You need to keep calm as we will be revealing some strange facts about body odor. Although it sounds gross, it can happen to anyone. Also, with summer on its peak, it is natural to soak your beautiful dress or workout attire with stinking sweat. So, spare some time and read on to learn about sweat and find ways to control body odor once and for all.

1. Two Types Of Sweat Glands

The two different forms of sweat glands found in humans are eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are located all over the body and secrete sweat with water in order to provide us with a cooling effect. On the other hand, apocrine glands are located on areas of the body where hair follicles are most concentrated such as the groin, scalp, and armpits. Dr. Whitney Bowe says that the sweat secreted from apocrine glands is fatty and waxy because of the presence of lipids.

2. Your Hair Stinks Body Odor

Bowe further clarifies that it’s not the sweat produced from the apocrine gland that causes a smell. In fact, stench-causing bacteria are naturally attracted to sweat produced from apocrine glands. Once they come in contact with sweat from apocrine glands, these bacteria break down the fat and cause smelly body odor. Bowe says that people with dense and more hair provide larger surface area to such bacteria as they can now cling to a higher number and this allows the smell to be more pungent.

3. Using Stick Of Antiperspirant Deodorant

It is recommended to apply a few swipes of a stick of antiperspirant deodorant to keep the body smell at bay. Bowe says that the antiperspirant sticks target the sweat glands and limit the secretion of sweat whereas the deodorant covers the smell if you have been already perspiring.

4. Opting For Medical Treatments

People dealing with extreme body odor may resort to medical treatments when over-the-counter treatments fail to mask their bodily stench. Bowe says that Botox injections are usually prescribed by dermatologist to reduce body odor. The great thing about this treatment is that it is approved by the FDA, but you need these injections every three to four months to maintain the effect. Bowe further states that nowadays, there is a device available, called the miraDry. It uses microwave technology to remove sweat glands for good. The only limitation of this device is that it works only on underarm sweat glands.

5. Foods That Enhances Body Odor

Bowe warns that there are certain foods such as curry, garlic, and onions that can worsen your body odor. So, it is best to reduce or limit their consumption if your sweat naturally stinks.

6. Too- Much Cleansing Is Not Recommended

Bowe says that it is effective and safe to use antibacterial soap to reduce your body odor. But, you should limit and watch for over-usage as this may exacerbate the condition. There are some people who rub alcohol on sweaty areas to reduce the secretion of sweat, but this in turns makes their skin dry and stimulates the body to produce more sweat in defense.

7. Remain Stress-Free

Stress is not only bad for your overall health, but it can also increase the secretion of smelly sweat. According to Bowe, stress may keep you sweating and make you stink more. Everyone has experienced those sweaty, clammy hands and soaked armpits before an important meeting or interview.