Sweating profusely after a workout session or any type of physical activity can cause your armpit to smell bad. Walking around with smelly underarms may seem unpleasant, but this problem is common for many people and is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you’re tired of switching deodorants and looking for something different, you can opt for some natural remedies to get rid of underarm odor. Although underarm deodorizing sprays are a quick fix and help your underarms smell less throughout the day, they don’t give you long-term results.
Following are the causes of underarm odor and remedies that you can try at home to say goodbye to underarm odor.
What Causes Underarm or Armpit Odor?
Underarm odor, like body odor, is primarily associated with the apocrine glands.
These glands are often found in the area between the legs, nipples, armpits, breasts and ears. and are responsible for milk secretion in the breasts and earwax in the ears, and help with the secretion of sweat in your genital or lower leg area, nipples, and underarms.
It is the sweat produced by these glands that produces the odor. This odor, which can sometimes be very unbearable, excessive sweating is a medical condition called hyperhidrosis and requires medical attention.
Treatment of Underarm Odor
Whatever the cause of your smelly underarms, you can manage the problem by following the simple home remedies mentioned below.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has properties that can neutralize the environment in the underarm area and help destroy odor-causing bacteria. Regular use of apple cider vinegar is also helpful in preventing the build-up of bacteria.
1. Take some apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
2. Dip a cotton ball in it and apply it directly on your underarms.
3. Do this twice daily – every morning after showering, and every night before going to bed.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help keep your underarms dry and sweat-free. Its antibacterial properties can help fight odor-causing bacteria.
1 tablespoon of baking soda
2. Take a tablespoon of lemon juice
3. Mix baking soda and lemon juice in equal quantity
4.Apply it directly on your underarms and leave it on for about 2 to 3 minutes
Note: This method has a high burn rate in some patients. But it is safe to do it once a day for a few weeks.
Lemon juice
Lemons are highly acidic and have antiseptic properties. This can help lower the pH of your skin and also make odor-causing bacteria uninhabitable.
1. Take half a lemon and rub it directly on your underarms.
2. Leave the juice on until it dries and then wash it off with water.
If you have sensitive skin, you can mix the juice of half a lemon with half a cup of water and apply this mixture on your underarms using a cotton ball.
Note: This may not be suitable for everyone and may cause irritation. Do this once daily.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains medium fatty acids, which are powerful antimicrobial agents that can keep odor-causing bacteria at bay and restore your skin’s pH.
1. Apply some coconut oil on your fingers
2. Apply it directly on your underarms.
3. Leave it on until it is absorbed.
Note: Do not opt for this method if you already have a fungal infection. Do this 1 to 2 times daily, after bathing.
Garlic
Surprisingly, using garlic can reduce body odor. This may be due to its excellent antioxidant properties.
Chew a few cloves of garlic every day.
If the strong taste bothers you, add garlic to your daily diet. You can also consider taking garlic supplements after consulting your doctor.