5 Steps That Help Get Rid Of Armpit Odor

Armpit odor is normal, usually when you sweat too much after working out or staying out in the sun. But what if you have persistent armpit odor? Paano mawala ang amoy ng kilikili? Find out here. 

Causes of Armpit Odor

Answering the question, “Paano mawala ang amoy ng kilikili?”, means you need to know about the common causes. 

First, please note that having a chronic, strong odor (medically known as bromhidrosis) can happen to anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender. However, it tends to be more common in adults since children’s sweat glands do not become active until puberty. 

Bromhidrosis can occur due to poor hygiene, inherited disorders, diet, medications, or diseases, like infections or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). 

In some cases, the patient is not aware of the bad odor. It is the partner or parent who recommends going to the doctor to get the malodor checked. 

Paano Mawala Ang Amoy Ng Kilikili?

Even if you believe that your armpit odor is persistent, you mustn’t immediately conclude that you have bromhidrosis.  You can try self-care tips first to see if the condition improves. 

Below are some tips on paano mawala ang amoy ng kilikili:

1. Use an antibacterial soap when bathing

Bathing or showering is an indispensable part of our daily hygiene routine as it keeps the body clean. Many Filipinos even have the habit of taking a bath twice daily due to our humid weather. 

If bathing daily is not enough to keep bad armpit odor at bay, consider using antibacterial soap. This might help kill the bacteria that are causing the unpleasant body odor. 

2. Be more mindful of your clothes

Paano mawala ang amoy ng kilikili? Experts say you need to wear clean clothes that are appropriate for your activity. 

Daily, you might want to stick to cotton fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. For workout sessions, use synthetic fabrics that have the ability to wick moisture away from the skin. 

Also, make it a habit to change out of your sweaty or wet clothes as soon as you can. 

3. Change your deodorant or antiperspirant

An antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat that reaches your skin by blocking the pores. A deodorant eliminates odor, but not sweat. Generally, it works by making the armpit skin more acidic and therefore less appealing to bacteria.

If your current antiperspirant or deodorant is no longer working for you, you can talk to your pharmacist or doctor about a stronger brand. 

4. Review your diet

Paano mawala ang amoy ng kilikili? Experts say you need to review your diet. 

Caffeinated beverages, spicy foods, and foods with a strong smell can make you sweat more and produce a strong odor. If you’re fond of these foods, you might want to eliminate them from your diet. 

5. Remove armpit hair 

The more armpit hair you have, the longer sweat stays and has the chance to interact with bacteria. 

If you’re unsure about the appropriate hair removal method for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a dermatologist. 

When to Seek Medical Help

If none of these self-care tips work, it’s best to set an appointment with a doctor, especially if the odor is already affecting your self-esteem. An appointment is also necessary if you notice that the odor is stronger than before and you’re sweating more than usual (despite no or minimal changes in activities).  Hyperhidrosis or abnormal excessive sweating can be diagnosed by your doctor through history taking, physical examinations and other tests to rule out underlying causes.

Through health interviews, assessment, and perhaps, tests, the doctor would be able to determine the root cause of your armpit odor. They may recommend stronger deodorant or antiperspirants, permanent hair removal, or medical/surgical treatment for excessive sweating.

Learn more about Skin Health here.