Why Do Your Armpits Smell Bad Even After a Bath? (Simple Ways to Fix It!)
Having smelly armpits can be really embarrassing, especially if you shower every day. Many people have problems with bad underarm odor even after washing well. If you’re wondering why your armpits still smell bad after washing, continue reading to learn some possible reasons.
Photo credit Steve Shook / Wikimedia Commons
Bacteria Cause the Bad Smell in Your Armpits
The first thing to know is that sweat itself doesn’t actually smell. The real cause of the bad smell is bacteria. Your armpits have a type of sweat gland called apocrine glands, which release a thick type of sweat. This sweat has proteins and fats that bacteria love. When the bacteria break down the sweat, they produce smelly substances, which cause the bad odor.
Washing your armpits might get rid of sweat, but it doesn’t always kill all the bacteria. Some bacteria stay on your skin or live deeper in your pores. If you don’t remove these bacteria well, they will keep making your armpits smell bad.
You Might Be Using the Wrong Soap
Not all soaps are the same. If your armpits still smell after washing, it might be because your soap isn’t strong enough to kill the bacteria causing the odor. Mild soaps may not fully clean your armpits. You might need an antibacterial soap that can better kill the bacteria.
Using a good antibacterial soap can help stop bad body odor. Make sure to choose one that is tough on germs but still gentle on your skin so it doesn’t irritate your armpits.
Hormonal Changes Can Make You Sweat More
Your body chemistry affects how much you sweat and how it smells. Hormonal changes, like during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can make you sweat more or change the way your sweat smells. This happens because hormones can increase the activity of sweat glands, leading to more sweat, and they can also change the chemical composition of your sweat, making it smell different. During these times, your sweat may become more attractive to bacteria that cause bad odor.
Hormonal changes can also change your skin’s pH, which can help bacteria grow. During these times, use a deodorant or antiperspirant that works well for you.
You Might Not Be Exfoliating Enough
Dead skin cells can also make your armpits smell. If you don’t exfoliate, dead skin can build up and create a good place for bacteria to grow. Exfoliating your armpits once or twice a week with a gentle scrub can help remove dead skin, making it harder for bacteria to cause bad odor.
Use a soft scrub or loofah to gently remove dead skin. Just be careful not to scrub too much, as this can irritate your skin and lead to more sweating and odor.
Your Deodorant Might Not Be Strong Enough
There is a difference between deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants cover up odor, but they don’t stop sweating. Antiperspirants have ingredients like aluminum that help block sweat.
If you still have a bad odor even after using deodorant, try switching to an antiperspirant or using both together. Different products work for different people, and it may take some trial and error to find the right combination. It can also help to apply deodorant or antiperspirant at night before bed. This gives it more time to work since your sweat glands are less active while you sleep.
Your Diet Can Affect Armpit Odor
Believe it or not, what you eat can make your armpits smell worse. Foods like garlic, onions, spicy dishes, and alcohol can make your sweat smell bad. These foods contain sulfur compounds that are released through sweat, leading to a stronger body odor. These foods have sulfur compounds that come out in your sweat and cause a stronger odor.
Cutting back on these foods might help. Instead, try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water to flush out bad-smelling compounds. Green leafy vegetables are especially good because they contain chlorophyll, which helps reduce odor naturally.
It Could Be a Medical Condition
If none of these solutions work and your armpits still smell bad, you might have a condition called bromhidrosis. This condition makes your body produce a stronger odor and could be related to too many bacteria or other health issues.
If you think your armpit odor is unusual, talk to your doctor. They may recommend specialized treatments or even dietary changes to help manage the odor. They can check if there’s a medical reason for the odor and suggest treatments like prescription-strength antiperspirants or even antibiotics to manage the bacteria.
Tips to Reduce Armpit Odor
Here are some helpful tips to keep your armpits smelling fresh:
- Shave or Trim Your Armpits: Hair can trap bacteria and make the smell worse. Shaving or trimming can help reduce the areas where bacteria grow.
- Use Vinegar or Witch Hazel: Both vinegar and witch hazel can kill bacteria naturally. Dab some on a cotton pad and apply it to your armpits after showering.
- Wear Breathable Clothes: Choose natural fabrics like cotton that let your skin breathe and allow sweat to dry. Synthetic materials can trap sweat and make the smell worse.
- Keep Your Armpits Dry: Bacteria grow in wet places, so keeping your armpits dry can help. Pat them dry after showering, and use body powder to absorb any extra moisture.
- Apply Deodorant at Night: Applying deodorant or antiperspirant before bed can help it work better. Your body temperature is lower at night, which makes your sweat glands less active and gives the product more time to work.
- Try Probiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotics, which are good bacteria, might help balance out the bacteria in your body and reduce body odor. You can find probiotics in foods like yogurt or as supplements.
Final Thoughts
Having smelly armpits, even after washing, can be really annoying, but understanding why it happens can help you fix it. From using the right soap, exfoliating, and eating better to seeking medical advice if needed, there are lots of ways to deal with it. If you’ve tried everything and nothing helps, talk to a doctor for more advice. No one should feel embarrassed about body odor, and there are ways to fix it.
