Read on to expand your mind, help yourself and possibly pass on this new found knowledge to someone you know. In many cultures, the scent of another person is considered natural and contributes to the communication system between individuals. In the United States, however, people have been taught that many natural odors from the skin, mouth, or clothing are offensive, and they generally prefer perfumed scents to natural ones. An individual may feel uncomfortable near someone who has a strong natural scent of perspiration on the skin or clothing and may actually avoid that person without saying why. Body odors may interfere with social comfort and establishing friendships not only with classmates, roommates and faculty members, but also with others outside of your academic community.
Body odor is caused by bacteria that live in the sweat on the skin.
Perspiration increases in hot weather, during physical activity, or after eating highly spiced foods, and is generally greatest under the arms, where the most bacteria are produced. Body odor can be controlled. Control comes by washing daily with soap and water which removes bacteria and the odor of perspiration. Antibacterial soaps, such as Dial, Coast, or Safeguard, slow the bacterial growth and are usually sufficient to prevent growth of bacteria for most people. However, if these types of soap are not readily available, any type of body soap will do.