Bad breath, smelly feet, sweaty armpits – experts solve your body odour dilemmas
What is that awful smell? Not the words any of us want to hear. But body odour – a sensitive and often unpleasant dilemma – can hit anyone at any time. Which is perfectly fine if you’ve just huffed through a strenuous workout, enjoyed a scorching belter of a day or eaten a dish doused with garlic. But when these tangs become more problematic, solutions are necessary.
Dr Joe Whittington, a doctor from California, recently alerted his 1.8 million TikTok followers to the surprising cure of soaking smelly feet in black tea for 20 minutes. Dr Whittington claims the tannins, also known as tannic acid, found in the tea have antioxidant qualities that kill bacteria and reduce noxious odours. It certainly gives a whole new level of kudos to the ubiquitous British brew.
Yet when smells accelerate into real stinks, they can cause deep-rooted embarrassment and anxiety. And because bacteria is the main culprit when it comes to the concoction of unsavoury odours, we often pigeonhole the sufferer as dirty and socially inept; they may become repulsive to us or the butt of a callous joke… Even our loved ones can be ostracised. Be honest, would you tell your best friend they smell?
But like any physical anomaly, it might mean it’s time for more specialist attention. The real cause could be an underlying medical problem or a deeper lack of awareness around particular hygiene measures. After all, who knew that the humble interdental brush was the vital key to fresh breath management?
Ron McCulloch, a consultant podiatric surgeon and director of The London Podiatry Centre, says that sweaty feet are a common but socially stigmatising issue, and while cleanliness is important, the issue can be more complex. “Your feet are home to around 250,000 sweat glands, producing moisture that is pretty much odourless,” he reveals.
“However, when sweat encounters bacteria living on your skin, notably Staphylococcus epidermidis and Brevibacterium linens, these bacteria feast on the sweat and dead skin cells, breaking them down. They’re particularly fond of amino acids and fatty acids, transforming them into smelly substances, including sulphur compounds that produce those classic stinky feet aromas. So, in a nutshell, your sweat creates a perfect dining spot for bacteria, which in turn leaves behind a signature scent as they digest their meal. Successful treatment is often a multifaceted approach. And if someone suffers from hyperhidrosis [excessive sweating] or they have other more serious conditions, they will need specific help.”
Bad breath
Otherwise known as halitosis, it tends to occur when poor oral hygiene fails to remove food particles from the teeth, gums and tongue. As a result, bacteria thrive, causing plaque (a smelly, sticky film) and, eventually, tartar (hardened plaque) to form on the teeth and along the gumline.
Other causes of bad breath include tooth decay, a dry mouth (saliva naturally helps to cleanse the mouth so when it is particularly dry, bacteria flourishes) and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which are gum infections and can lead to bad odours caused by an overload of bacteria and dead cells.
Certain foods, like garlic, onions and some spices, can give you temporary bad breath, and very low carb diets lead to high levels of ketones – the liver chemical that breaks down fats – in your blood, which can cause a fusty mouth.
How to treat
Top dentist Dr Rhona Eskander recommends regular dental check-ups to monitor teeth and gum health, and a professional deep clean or scaling to remove bacteria and tartar below the gum line where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. She says: “Daily oral hygiene is crucial. An electric toothbrush is more effective than manual, and some people like to clean the tongue with a brush or scraper. I’d always advise using floss or an interdental brush daily to remove food and plaque from between the teeth.
“A water flosser, which aims a stream of water at the teeth and so cleans the hard to reach bits, can be particularly helpful too. A therapeutic mouthwash will also help to maintain a fresher mouth. Look out for those with antibacterial properties. Some mouthwashes contain active ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine or essential oils that can help to reduce plaque and gingivitis, thus improving breath. I recommend Pärla mouthwash to my patients as it contains an oral probiotic. Unlike traditional mouthwashes which often aim to kill bacteria, this has beneficial bacteria [probiotics] intended to support the natural balance of the oral microbiome which plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.”
Try…
Philips Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 or TePe Interdental brushes to get between the teeth and along the gum line to remove bad-smelling plaque.
Sweaty armpits
We all sweat, but things can turn and smell bad when bacteria get involved and break down into something called thioalcohols. This is the pungent compound that is recognisable as the beefy, oniony scent of sweaty armpits. Of course, regular washing will remove these odours but in some extreme cases, a person may need more specific attention.
Dr Eldimarys Curry-Machado, from the Harley Street Health Centre, says: “Primary focal hyperhidrosis [the medical name for excessive sweating] is the most common type of hyperhidrosis, accounting for roughly 90 per cent of cases. It typically affects specific body parts, such as the palms, soles of the feet, underarms or face. The exact cause of primary focal hyperhidrosis remains largely unknown, but researchers believe it may be linked to overactive sweat glands or abnormal nerve signalling.
“Secondary generalised hyperhidrosis, comprising the remaining 10 per cent of cases, is typically associated with an underlying medical condition, including conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, menopause, obesity, certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, hormonal treatments, and certain antibiotics, may induce excessive sweating as a side effect.”
Stress, anxiety and excitement can also cause us to sweat more, plus we can even be genetically inclined to sweat heavily. So, if a parent sweated more, you could inherit this same trait.
How to treat
For excessive sweating, botox injections can be used. They work by temporarily (for a few months) blocking the nerves responsible for stimulating sweat glands. There is also a procedure called iontophoresis that applies a mild electrical current to the area to temporarily deactivate the sweat glands. Dr Curry-Machado adds: “For severe cases, surgical options like sweat gland removal, sympathectomy [nerve surgery] or laser therapy may be considered. These procedures are typically reserved for individuals who have not responded to other treatments.”
Try…
AKT London Deodorant Balm, a natural deodorant that was tested by over 1,000 dancers and athletes for its efficiency and is applied like a moisturiser to the skin. It neutralises the bad-smelling bacteria, absorbs excess wetness and doesn’t stain clothes yellow.
Smelly feet
Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of our bodies. And when you consider that they are encased in socks and shoes for most of the day, it’s no wonder they end up rather whiffy. Allowing the feet to breathe whenever possible and regular washing, especially between the toes, will keep that familiar cheesiness at bay.
How to treat
Ron McCulloch reveals that severe foot sweatiness can be caused by the same medical factors as armpit hyperhidrosis and can be successfully treated with botox and iontophoresis too. When it comes to hygiene at home, he claims particular attention should be paid to the nails and toes where bacteria and fungal infections can manifest.
“There is much success with the application of specific antifungal and antibacterial sprays and creams,” he says. “In more severe cases, oral medications may be considered, but they can have potential side effects, like liver function impact. I’d always recommend extending antifungal and antibacterial sprays to the shoes, and choosing breathable footwear like leather or canvas, moisture-absorbing charcoal insoles and wearing cotton socks to manage moisture effectively.”
Try...
A foot bath with a few drops of bacteria-fighting tea tree or eucalyptus essential oil added to the water. Always keep toenails short, and dry the feet and between the toes thoroughly – damp feet encourage bacteria. Finish off with a dusting of antifungal powder, such as Daktarin Aktiv or an antiperspirant, such as Driclor roll-on. Change your socks regularly or carry a spare pair with you if it’s going to be a long day on your feet.
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