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BODY ODOUR
Every region of the human body has a different odour and sometimes, its origin may easily be identified. There are three important factors which cause odour in the human body:
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The pattern and type of secretory glands on the skin surface.
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The positioning of the skin itself. The armpits, for example make it very difficult for sweat to evaporate and so a characteristic odour is produced
the concentration of bacteria. The number of bacteria are variable in different parts of the body, being maximum in parts like the scalp,
axilla, genital areas and the feet.
There are three types of secretory glands on the skin. Sweat glands are the most widely distributed and their function is temperature regulation. The average person loses at least half a litre of sweat everyday and this figure rises during the hot season and when physical exercise is done. Sweat has a slightly acrid smell. Areas like the foot pose a problem because the sweat becomes trapped by socks and shoes. The heavy odour associated with the armpits is because the sweat cannot evaporate easily.
There are two other glands, the apocrine and sebaceous glands. The apocrine glands are also a type of sweat glands but they have a limited supply of sweat on the armpits, genital area, nipples and eyelids. Aprocrine sweat is odourless and rich in fats, proteins and other organic materials, all of which make it a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria decomposes the sweat to produce the characteristic body odour.
The third type of secretory glands are sebaceous glands and are distributed all over the body, with the exception of the palms and soles. Sebaceous glands secrete an oily lubricant known as sebum which contains cholesterol, fatty acids, waxes and proteins. Sebum is odourless but easily attracts bacteria and these can produce strong odours , particularly around the scalp.
Some parts of the body, like the armpits and genitals have a strong smell because they are richly endowed with all types of glands. Water cannot evaporate from these parts which are usually covered and this leads to offensive body odours. There are millions of bacteria living and multiplying on the skin surface. At the same time, there is always a certain amount of dead matter lying on the surface of the body which provides additional nutrition for the bacteria. Any amount of scrubbing or washing would be able to get rid of only a fraction of the bacteria and that too, for a short while.
Do’s and Dont’s
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use
anti-perspirants, deodorants and perfumes available in the forms of lotions, creams, sprays, roll-ons, pads, powders, soap and sticks.
Anti-perspirants contain aluminium salts which close the sweat ducts reducing the release of sweat.
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Regular baths are a must, three times a day during the summer season being essential.
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Avoid synthetic wear. Use cotton clothes
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Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
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Avoid hot drinks
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Avoid hot, crowded places.
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