Body Odor No More

Body odor can be solved or minimized. The objective is to reduce the bacteria in the skin despite the hot and humid weather.

Here are some tips to prevent body odor:

• Take a bath in the morning.
• Rinse body with water mixed with powdered tawas. A tablespoon or two of powdered tawas are good enough for a regular-size pail.
• Put on a fresh set of clothing and underwear.
• Take a good body scrub with soap and water, concentrating on the underarms, neck, and groins before going to bed in the evening.
• Watch your diet. Go far the bland ones-not hot, spicy flavoring or rich, fatty foods. Eat more leafy vegetables and fruits. Drink plenty of water. Avoid soft drinks and coffee. A balanced diet will empty the bowels and urinary bladder daily.
• Wear clothes made from light materials like pure cotton during hot weather. Silk and synthetic materials cannot absorb sweat. For women, shave off excess underarm hair. Hairs in the armpit collect secretions, debris, and bacteria. It is unbecoming for a lady to have unshaved underarms.
• Apply powdered tawas directly to the underarms and other parts of the body after a bath. It kills odor-causing bacteria and absorb moisture. If powdered tawas is too irritating to the skin, baking soda-talcum powder mixture is a good substitute.
• Wash liberally with water after using the toilet. Ladies should especially do so during the menstrual period, and change pad as often as needed.

If the problem still stinks despite the daily hygiene, a steam bath once a week may help. This sweating treatment cleans the skin pores and removes impurities. If you can have the luxury of a mint or eucalyptus flavored steam bath, the better. It will not only clean your skin but make it smell good as well.

-- Herminia G. Landion