What is Bromhidrosis?

Bromhidrosis is a medical term for chronic body odor. This type of body odor is not like any other normal type of odor that you can just simply clean off and cover up using a deodorant or antiperspirant and go about your day without any worry.  It is a condition that could affect a person's quality of life. There are many factors that causes Bromhidrosis. These may be genetic, metabolic abnormalities, drugs, poor hygiene or diet. It could also be a sign of an underlying condition such as type 2 diabetes, intertrigo (skin rash), erythrasma (skin infection) or trichomycosis axillaris (hair follicle infection under the arm). If you think you may have it, I strongly suggest that you consult a professional in order to determine the main cause of the odor.

 Foods to Avoid 

You don't necessarily need to avoid consuming the foods listed below but you may need to lessen your consumption of them:

• Curry
• Cumin
  
• Garlic
• Onion
• Tomato
• Alcohol
• Sugar
  
• Dairy
  
• Caffeine
• Cruciferous vegetables
• Red meat 
• Spicy food

If you are planning on modifying your diet, I suggest that you start by eating less of the foods mentioned above. Removing them entirely from your diet may have a negative effect on your health so it is best to consult a dietician before doing so. 

Products to Use and Avoid

When you hear "body odor" you immediately think of products that could help get rid of the stench. You think of deodorants, antiperspirants, antibacterial soaps, etc. But did you know that products containing antibacterial agents and aluminum-based compounds can actually worsen your odor? Yes, this has been proven through tons of scientific studies. So, if you are currently using products containing these compounds especially antiperspirants, even if you think it's helping you right now, I suggest that you switch to natural deodorant and mild soaps ASAP.  Trust me, I speak from experience and I wish I knew about it when I was younger and now I'm living with the consequences. 

Below is a list of products that may help mask or reduce your odor and not make it worse in the long run:

1. Dove Sensitive Skin or any non-alkaline soap that is good for the skin. This may not completely remove bacteria on your skin but you can always use a loofah. Just make sure you change or clean it often.
   
2.  Scmidt's Charcoal + Magnesium Deodorant. Please be aware that no natural deodorant can stop you from sweating. You will sweat but some natural deodorants are able to alleviate odor despite the sweating.  
3. Lume Deodorant. This product was particularly made for sufferers of Bromhidrosis. 
4. Nuud Deodorant.
   
5. Piper Wai Natural Deodorant Cream. 
6. Crystal Deodorant Stone.
   

Note: Our bodies react differently to different products so I suggest that you experiment and find what is best for yours.

But wait! Before you switch to natural products, please make sure that you wash all your clothes thoroughly. The best way to eliminate the bacteria left on your clothes is by adding a cup of white vinegar to your laundry. Don't worry about them smelling sour because I assure you they won't. If the smell is too strong and still lingers, turn your clothes inside out and pre-soak them in 1-2 cups of white vinegar per 2 gallons of water before washing.

Best of luck!

 

Reference: Callewaert C, Hutapea P, Wiele T & Boon N (2014) Deodorants and antiperspirants affect the axillary bacterial community.