BODY ODOR AND SWEATING

Self Care

You can do a number of things on your own to reduce sweating and body odor. The following suggestions may help:

• Bathe daily. This helps keep the number of bacteria on your skin in check.

• Dry your feet thoroughly after you bathe. Microorganisms thrive in the damp spaces between your toes. Use over-the-counter food powders to help absorb sweat.

• Choose shoes and socks made of natural materials. Shoes made of natural materials, such as leather, can help prevent sweaty feet by allowing your feet to breathe. Also, wear the right socks. Cotton and wool socks help keep your feet dry because they absorb moisture. When you're active, moisture-wicking athletic socks are a good choice.

• Rotate your shoes. Shoes won't completely dry overnight, so try not to wear the same pair 2 days in a row if you have trouble with sweaty feet.

• Change your socks often. Change socks or hose once or twice a day, drying your feet thoroughly each time. Women should try pantyhose with cotton soles.

• Air your feet. Go barefoot when you can, or at least slip out of your shoes now and then.

• Choose natural-fiber clothing. Wear natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk, that allow your skin to breathe. When you exercise, you might prefer high-tech fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin, such as CoolMax or Driline.

• Apply antiperspirants nightly. At bedtime, apply antiperspirants to sweaty palms or soles of the feet. Try perfume-free antiperspirants.

• Try relaxation techniques. Consider relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or biofeedback. These can help you learn to control the stress that triggers perspiration.

• Change your diet. If foods or beverages cause you to sweat more than normal or your perspiration to smell, consider eliminating caffeinated drinks from your diet as well as foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions.

To help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke: