Nevertheless, if people are keeping their distance from you due to your natural fragrance, you may want to do something about it. Pungent body odor from the armpit area occurs when bacteria infect the area surrounding the apocrine sweat glands, which are located in the genital region as well as under the arms. While some may consider surgery to stem the odor, OMDs stress the need to keep these areas clean to keep bacterial infection to a minimum. You should wash your armpits with soap and water daily and whenever you perspire, to remove the sweat and odor-causing excretions. Of course, using an antiperspirant deodorant, which sterilizes the bacteria that produces odors, is highly recommended.
Some people prefer to shave the hair under their arms to reduce the odor.
If frequent washing of the armpits and genital areas fail to eliminate the odor, OMDs recommend eating fewer fatty foods and decreasing alcohol intake, to make sure body temperature doesn't rise unnecessarily, thereby producing excess sweat. OMDs also advise applying vinegar directly to the offending area. You may even want to try both at the same time. Copyright 2000 Digital Korea Herald. All rights reserved.