Bad breath, smelly feet, sweaty armpits – experts explain what causes them and how to treat them

This is completely normal if you've just come from the gym, eaten a garlic skewer, or had a hot day. But when situations become problematic, solutions are necessary.

doctor. Joe Whittington, a doctor from California, recently revealed to his 1.8 million TikTok followers the secret to foot odor in 20 minutes in black tea. Dr. Whittington claims that the tannins, also known as tannic acid, found in tea have antioxidant properties that kill bacteria and reduce harmful odors.

However, when odors turn into actual filth, they can cause deep embarrassment and anxiety. Even with our loved ones it can happen. Be honest, would you tell your best friend or new partner how they smell? The real cause may be an underlying medical problem or a deeper lack of awareness about certain hygiene measures.

Ron McCulloch, a consultant podiatrist and director of the London Podiatric Centre, tells The Telegraph that sweaty feet are a common problem, and while hygiene is important, the problem can be more complex. “Your feet are home to about 250,000 sweat glands, which produce almost odorless moisture,” she reveals.

“However, when sweat meets bacteria that live on the skin, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis and Brevibacterium, these bacteria feed on sweat and dead skin cells, breaking them down. They are particularly fond of amino acids and fatty acids, turning them into odorous substances, Including sulfur compounds that produce the classic smelly foot odors. So, in short, sweat forms a perfect focal point for bacteria, which in turn leaves behind a distinct odor. A multi-faceted approach is needed. And if someone is suffering from excessive sweating or suffering from “In other, more serious cases, he will need special assistance.”

Bad breath

Also known as bad breath, it tends to occur when food particles are not removed from the teeth, gums and tongue due to poor oral hygiene. As a result, bacteria thrive, causing plaque (a sticky, foul-smelling film) and eventually tartar to form on the teeth and along the gums.

Other causes of bad breath are tooth decay, dry mouth (saliva naturally helps clean the mouth, so when it's particularly dry, bacteria thrive) and gum disease, such as gingivitis and gingivitis, which are infections of the gums and can lead to bad breath. Due to the abundance of bacteria and dead cells.

Certain foods, such as garlic, onions and various spices, can cause temporary bad breath, while low-carb diets lead to high levels of ketones – the liver chemical that breaks down fats – in the blood, which can cause flaking mouth.

How to deal with it

Top dentist Dr. Rona Iskandar recommends regular dental checkups to monitor the health of your teeth and gums, as well as professional deep cleanings to remove bacteria and tartar below the gum line, where regular brushing and flossing is not possible.

Sweaty armpits

We all sweat, but things get worse when bacteria get involved and break it down into something called thioalcohol. This is the pungent compound that is recognizable as the smell of beef in sweaty armpits. Of course, regular washing will remove these odors, but in some extreme cases a person may need more special care.

Stress, anxiety and excitement can also lead to increased sweating, plus we may be genetically predisposed to sweating a lot. So, if one of your parents sweats more, you may inherit the same trait.

Additional conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, menopause, obesity, certain types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease cause sweating. Some medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, hormonal treatments, and some antibiotics, can also cause excessive sweating as a side effect.

How to deal with it

Botox injections can be used to treat excessive sweating. It works temporarily (for a few months) by blocking the nerves responsible for stimulating the sweat glands. Dr Carey Machado adds to The Telegraph: 'In severe cases, surgical options such as sweat gland removal and sympathectomy may be considered.' [χειρουργική επέμβαση στα νεύρα] Or laser treatment. “These procedures are usually reserved for people who have not responded to other treatments.”

Foot odor

Our feet are one of the hardest working parts of our body. And when you consider that they're confined to socks and shoes for most of the day, it's no wonder they end up smelling bad. Allowing your feet to breathe whenever possible and washing regularly, especially between the toes, will prevent that familiar unpleasant odor.

Ron McCulloch reveals that profuse foot sweating can be caused by the same medical factors as underarm hyperhidrosis and can be successfully treated with Botox. When it comes to cleanliness at home, she says special attention should be paid to nails and toes, where bacteria and fungal infections can occur.

How to deal with it

Foot bath adding a few drops of antibacterial tea or eucalyptus essential oil to the water. Always keep toenails trimmed and feet and between toes completely dry – wet feet encourage bacteria. Change your socks regularly or carry a spare pair if you will be spending a long day in closed shoes.