Easy ways to handle body odour during monsoon

Shahnaz Husain

Increase in humidity during the monsoon creates a breeding ground for bacteria on the skin, leading to that unpleasant musty smell.

Body odour is the result of your sweat mixing with the existing bacteria on your skin.

It is most prevalent among those who sweat a lot, with athletes, overweight people, diabetics and groups with weakened immune systems most at risk. Excessive sweating in armpits, feet, palm  and groin  are major  cause of embarrassment during monsoon season. Damp monsoon days can mean excessive perspiration and with that comes body odour.  

Sweating is the body’s mechanism to strike a balance between the temperature difference in the internal body and the outside environment.  

 Factors such as stress, genetic background,  processed and spicy food with garlic and onion base,  aerated drinks, and  other mental , psychological disorders can also affect the body odour.   

Bathing and scrubbing help to clear away germs, dirt and odour. All parts of the body must be washed well, specially the neck, armpits and feet. These are the areas where germs accumulate and cause odour. Adding cologne to the bath water leaves the body fragrant. Colognes also have a cooling effect. Shower gels and body shampoos, containing natural ingredients, like sandalwood, rose and khus have a cooling and refreshing effect. They are not only natural coolants but have germicidal and antiseptic benefits.

Pour 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil while bathing; it helps you stay fresh and smell nice. Essential oil helps in controlling sweat and body odour.

Wear cotton underwear and clothes during the hot ,  humid  monsoon season. Porous materials help sweat to evaporate.  change your underwear regularly, especially if you sweat excessively.

Opt for fresh, clean underwear after each shower or if you feel dampness.

After showering, pat yourself dry with a clean towel, paying particular attention to areas prone to moisture buildup (like armpits or between skin folds) . This gentle approach removes excess moisture without disrupting your skin’s natural microbiome or damaging the skin barrier.

 Loose, light clothing is much more appropriate and comfortable during monsoon season. Tight clothing can trap moisture and inhibit airflow, leading to increased sweat and discomfort. Daily changes of clothing is, of course, a must. 

The combination of moisture and warmth in the underarm area creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi and unpleasant odour. By keeping the underarms dry you can minimise the risk of bacterial infections and the amount of sweat that accumulates. 

The use of anti-perspirants and deodorants do help. Most deodorants are also anti-perspirants. A spray, rather than the roll-on deodorants may be more suitable in monsoon but this is a matter of personal choice. However, be sure to choose a mild deodorant, as strong built-in anti-perspirants can cause skin irritation or sensitive reactions. It is always better to try them out on a small area, on the inner arm, first. If the skin tingles or burns for more than a minute, you should not use it. Some people find the use of talcum powders quite adequate. They absorb perspiration and maintain freshness for some time  .

 Climate also plays a part in choosing the right perfume. In hot and humid monsoon conditions, it is better to go for light, lemony and fresh fragrances, rather than heavy ones. The effect of perfumes intensifies in hot, humid  weather. A heavy perfume can be quite overpowering. Lemon, rose, lavender or sandalwood are light and refreshing during monsoon weather.

Here are some tips for preventing body odour:

A deodorant or a body spray should be a part of your daily routine. Before leaving the house, give a quick fragrant shower to your body. Always go for the body sprays which last for long and have extra powerful fragrance.

Regular use of anti-bacterial soap can help reduce the growth of bacterial, minimising the chances of odour.

 Reduce the number of products you’re using on your face, opting for light, multitasking ones that could reduce the amount you sweat.

Mild exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hair.

Gentler exfoliants like lactic acid and mandelic acid are also effective and kinder to the skin.   Exfoliating once or twice a week should suffice

Be generous with the use of colognes, even splashing them on. Colognes and Eau de Toilette constitute mainly water, or a mixture of alcohol and water, with only 2 to 5 % perfume. They are lighter and leave a light lingering fragrance.

 Colognes can be added to bath water. Or, add eau de cologne to a mug of water and used as a last rinse. It has a cooling effect too. 

 Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) helps to prevent body odour. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply under the arms. You can also add lemon juice to this paste. Leave on for ten minutes and wash off with water. Or, mix a little baking soda with your talcum powder and apply under the arms, or on the feet.

 Potato slices can also be rubbed on areas where odour forms easily.

You can rub neem paste on your underarms as an effective herb because of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties. 

Rose water can always be added generously to bath water. It is a natural coolant and also fragrant.

Add 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this under the arms with cotton wool.

 You can rub lemons on your armpits to stop the growth of microorganisms. However, do not use lemon if you have cuts or irritated skin.

To remove odour from the hair, add the juice of a lemon and half a cup of rose water to a mug of water and use as a last rinse.

 For excessive perspiration (which can result in body odour), Ayurveda gives some dietary suggestions:

 Sip “nimbu paani.” Sip ginger tea before and after your meals. Chop fresh ginger root finely and mix with a pinch of salt. Chew a little of this before your meal. Sipping warm water with your meal may also help. Light diet and less spices are advised. Eat smaller meals   after short intervals