Man with body odour gets reader feedback
A 33-year-old man being mercilessly teased about his body odour sought readers’ suggestions (July 12). Here are a few (Remember — always check with your doctor before making any major changes in your diet). Reader No. 1: “Try an occasional bath in Epsom salts and use an antibacterial-type of soap (odour’s caused by bacteria consuming the sebum released from our sweat glands).
“I’ve used Hibiclens (skin cleanser and antiseptic) but there’s another available at pharmacies. They’re also used prior to surgery to prevent bacteria that may be in the skin from infecting surgical sites.
“Rubbing-alcohol wipes also help somewhat as a temporary fix. Coco- nut oil helps. These work well if getting skin infections or acne frequently.
“If only experiencing odour and excessive sweating, switch to lighter breathable fabrics (activewear hitech T-shirts, i.e. exercise wear).
“Get an antiperspirant (even try unscented). The gel kind works better than the stick kind.
“If needed, prescription-strength antiperspirants may be obtained from a doctor, i.e. at a walk-in clinic.” Reader No. 2: “Some people say that soap washes away bacteria from the skin and lets it be replaced by smellier varieties.
“We no longer use soap, shower every couple of days and have found that BO is now very rare.” Reader No. 3: “I’m a 60-year-old woman trying to deal with the following problem (which occurs on and off ) over the past two years.
“Only when I get up off a chair (at work or on public transport) a strong odour arises from my crotch area, but it’s a fabric issue.
“Believe me, I’ve looked into my eating and drinking habits. I bathe/ shower every day. I shave the area.
“I’ve stopped sending my slacks to the dry-cleaner and wash them at home.
“I suspect the problem may be caused by what I call ‘synthetic on synthetic.’
“The clothes we wear nowadays are no more 100-per-cent natural fibres, neither are the plastic or fabric-covered chairs we sit on. (My pants don’t smell before or after my having been seated).
“Of course I’m very much aware of the odour and avoid eye-contact when I get up from a seat. (I don’t cross my legs when I sit.) All this is very distressing.
“The following measures alleviate the problem somewhat.
A) I now also apply (scent-free) deodorant to the inner part of my legs next to the panty line.
B) At the end of my bath/shower I rinse the area with baking soda. Be careful as that stuff makes the floor very slippery.
(Does anybody have any other suggestions before I break a leg or worse?)” Reader No. 4: “I had a similar problem though it was restricted to my underarms. Whenever I would get warm in my underarms there would be an awful smell.
“It started as soon as I hit puberty. I tried everything available until much later a dermatologist said it was ‘hyperhidrosis’ and suggested Botox for my underarms.
“It was an absolute lifesaver! I was newly post-menopausal when I first tried it and it was an absolute gamechanger.
“I did it for three consecutive summers (it lasted three to four months) and then I stopped perspiring!
“I have no idea if that was because the nerves were deadened or if it was due to menopause (the only positive thing, haha). There are many dermatologists who provide this service.
“Hope the Botox can help this guy too.” Ellie: Regarding vitamin/mineral deficiencies, see one of these professionals and/or your doctor for appropriate discussion and tests.
Tip of the day
Don’t suffer miserably with a personal problem that others may’ve experienced. Reach out to all resources possible. Read Ellie Monday to Saturday. Email ellie@thestar.ca or visit her website ellieadvice.com. Follow @ellieadvice.