Sweating profusely after an exercise or any other physical activity might cause your underarms to stink. While walking about with stinky underarms may appear undesirable, it is a frequent occurrence for many people and is nothing to be ashamed of. If you want to try something other than deodorants, you might try some natural solutions to help you get rid of underarm odour. Antiperspirants are a fast fix that helps you smell less throughout the day, but they don’t provide long-term benefits. In this post, we’ll look at the reasons of underarm odour as well as How To Get Rid Of Underarm Odour (Smelly Armpits) Naturally. To learn more, keep scrolling down!
What Causes Odor in the Underarms?
The apocrine glands are primarily responsible for underarm odour, as are the apocrine glands for body odour.
The vaginal area, nipples, armpits, breasts, and ears are all common locations for these glands. They aid in the secretion of perspiration in the vaginal area, nipples, and underarms, as well as the secretion of milk in the breasts and earwax in the ears.
Odor is formed by the sweat produced by these glands. This odour, which can be rather unpleasant at times, is caused by bacteria breaking down the protein-rich sweat.
Children, who do not generally develop foul-smelling body odour, are also affected by underarm odour. However, when they do, it could be due to a number of causes or a medical problem. The following are some of the elements that contribute to the development of body odour in children:
- Precocious puberty is a condition in which a person reaches puberty
- Syndrome of Fish Odor
- Clothing made of synthetic materials
- There are more sweat glands.
- A diet rich in pungent vegetables such as onions
- Diabetes, phenylketonuria, and hyperhidrosis are examples of medical illnesses.
Whatever the source of your stinky underarms, the simple home cures listed below can help you get rid of the problem.
READ ALSO 14 Easy Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Moles
How To Get Rid Of Underarm Odour (Smelly Armpits) Naturally
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a vinegar made from apples. Antimicrobial characteristics of apple cider vinegar. This can help to neutralise the underarm environment and aid in the eradication of odor-causing germs. The usage of apple cider vinegar on a regular basis can also assist to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
You’ll Require
- apple cider vinegar in a little bowl
- Cotton swabs
What You Should Do
- In a small bowl, pour some apple cider vinegar.
- Apply this to your underarms with a cotton ball dipped in it.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this twice a day, once in the morning after a bath and once at night before bed.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral found in seawater.
Iodine has antiseptic and antibacterial effects. It can assist to sterilise and restore the pH of your armpits. Over time, this therapy may aid in the removal of foul-smelling underarms.
You’ll Require
- a smidgeon of iodine
- a gentle brush
What You Should Do
- Apply a few drops of iodine to both of your underarms.
- Gently scrub your underarms with a gentle brush.
- After scrubbing, leave the mixture on for around 3 minutes before continuing with your shower.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this at least once a day.
Essential Oils
- Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is used to cure a variety of skin and health problems. Its pleasant scent helps to cover odour, while its antibacterial capabilities aid to eradicate bacteria in the underarms.
You’ll Require
- lavender essential oil, 5 drops
- 1 mug of water
What You Should Do
- In a glass of water, drop a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Fill a spray bottle with this mixture and spray it immediately on your underarms.
- You can also apply lavender oil on your underarms by mixing it with any carrier oil.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do it twice a day.
- Tea Tree Oil
One of the most effective treatments for underarm odour is tea tree oil. It has antibacterial and astringent effects. It can help reduce the size of pores in your underarms and battle bacteria that cause odour.
Tea tree oil is quite strong and can cause skin irritation and redness. Before applying this treatment, perform a patch test.
You’ll Require
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil
- a couple of teaspoons of water
- Pads made of cotton
What You Should Do
- To two tablespoons of water, add two drops of tea tree oil.
- Apply this mixture to both of your underarms using a cotton pad.
- You may also make a spray by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with a bottle of water.
How Often Should You Do This?
For best results, repeat this process twice daily.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is another excellent natural antiperspirant. It has antimicrobial and astringent effects (7). It can help reduce your skin’s pH, killing microorganisms that cause odour and fighting underarm odour.
You’ll Require
- Cotton balls
- a few drops of witch hazel
What You Should Do
- Apply a few drops of witch hazel directly to your underarms with a cotton ball.
- Alternatively, you can make a natural antiperspirant by mixing a few drops of witch hazel in water.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can aid in the dry and sweat-free maintenance of your underarms. Its antibacterial capabilities may aid in the fight against the microorganisms that generate the odour.
You’ll Require
- 1 tablespoon bicarbonate of soda
- lemon juice, 1 tbsp
What You Should Do
- In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and lemon juice.
- Apply it to your underarms immediately and keep it on for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Take a bath.
How Often Should You Do This?
Repeat this process once a day for a few weeks.
Lemon Juice
Lemons are acidic and have antibacterial characteristics. This can help lower your skin’s pH while also making it inhospitable for odor-causing microorganisms.
You’ll Require
- 1/2 lemon is required.
What You Should Do
- Rub a half of a lemon immediately on your underarms.
- Allow the juice to dry before washing it away with water.
- If you have sensitive skin, combine half a lemon’s juice with half a cup of water and apply with a cotton ball to your underarms.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this at least once a day.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Antiseptic characteristics of hydrogen peroxide are commonly used. It has the ability to eliminate the bacteria that cause your underarms to stink.
You’ll Require
- 1 tsp. hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
- 1 cup of liquid
- Pads made of cotton
What You Should Do
In a cup of water, dissolve a teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
Wipe your underarms with a cotton pad soaked in this solution.
How Often Should You Do This?
This is something you can do whenever you’re sweating a lot.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids, which have antimicrobial properties (13). (14). It can keep odor-causing microorganisms at bay while also restoring your skin’s pH.
You’ll Require
Coconut oil
What You Should Do
- Apply a small amount of coconut oil on your underarms using your fingers.
- Allow it to absorb for a few minutes.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this 1–2 times each day, particularly just after a bath.
Garlic
Garlic use, as odd as it may seem, may help to eliminate body odour. This is most likely because to its antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities.
You’ll Require
Garlic
What You Should Do
- Garlic cloves should be chewed every day.
- If the strong flavour bothers you, simply eat some minced garlic on a regular basis.
- After checking with your doctor, you may want to explore taking garlic supplements.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this on a daily basis.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an antioxidant-rich plant with antimicrobial effects . As a result, it’s one of the most effective ways to get rid of underarm odour. While aloe vera juice can help detox your body and minimise foul odours, it can also be used topically to kill the bacteria that causes smelly underarms.
You’ll Require
Aloe vera gel
What You Should Do
- Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to your underarms using your fingertips.
- It’s best to leave it on overnight and then wash it off the next day.
- You can also consume a quarter cup of aloe vera juice every day.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this at least once a day.
Boric Acid
Boric Acid is a kind of boric acid that
Boric acid is a bacteriostatic acid. It can lower your skin’s pH, making bacteria’s survival more difficult. This can be quite beneficial in getting rid of odorous underarms.
You’ll Require
Boric acid will be necessary (as required)
What You Should Do
Apply a small amount of boric acid to your underarms on a daily basis.
How Often Should You Do This?
This can be done once or twice a day, ideally after a shower.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is derived from the castor plant and is used for a variety of purposes. One of its unexpected advantages is its ability to reduce foul-smelling odour. This could be attributed to the antibacterial properties it possesses. This can keep the bacteria that causes odours at bay.
You’ll Require
Castor oil will be required.
What You Must Do
- Apply some castor oil to both of your underarms.
- Leave it on overnight and then wash it off in the morning.
How Often Should You Do This?
Do this every day.
The Epsom Salt
Epsom salt typically encourages perspiration to assist your body in releasing any toxins that may be causing foul body odour. It also aids in the elimination of odour.
You’ll Require
- 1 cup of Epsom salt
- bathwater as required.
What You Must Do
- Fill your bath with a cup of Epsom salt.
- Soak for 15 to 20 minutes in water.
How Often Should You Do This?
This can be done every other day.
Potatoes
Potatoes, by lowering the pH of your skin, can help control perspiration and kill bacteria in your underarms. This is due to the fact that potatoes are slightly acidic and have antimicrobial properties.
You’ll Require
You will require 1 potato.
What You Must Do
- Take a potato and slice it thinly.
- Allow a slice to dry directly on your underarms.
- Apply your deodorant on top of it.
How Often Should You Do This?
You can do this 1–2 times per day.
How to Stop Bad Smelling
- Take a shower at least once a day.
- Make use of a good antibacterial soap.
- After each bath, use freshly laundered towels.
- Use an effective deodorant or antiperspirant.
- Choose natural fibres such as wool or cotton.
- Dress in loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing.
- Keep the hair on your underarms trimmed. This has been shown to significantly reduce armpit odour.
- Avoid odorous foods such as curries and onions.
- Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish.
- Consume plenty of water.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If the underarm odour persists despite multiple treatments, remedies, and tips, seek medical attention. Consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause of the condition.
These remedies and tips can go a long way toward permanently removing foul-smelling underarms. If your problem persists, it is critical to have a thorough medical examination to determine the underlying condition.
