Have you ever run outside and lifted your armpit up and smelled something unpleasant?
Thats body odor. A stench that’s very tangy. And it is quite embarrassing.
Bromhidrosis is a common condition resulting from the interaction of sweat and bacteria on
the skin. Sweating is natural and an essential bodily function for temperature regulation. The
odor that comes with it can be a source of discomfort.
However, Sweat itself is odorless. Behind the body odor is bacteria that thrive in warm,
moist environments. In areas like the armpit, groin, and feet, (everyone sweats differently and
equip sweat in different places)
Interviewing science teacher Alexis Johnson on the Coral Springs Highschool campus, he
stated “Anyone and everyone can get body odor, its normal, but it’s not normal to smell like a
stench all day and do nothing to prevent it. Some people have a stronger stench than others but
that’s just means you have to find what deodorants suit you the most and stick to it. “
There are 2 main types of sweat, the first type is the Eccrine glands. The eccrine glands are
located all around the body and producewatery but odorless sweat. This sweat is primarily for
cooling.
The second type of sweat is Apocrine glands. The apocrine glands are specifically in the
armpits and groin. They produce a thicker and more oily sweat containing proteins and fats. This
sweat can be odorless but when bacteria break down these compounds, they release organic
acids, such as isovaleric acid, which is responsible for the body odor.
There are a lot of factrs that can influence the intensity and the type of body odor:
• Hygiene: Hygiene is a major contributor. Infrequent showering or bathing allows bacteria
to accumulate on the skin, which leads to an odor.
excreted through sweat.
• Hormones: Changes to your hormones such as those who experienced pubertyt,
menstrual,pregnancy,and menopause, can increase sweat production and alter body odor.
• Clothing: Wear tightly fitted clothing made of synthetic materials that can trap sweat and
create a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Genetics: Genetic factors can influence the amount and type of sweat produced, as well
as the composition of the skin microbiome, which affects the types of bacteria presents.
Interviewing an anonymous student on the coral springs high school campus, they stated
“ Growing up I didn’t have any body odor but when I started getting more active and gaining
sweat I started to smell myself and I was disgusted with myself cause I couldn’t believe that was
me, so I went to Walmart the same day and got deodorant and a different body wash and added
deodorant into my daily routine and i have never smelt myself again.
Preventing body odor involves a multipronged approach focusing on hygiene, lifestyle
adjustments, and the use of the right products.
Therefore, maintaining good hygiene is very important as a human. Being in a setting and
people saying it stinks and it being you is a very embarrassing thing and i 10/10 don’t
recommend it for anyone to feel.
Showring/bathing on a daily basis, wear breathable fabric clothing, use deodorants/body
deodorants, fixing diet (limiting foods that cause odor, and taking in more fruits can help with
body odor.) Can all help prevent reinking body odor.
To conclude, by understanding the causes of body odor and executing prevention measures
and improving personal hygiene can increase your confidence in social situations. Staying
consistent and adopting these practices into your daily routine will give you the best results.
Having a body is okay but knowing how to prevent it as much as possible is the way to do it.
