Body odour? You may be washing your armpit wrong according to dermatologists

Not only is the heat uncomfortable, but it makes you sweat and stink if you don’t pay close attention to your personal hygiene. Deodorants could help, but not so much if you do not wash your armpits properly, according to a dermatologist who spoke with Metro News.

Target the roots

A mark of adolescence is the growing of pubic hair in the armpits and around the genitals. These hairs trap bacteria and so it is important to either shave them off or keep them clean all the time.

There’s a method to it though, you have to target the root, where it’s most warm, so the bacteria collected beneath the hair does not thrive. Dr. Geeta Yadav, a certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology said:

I’d recommend using a body wash that features a chemical exfoliant like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid. These ingredients will remove the dead skin cells on the surface that bacteria like to feed on and sweep those microbes down the drain.

Gently but thoroughly

The idea is not to aggressively scrub your armpit. According to Dr Sasha Dhoat, a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics, having a clean armpit is key to not smelling bad even in the sweltering summer heat.

There is no magic potion or need for aggressive regimes. Just clean gently but thoroughly with regular body wash once a day when showering or bathing, or after exercise and dry carefully afterwards.

And of course, after cleaning your underarm, you should invest in a good deodorant, preferably an antiperspirant which helps reduce the amount of sweat you produce in your armpit.

Read more:

⋙ Smelly poo: This is what the odour of your stool says about your health

⋙ Glycolic acid: This exfoliant will keep your underarms odour free this summer!

⋙ Bad breath: Watch out for these common foods that can sour your breath