ASK THE DOC: PLEASE CURE MY BODY ODOUR

Armpit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

PLEASE CURE MY BODY ODOUR

 
Question by concerned teen

I am a 19-year-old female. I have body odour. Could it be because of my armpit hair? I also perspire easily. Walking short distances causes my armpits to perspire, which leads to an unpleasant smell.

I found some information online which says hircus powder, a traditional Chinese herbal powder, can cure body odour. Is it true and are there any other ways to cure this condition?

 
Reply from Ms Zhao Xuhong
TCM Physician
Raffles Chinese Medicine

 
Before one reaches puberty, body odour is usually not a problem as the glands in the armpits and genital areas don't become active until then.

At puberty, your hormones will cause these sweat glands to develop, resulting in body odour.

For patients with a less serious condition of body odour, TCM recommends the use of aromatic therapy to reduce dampness and balance one's "Qi". These options, however, cannot treat the root problem.

Those with severe body odour may choose to have surgery to treat the sweat glands. With laser and other treatment methods, you will be able to see faster and obvious results.

However, given that you are only 19, there is a possibility that the problem may resurface later.

 
The information provided above is for your general knowledge only. You should seek medical advice or treatment for your condition.

health@newstoday.com.sg

Email us if you have a medical query.

 
From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 02-Jun-2009

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ask the paediatrician: Active hygiene care for a healthier life

Active hygiene care for a healthier life
a public education project supported by the Singapore Paediatric Society (www.sps.org.sg) and Lion Corporation

Q1
When my husband comes back from work, he carries and cuddles our baby. I’m concerned that the bacteria on his body will be transferred to our baby. He says it’s fine because he isn’t sick and, therefore, the bacteria on him is minimal. Is he right? 

A
If your husband is working in a clean environment — such as an office — there won’t be more germs on him if he is not unwell. If he is working in a hospital or laboratory or factory where he is exposed to germs or chemicals, then he may want to consider changing his work clothes and having a shower before carrying the baby.

Q2
My teenage son loves sports and he plays soccer in school every day. Recently, I’ve realised that he has developed bad body odour. What can he do to manage this problem? 

A
Body odour is caused by the release of chemicals when bacteria on the skin break down sweat. These chemicals release an unpleasant smell. Some areas of skin, such as the armpits, produce body odour as these glands produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on.

At puberty, sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones. So, your teenage son will sweat more after playing soccer and, therefore, be more likely to produce body odour.

To reduce body odour, advise him to take regular showers and use fresh clothes and socks every day.

An antiperspirant may be used to reduce sweating.

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Questions were answered by Dr Anne Goh from the Singapore Paediatric Society. The information provided is for your general knowledge only. You should seek professional advice or treatment for your child’s condition. 

Q1, our question of the week wins a Kirei Kirei gift set worth $60. The winner has been notified. Stand a chance at winning this gift set by emailing your questions on hygiene care to hygienecare@newstoday.com.sg

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From TODAY, Health – Tuesday, 28-April-2009

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