different: I use the Israeli Ahava, this is the healing mud of the Dead Sea. Just dirt with a vegetable preservative, there's nothing else there. Stored in the refrigerator.
But in general, mud is sold in different ways: with vegetable oils, extracts. If you add oil to the mud, you can no longer do without a preservative. Clay and mud already contain a lot of minerals, and it is not always clear why it should be further enriched. In general, you should always look at what you use and why: you can buy dirt that contains less dirt than anything else.
Herbal infusions
Infusions and decoctions of various plants, which you can either prepare yourself or purchase at a pharmacy, are also an excellent remedy for the smell of sweat under the arms. They can get rid of unpleasant odors in no time. It is best to use chamomile, sage, oak bark, and calendula. The plant mixture must be poured with boiling water and left until it cools completely, and then filtered. The resulting composition should be wiped over the skin of the armpits 2-3 times a day. In order to enhance the effect of this natural deodorant, you can add a small amount of baking soda to it.
