How to get rid of the smell of sweat under the arms: effective remedies and methods

• October 6, 2019
• Dermatology
• Kristina Degtyareva

Summer is coming, and with it comes one very serious and annoying problem - the unpleasant smell of sweat. Of course, when the weather outside is hot, increased sweating is a completely normal function of the body. It allows you to regulate metabolic processes, maintain optimal water-salt balance, and participates in thermoregulation. At the same time, some people's sweat does not have a strong unpleasant aroma, while others, on the contrary, literally scare away others with their unpleasant odor. We propose to talk about how to get rid of the smell of sweat under the arms using a variety of professional and folk remedies. Let's consider the reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor!

Why does sweat smell bad?

Experts say: sweat itself has no odor. An unpleasant odor appears due to the fact that pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply in the armpits. It should be noted that the smell intensifies if hair grows under the armpits. In addition, stress, feelings of fear, and nervous tension affect the smell. The menu should also be reviewed: if it contains a large amount of fried food, alcoholic drinks and coffee, you should not be surprised that you smell unpleasant.

Separately, it should be said that an irritating odor appears due to problems with the thyroid gland, diabetes or hormonal imbalances. However, the simplest and most common cause of an unpleasant odor is poor hygiene. In this case, you should change the detergent and select a gel with an optimal pH level.

Speaking about the reasons for the smell of sweat under the arms, we cannot fail to note the performance of heavy physical work. In this situation, in order to solve the problem, it is enough to simply reduce the load on the body. Among other reasons, experts note prolonged exposure to the sun and poor choice of clothing. Among the reasons for the smell of sweat under the armpits in women, experts name the beginning of the menstrual cycle, menopause, and menopause. Increased sweating can also be a cause of excess weight or a malfunction in the thermoregulation system.

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Solving the problem from the inside

In order to overcome the unpleasant odor that your armpits emit, try a small experiment: eat right for at least a week: add a large amount of fruits, herbs and vegetables to the menu, exclude all sweets and starchy foods, give up oil. Start drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. If after a week the unpleasant odor disappears, most likely you just need to stick to this diet. The smell of sweat in the armpits can be eliminated by following all the rules of hygiene. In the summer, take a shower twice a day and change your clothes promptly.

In order to completely eliminate sweating, many turn to specialists for special injections that can suppress the activity of the sweat glands. This procedure is very popular, because it can eliminate sweat for a long time, but we must not forget that it has many contraindications. In addition, it is harmful to health, in particular, the cardiovascular system.

General recommendations

You can reduce sweat and stench if you follow some simple rules:

1. Clothes should be dry and made from natural fabrics.
2. Spicy, fatty, smoked, and strong-smelling foods should be excluded from the diet. During the hot season, you should minimize the consumption of hot drinks.
3. Carry out water procedures with antibacterial or tar soap as often as possible. It is recommended to add 2 full tablespoons of table salt to a non-hot bath.
4. Use antiperspirants and deodorants that contain zinc.
5. Drink a complex of vitamins, including phosphorus and iron.

The “aroma” emitted depends on the quality of the food, age and genetic characteristics, health status and even the mood of the person.

Preparations that neutralize the smell of sweat

There are a number of drugs that can help get rid of unwanted odor. Almost all of them can be found in any pharmacy. They are available for free sale, but it is best to consult a specialist before using them. What kind of drugs are these? Experts highlight the following:

1. Zinc ointment. This product quickly relieves even the most severe sweating.
2. Galmanin. This medication is a dry powder made from salicylic acid and zinc. This is a kind of antiseptic that dries out the skin.
3. Salicylic-zinc paste. This product can quickly eliminate the spread of microorganisms and dry the skin.
4. Urotropin. This drug is found in pharmacies less often than others, but it is incredibly effective in the fight against sweat. Among its analogues is Hexamethylenetetramine, which is sold in powder or solution, completely ready for use. This product should be applied to the skin of the armpits before going to bed.
5. Pasta Lassara or Teymurova. In order to eliminate the smell of sweat from your armpits, you can use one of these ointments. The latter, by the way, temporarily completely blocks the activity of the sweat glands. Sweat production will be stopped for several days, which means that the strong smell of sweat under the arms will disappear for a long time. Of course, you can use such products only after consulting a doctor; the reason to refuse them may be increased skin sensitivity.
6. Formidron. Experts say: this remedy is one of the cheapest and at the same time effective against unpleasant odors. The drug has two effects at once - deodorizing and antibacterial. That is, a person does not develop an unpleasant odor, and he begins to sweat much less.

For excessive sweating, experts also recommend using special underarm pads. They will be able to attach to skin or clothing, absorb released liquid and block unpleasant odors. Moreover, such a gasket is very thin, it will not even be noticeable!

Other methods

There are other methods of dealing with the problem . The simplest of them are:

1. Dry completely after shower. Dry skin makes it harder for bacteria that cause body odor to grow on it, so be sure to dry your armpits thoroughly after showering. Although this has little effect at the time, it will help in the long run.
2. Use apple cider vinegar. One of the many things it can do is reduce armpit odor. Dr. Oz recommends splashing some of this miracle elixir on the problem area after showering. This should lower the skin's pH level, which will help reduce bacteria.
3. Deodorizing wipes. If it is not possible to take a shower during the day, reapplying deodorant will be pointless. Instead, underarm wipes can help remove strong and stinky odor. These deodorizing products use natural ingredients. After using them, you can reuse the deodorant: freshness will be felt almost immediately.
4. Use a clinical strength antiperspirant. They work by covering the top of the sweat gland with aluminum to reduce sweat on the surface of the skin. Although they do not get rid of bacteria, the smell will be much less. There are clinical-strength antiperspirants that do not require a prescription and can be used at night, maintaining the effect for several days. It is important to read the instructions carefully and be careful if your skin is sensitive or dry.
5. Wear breathable fabrics. They will help you sweat less. Stitch Fix recommends wearing clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton (including chambray) and linen.
6. Keep your body and clothes clean. This may seem obvious, but you may find that the smell is much more difficult to deal with in the summer. Showers are better than bathtubs for eliminating odor because the constant flow of water helps remove more bacteria from the body. Using antibacterial soap is also helpful. In addition, you should change your clothes more often.

The best deodorants

Deodorants can also help get rid of unpleasant odors. True, choosing the best one is quite difficult - due to the incredible variety. To make the task easier, we have prepared a review of the most effective deodorants for men and women.

Top 3 deodorants for women:

1. CRYSTAL BODY DEODORANT. This product effectively copes with the growth of bacteria, preventing the smell of sweat from even appearing. Its advantages include the absence of a strong odor and hypoallergenicity.
2. ADIDAS PERFORMANCE ACTION 3 CONTROL. This deodorant blocks sweating and retains its effect for a long time. In addition, it smells pleasant, but unobtrusively. The only downside is that it can leave marks on clothes.
3. GARNIER MINERAL. "Invisible spray" does not leave marks on clothes, and its effect lasts 48 hours. However, such a long exposure can irritate the skin, and therefore it is recommended to wash off the product at the end of the day.

Top 3 deodorants for men:

1. OLD SPICE TIMBER. The product instantly blocks the production of sweat, thereby protecting against odors for a long time. The spray is ideal for use in summer.
2. AX. The advantages of these deodorants include not only reliable protection against odors, but also a huge selection of amazing scents.
3. ADIDAS TEAM FIVEM. This deodorant can be called smart, because as soon as a man’s sweating increases, the product starts the cooling process. Add to this a light pleasant smell and the presence of a menthol complex.

Folk remedies for sweat odor

If you do not want to use medications and are used to coping with problems using folk remedies, you should know that there are certain measures that help not only reduce the intensity of sweating, but also eliminate the foul odor. Components such as regular baking soda, decoctions of various herbs, hydrogen peroxide, black radish, citrus fruits, and aromatic oils will help resolve the issue. Almost all of these products are safe, and therefore there is no need to consult a doctor before use. How to get rid of the smell of sweat under the arms using folk remedies? Let's tell you right now!

Causes of trouble

Hormonal changes are also often the culprit of increased sweating.
Experts identify 2 factors of increased sweating: physiological and pathological.

In the first case, the appearance of an unpleasant odor can be caused by fear, high fluid consumption, or exposure to high temperatures.

Pathological causes of hyperhidrosis are hereditary diseases and vegetative-vascular dystonia.

In addition, sweating in the body can be caused by natural reasons:

• physical activity;
• overweight;
• psychological problems.

A number of diseases also provoke the development of hyperhidrosis:

• osteochondrosis;
• heart failure;
• diabetes;
• oncology;
• hypertension;
• histoplasmosis;
• HIV infection;
• pneumonia.

Hormonal changes are also often the culprit behind excessive sweating.

An unpleasant odor in the armpits in this case manifests itself when:

• menopause;
• adrenal tumors;
• pregnancy;
• disorders of the thyroid gland.

But unpleasant odor under the arms is not always caused by serious problems in the body. It is often caused by poor hygiene or wearing synthetic clothing.

Apple vinegar

How to remove underarm sweat odor using apple cider vinegar? Simply dilute 3 tablespoons of this ingredient in a liter of warm water and leave for two hours. After an evening shower, you need to dry yourself and then wipe your armpits with a homemade remedy. You can be sure: throughout the next day the smell of sweat will not bother you. However, it should be noted that it is not recommended to carry out this procedure every day, because even in small concentrations, vinegar can lead to irritation. Over the course of one week, you can wipe your armpits with vinegar no more than 2-3 times.

Secrets of a refreshing wash

Since it is not always easy to remove the strong smell of sweat from clothes, especially under the arms, the item must first be soaked in vinegar . Pour 200 ml of vinegar into a bowl of water, soak the clothes and leave for 8 hours. You can add salt, soda, and citric acid to the soaking water.

Contaminated areas should be additionally rubbed with laundry soap and left for 1 hour. Some of the products described can also be used when washing in an automatic machine. If things stink after sweat, add 200 ml of table vinegar or 100-150 g of baking soda directly into the drum. The dose of detergent should be increased by at least a third.

A simple shampoo or dishwashing gel will help remove characteristic stains and odors from a T-shirt or T-shirt. It should be applied to problem areas before washing in the machine.

It is possible to remove unpleasant aroma from a shirt made of natural fabric using salt. 2-3 tbsp. l. add directly to washing powder or pre-treat problem areas with a solution of 1 tbsp. l. salt and 1 glass of water. For thick clothes, it is recommended to double the amount of salt. A mixture of salt and ammonia is added to the powder when washing white items.

Sweat is easily washed off from synthetic fabrics using a mixture of 1 tbsp. vinegar, 2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide and 2 tsp. soda, which is added to the soaking water. Vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice or citric acid solution. Also, synthetic fabrics can be cleaned well after soaking in ammonia. You need 1 pharmacy bottle of product for 1 bucket of water.

When processing items with an unpleasant scent, you should use a scented product directly for washing and rinsing.

To wash sportswear, you can use oxygen stain removers or special products that are sold in sports stores. In this case, you should not use bleach and conditioner. They can damage the functional characteristics of the fabric.

If washing doesn't help

If after washing the unpleasant odor is still present, you can use a solution of potassium permanganate. To do this, use a weak pink solution of the substance, in which a piece of cloth is moistened and problem areas are wiped. Clothes are left for 30 minutes and then washed in the manner permitted on the label.

The ingrained smell of sweat can be eliminated by washing the items several times with a pre-wash and an additional rinse function. For colored items, an oxygen stain remover is added to the laundry detergent; for white items, bleach is added. It is allowed to use various fabric softeners.

To remove unpleasant-smelling stains on clothing, use an aspirin solution. 3 tablets are crushed and diluted in 1 glass of water, and then the stains are treated.

Tea mushroom

One of the most effective remedies for the unpleasant odor of sweat is an infusion of kombucha. It not only stops the development of microorganisms, but also takes care of the delicate skin of the armpits. With its help, you can prevent the appearance of unpleasant amber for 6-8 hours: to do this, you need to wash your armpits with cool water and tar soap, dry them thoroughly with a towel, and then apply the mushroom infusion using a cotton swab. When the liquid is completely absorbed, you can get dressed. The substances included in the infusion reduce the activity of sweat glands and eliminate bacteria.

How to get rid of ingrained aroma using automatic processing?

You can remove the smell of sweat from clothes using a washing machine. The best result is achieved by pre-washing with laundry soap.

In this case, the processing is carried out as follows:

1. The soiled item is turned inside out.
2. Lather the moistened area of ​​the fabric.
3. Let things sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash as usual in a washing machine.

Detergents with enzymes and components that are aimed at removing biological contaminants have proven themselves well.

Baking soda

This is one of the best remedies for sweat odor. It’s easy to prepare a deodorizing composition: you need a teaspoon of soda for one glass of hot water. When it is completely dissolved, add a few drops of any essential oil to the water. You can apply the solution to the skin of your armpits twice a day, no more than five days a week. It is not recommended to do this more often, because soda can dry out the already sensitive and delicate skin in the armpit area.

Another baking soda sweat remedy recipe also includes cornstarch and cocoa butter. The composition is absolutely safe and can be used by both adults and children. In order to prepare the product you will need 20 grams of baking soda, the same amount of corn starch, 5 tablespoons of liquid cocoa butter. This deodorant should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Eliminate discomfort

Any manifestation of hyperhidrosis, both pathological and physical, requires treatment. Experts identify several ways to solve the problem.

Eliminating odor with medications

When selecting a suitable drug to combat sweating, you should focus on the degree of hyperhidrosis and the individual characteristics of the body.

It is advisable to select medications with a minimum number of contraindications and side effects.

The most effective medications in the fight against excessive sweating are:

• Dry Dry . This drug is available in the form of a deodorant. But its purpose is not to kill the unpleasant odor, but to treat the cause of its appearance. The principle of action of the product is to reduce the number of pores on the skin, thereby reducing sweating. To treat the problem, it is recommended to spray the product into the armpit area once every 7 days. The cost of the product varies from 800 to 1000 rubles.
• Algel . The effect of the drug is similar to the drug described above. It eliminates the unpleasant odor of sweat and does not have a negative effect on the functioning of the sweat glands. Use medicinal deodorant no more than once every 5–7 days. The average price of Algel is 500–700 rubles.
• Maksim . The anti-sweating drug is available in 2 forms: shower gel and antiperspirant. The advantage of this product is that with regular use it removes aluminum from the body. Use the drug daily. The duration of its effect is 20 hours. After achieving a therapeutic result, the medication is stopped. The average cost of Maxim shower gel is 700–800 rubles. The price of deodorant reaches 1000 rubles.
• Pasta Lassara . Due to its complex effect, the medicine not only normalizes the functioning of the excretory system, but also stops the development of pathogenic bacteria that provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Lassara paste is the most inexpensive remedy for hyperhidrosis. The average price of the drug is only 50 rubles.

Read more ► How to get rid of the smell of mold in a closet: effective removal methods

If you have an advanced form of hyperhidrosis, experts recommend using Formidon. It has a deodorizing and bacterial effect.

The only disadvantage of the drug is toxicity. For this reason, it is not recommended for use by people with sensitive skin.

Proper nutrition

Experts say that it is not enough for a person to simply use medications to get rid of an unpleasant odor. You also need to reconsider your diet.

To normalize sweating, you must avoid:

• smoked products;
• sausages;
• salty and spicy dishes;
• baking;
• canned food;
• fast food;
• salted nuts, chips, crackers;
• sweet sparkling water;
• alcohol;
• packaged juices.

It is better to replace unhealthy foods with vegetables, berries, herbs and fruits, and also drink freshly squeezed juices based on them. It is important to drink at least 1–1.5 liters of clean water per day.

Odor injections

Botox (botulinum toxin) injections effectively help with armpit sweating. With the help of injections, it is possible to block signals coming to the sweat glands from the nervous system.

Botox (botulinum toxin) injections effectively help with armpit sweating

One Botox injection eliminates the problem for up to 6-7 months. The drug has no side effects and is not harmful to health. In addition, after the procedure there are no scars or scars.

Essential oils against odor

Essential oils are very popular in the fight against the pungent odor of sweat. In addition to controlling unpleasant odors, herbal formulations have antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

You can use essential oils either in pure form, applying them to problem areas of the skin, or diluted.

Among the variety of essential recipes, there are 3 most effective:

1. In a glass container, mix 3 drops of citrus essential oil (orange, lemon) and grape seed oil (30 ml). The resulting composition is rubbed into problem areas once a day. The course of treatment with essential oils is 7–10 days.
2. Warm (not hot) water is drawn into the bathroom. Add 10-12 drops of eucalyptus, sage and pine oils. Stir the water so that the esters saturate the liquid with their aroma. Take a bath every day for 7 days. After the procedure, the body is rinsed in the shower without the use of cosmetics. With the help of such aromatherapy, microbes that cause the appearance of a pungent odor are killed.
3. Pour 3 tbsp into a glass container. spoons of soda and cornstarch. Add 10 ml of tea tree oil to the mixture. The resulting mixture is diluted with coconut ether to a paste. The skin of the armpits is thoroughly washed and dried, after which the aromatic mixture is applied to it. Leave the mixture on for 10–15 minutes and wash off. The procedure is carried out 2 times a day. Duration of treatment – ​​1 week.

Read more ► Smell in the toilet, how to get rid of it: main causes and effective solutions

If you need to temporarily remove the smell of sweat, just rub a few drops of any essential oil into dry skin.

Folk remedies for sweat odor

Healing herbs will help normalize the functioning of the sweat glands and reduce moisture production. Medicinal plants have a sedative effect on the central nervous system, which also helps reduce sweating.

But you shouldn’t abuse folk recipes. Firstly, healing decoctions, lotions and compresses can cause peeling and irritation of the skin of the armpits.

Healing herbs will help normalize the functioning of the sweat glands and reduce moisture production.

Secondly, a person may develop an allergic reaction to the substances included in the recipes.

The following will help get rid of the smell of sweat in the armpit:

• Oak bark . Tannins have anti-inflammatory and disinfecting properties. To normalize the functioning of the sweat glands, soak in boiling water (1 liter) for 2 minutes. insist 5 tbsp. l. crushed product. Then the broth is wrapped in a blanket and infused for another 1.5 hours. In a separate container, mix 5 tbsp. l. liquid honey and crushed bark. The armpits are washed and dried. The oak-honey mixture is rubbed into problem areas and washed off after 15 minutes. After this, lotions are made from oak broth. Sweating is treated for 14 days, after which a break of 1 month is taken. and repeat the procedure.
• Vinegar . Acid not only removes bacteria and fungi from the skin of the armpits, but also destroys their waste products. Due to this, the areas treated with vinegar are cleaned, dried and no longer emit an unpleasant odor. To treat hyperhidrosis, apple cider vinegar (3 tbsp) is dissolved in distilled water (1 l). Use the resulting solution to wipe the problem areas, wait until the liquid has completely evaporated and repeat the procedure again. Use the vinegar mixture daily for 7 weeks.
• Beer. Few people know that an intoxicating drink can relieve problems with sweating. To do this, fill the bathtub halfway with warm water. Add 1 liter of beer to it. For 15 min. immerse themselves in water and then rinse off in the shower. In 10–12 sessions it is possible to completely normalize the functioning of the sweat glands.

People also widely use chamomile infusion to combat sweating. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal plant easily eliminates the pungent odor of sweat.

Hydrogen peroxide

Thinking about how to get rid of underarm sweat odor? Try using hydrogen peroxide. Please note: it can only be used in diluted form: you will need 1 part of the product for 20 parts of water. Dip a cotton pad or cloth into the resulting mixture and then treat the problem areas. It is best to do this twice a day - in the evening and in the morning. If you do not adhere to the recommended proportions, you may suffer serious burns or irritation.

Black radish

This vegetable can also be used to combat odor. You will need one medium-sized radish, from which you will need to squeeze the juice, and then combine it with the same amount of pharmaceutical glycerin. The composition should be mixed thoroughly and rubbed into the skin of the armpits in the morning and evening. It is best, of course, to carry out this treatment after a shower. Be careful: radish can cause severe irritation, so if you feel a burning sensation after application, rinse your armpits and avoid using radish.

Herbal infusions

Infusions and decoctions of various plants, which you can either prepare yourself or purchase at a pharmacy, are also an excellent remedy for the smell of sweat under the arms. They can get rid of unpleasant odors in no time. It is best to use chamomile, sage, oak bark, and calendula. The plant mixture must be poured with boiling water and left until it cools completely, and then filtered. The resulting composition should be wiped over the skin of the armpits 2-3 times a day. In order to enhance the effect of this natural deodorant, you can add a small amount of baking soda to it.

Video

Video interview with a doctor, where the topic of treating sweating with traditional methods is raised

Sweating is an absolutely natural function of the body, necessary to maintain optimal body temperature and remove metabolic products. However, the development of hyperhidrosis indicates the presence of health problems and internal disruptions in the life support systems.

In any case, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the body in order to identify the root cause of the disease and get rid of it through drug therapy. As caring and therapeutic folk recipes for sweat and armpit odor, it is effective to use decoctions of medicinal plants, baking soda, and tea. This link will tell you whether it is possible to wash your hair with tar soap.