AKA
BO, funk, smell, sweat
What is it?
Everyone has their own natural smell. Sometimes we can get a bit stinky - that's what people mean when they talk about BO.
Why do people get BO?
BO is caused by normal skin bacteria reacting to our bodily secretions, sweat, urine, and blood. They are all fairly pong-free at first but leave any of them for long enough and they'll get whiffy. That goes double if it's warm: bacteria go ballistic in the heat.
When we hit puberty, we sweat more. And we sweat differently: hormones switch on new sweat production in our armpits and groins. Time to step up the personal hygiene. And the underarm roll-on.
How can I make sure I don't get BO?
- Take a shower or bath every day. Wash your armpits, face, feet and genitals with soap.
- Deodorant makes your armpits smell nice and anti-perspirant decreases how much we sweat.
- Girls: change your sanitary towel or tampon regularly.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and see your dentist regularly.
- Change your clothes before they get whiffy. Now is the time to help with the laundry. Wear clean underwear and socks every day.
What if my friend has BO?
Be tactful! We all smell sometimes, but if a friend's got a bad case of BO, you could be doing them a favour by pointing it out.
Ask yourself: how would you like to be told?
Answer: in private, gently with bags of reassurance that no-one else has noticed. And you're not a walking sewer.
Further help and advice
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007
Previous article
hihi46, 11
I smell sometimes, i use deodrant, i wont take my blazer off at school cusi'm scared of having sweat patches. What will help? we had the talk about health at schoola n after that i washed nearly everyday but what is it? Even in winter it happens, what will happen in summer? Arghhhhhhhhhhh!!!! What shall i use? Roll on doesnt work, deodrant doesnt work!!! I'm stuck help me!!!
H,
I do all those things and i stink after a few hours of doing everyday stuff (not exercise)
Unknown, 15
i use deodrant and shower regularly but i still sweat alot and i get really nervous in case i smell what should i do to stop getting sweat patches xx
SheWhoWillNotBeNamed, 16
Don't sweat, wear anti-persperint and smell funky instead of funk-y!
unknown, 15
hey i dont smell of BO but i sweat a lot and i get really nervous around people incase i get sweat patches please can you tell me what i can do to stop me from getting sweat patches
Joanna, 14
My friend really smelt so I told her to read this and now dhe is fine and has even got a bf now.
Anonymous , 15
my mate has really bad bo. i really want to tell her, but i dont know how to...what should i do???
Robyn xoxox, 15
Hi Slink My Friend Had A Slight Case Of Realy Bad Body Odour... But After I Read This I Felt More Comfrattable Telling Her Now She Is Nice and Smells Beautifull .x
Unkown, 15
I have tried everything but when i be around people i get really nervous that i smell of B.O? . How can i stop sweating ?
Lou, 13
My BM Stinks, i told her and now she uses Anti-Persparent-use it it works!
RatherNotSay, 14
God i'm so glad you told me this. My friend had a bad case of BO and i think he was glad i told him without embaressing him! thanks guys! :)
Paris, 14
Hey one of my closet friends had some sort of body odour and I didnt know how to tell her.But after reading this page,it has gave me confidence on how to handle it.I have told her now and she was cool about it so thank you for writing about how you should tell your friends that they smell a bit. Thank you for all of your help your awesome =] x x x
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