Body odour (BO)
Body odour is a common problem. You can usually treat it yourself.
How to treat body odour yourself
Do
-
wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly -
shave your armpits regularly -
use antiperspirants and deodorants -
change and wash your clothes regularly -
wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk -
wear antibacterial socks
Don’t
-
do not eat too much strong smelling or spicy food -
do not drink too much coffee or alcohol
You can ask a pharmacist about:
- stronger antiperspirants
- armpit or sweat shields to protect your clothing
- foot powders for sweaty feet
- soap substitutes that are gentler on your skin
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have body odour and it has not got better after treating it yourself and:
- it’s affecting your self-esteem
- you notice a change in how it usually smells
- you suddenly begin to sweat much more than usual
Information:
Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP
It’s still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery:
- visit their website
- use the NHS App
- call them
Treatments from your GP
If you have severe body odour and sweating, your GP may suggest:
- stronger, prescription antiperspirants
- injections in your armpits to reduce the amount of sweat
- surgery to remove the sweat glands
Read more about treating excessive sweating.
Causes of body odour
Things that can make body odour worse include:
- exercise
- hot weather
- hormonal changes
- being overweight
- having a condition like diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease
- certain types of medicine, such as antidepressants
Body odour may also be linked to excessive sweating and smelly feet.
Page last reviewed: 10 January 2019
Next review due: 10 January 2022
