Home Remedies for Body Odour: What Works and When to See a Doctor

Body odour (BO) is very common, especially in Nigeria’s heat. It happens when bacteria on your skin break down sweat, releasing an unpleasant smell. Most body odour can be controlled at home with good hygiene and a few simple changes. Here are the home remedies that work, the “natural” remedies to be careful with, and when to see a doctor.

What causes body odour?

Sweat itself has almost no smell. Body odour develops when bacteria on the skin break down sweat from the apocrine glands in the armpits and groin. These glands become active at puberty, which is why body odour usually starts in the teenage years. Other factors include:

• Hot weather, exercise and stress, which increase sweating
• Not washing often enough, or wearing the same clothes again
• Tight or synthetic clothing that traps sweat
• Strong-smelling foods such as garlic, onions and spices, and alcohol
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and some medicines

Home remedies for body odour that work

1. Wash daily with soap and water, especially your armpits, groin and feet, and after exercise or heavy sweating. An antibacterial soap can help.

2. Dry yourself thoroughly, as bacteria thrive on damp skin.

3. Use an antiperspirant, not just a deodorant. Deodorants mask smell, while antiperspirants reduce sweating. Applying antiperspirant at night, on clean, dry skin, often works best. Look for aluminium chloride if ordinary products don’t help.

4. Shave or trim underarm hair. Hair traps sweat and bacteria. Keeping it short can reduce odour.

5. Wear breathable clothing. Choose cotton and loose fits, change clothes daily, and wash them properly. Sweaty clothes left unwashed can keep smelling.

6. Look after your feet. Wash and dry between your toes, change socks daily, and let shoes air out between wears.

7. Watch your diet. If you notice strong smells after certain foods or alcohol, cut down on them.

8. Drink enough water. See signs you’re not drinking enough water.

“Natural” remedies: use with care

Remedies such as lemon juice, baking soda, apple cider vinegar and alum are often recommended online. There is little scientific evidence that they work better than soap and antiperspirant, and they can irritate the skin, especially after shaving. Lemon juice on skin exposed to sunlight can cause burns and dark patches. If you try a natural remedy, test it on a small area first and stop if your skin becomes red or sore.

How to get rid of body odour permanently

Body odour can’t usually be removed permanently, because everyone sweats and has skin bacteria. But daily hygiene, antiperspirant and breathable clothing keep it under control for most people. If you sweat heavily despite these steps, a doctor can offer stronger antiperspirants or other treatments for hyperhidrosis.

When to see a doctor

• Your body odour suddenly changes or becomes much stronger
• You sweat heavily even when cool and calm
• Your sweat or breath smells fruity, fishy or like bleach, which can rarely signal a medical condition
• Home remedies haven’t helped after a few weeks
• A young child develops adult-like body odour, especially girls under 8 or boys under 9, as this can be a sign of early puberty

Read more about skin care tips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best home remedy for body odour?
Daily washing with soap, drying thoroughly, an antiperspirant on clean skin, and clean cotton clothes are the most effective.

Why does my 6-year-old’s underarm smell?
Sometimes it’s simply sweat and hygiene, but adult-type body odour in young children can be a sign of early puberty. See a doctor to check.

Does shaving reduce body odour?
Yes, it can help by reducing the hair that traps sweat and bacteria.

This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.

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