How to Control Perspiration and Body Odor

Men sweat. Women perspire. Regardless of terminology, evaporation of this natural moisture is essential for dissipating excess body heat accumulated from metabolic processes, muscular exertion, and external sources. Eccrine sweat glands (widely distributed over the body) are stimulated by heat, physical activity, or nervous tension. The apocrine sweat glands do not develop until puberty, are activated by pain, sexual excitement or emotional stress, and are concentrated under the arms and around the genitals, with additional outlets on men's backs. Males perspire more profusely than females, although excessive perspiration may be caused by hormonal fluctuations, then wane as glandular activity decreases with age.

Body odor is produced by bacteria growing and decomposing in the liquid. Only in our well-scrubbed society is this natural fragrance deemed unpleasant; it once was considered so sexually appealing that "love philters" filled with sweat were worn as arousing sexual desire.

Alcohol is a deodorant and temporary antiperspirant. Apply rubbing alcohol, let dry, then dust with cornstarch.

Baking soda and cornstarch. Mix equal amounts of soda and cornstarch, or use cornstarch by itself-with a pinch of cloves, if desired. Apply to clean, dry armpits for a deodorant and mild antiperspirant.

Lavender oil. Applying a single drop under each arm helps eliminate odor.