Dear Dorothy,
I have a problem that is making me feel embarrassed and uncomfortable around people. I have noticed that I sometimes have body odour, even though I bathe regularly and try to keep myself clean. I am worried that people around me can smell it, and I have become very self-conscious.
Nobody has directly told me that I smell, but I sometimes notice people moving away from me or covering their noses, and it makes me wonder if they are reacting to my body odour. I have tried different soaps, deodorants and perfumes, but nothing seems to work for long.
I am now avoiding social gatherings and getting close to people because I am scared of being judged. What can I do?
-Rita
Dear Rita,
First, please do not allow embarrassment to turn this into a source of shame. Body odour is common, and it does not mean that you are dirty, careless or less deserving of friendship, affection or respect.
Body odour happens when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin. Although poor hygiene can contribute to it, there are other possible causes, including excessive sweating, certain foods, hormonal changes, some medicines and underlying health conditions. This is why simply bathing more often is not always the answer.
Start by paying attention to when the odour occurs and where it seems to come from. Wash your armpits, groin and feet thoroughly and dry yourself properly afterwards. Wear clean clothes and change underwear and socks regularly. Breathable fabrics can also help, particularly in hot weather.
You may also want to try an antiperspirant rather than simply using perfume or deodorant. Antiperspirants reduce sweating, while deodorants mainly help to mask odour. Applying an antiperspirant to clean, dry skin, particularly at night, can be helpful for some people.
Do not try to cover the problem with large amounts of perfume. Mixing perfume with body odour can sometimes make the smell more noticeable rather than solving the problem.
Most importantly, if the odour persists despite good hygiene and appropriate products, please speak to a doctor. Persistent or unusual body odour can sometimes be associated with excessive sweating, skin problems or other medical conditions that need attention.
And please do not isolate yourself because of this. You deserve to participate in life while you work out what is causing the problem. If someone you trust can gently and privately tell you whether they have noticed an odour, their honest feedback may also help you understand the situation rather than leaving you to worry about every reaction around you.
Take care of yourself, seek the right help and remember that having a problem with body odour does not define you. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do for yourself is to replace embarrassment with action.
Rita, deal with the problem, not your self-worth.
Warm regards,
Dorothy