Hello! I’m 16 years old and this has been going on since I was midway 15.One random day, i started sweating excessively- to the point where I could smell a strongly sickening stench.The armpit area on my school shirt would even turn a sort of colour due to it. I was aware I stunk and people would tell me so as i walked by. But, ever since then I’ve been subscribed to two different anti perspirants: Driclor (at the beginning of this problem) and now Odaban because the other one gave me a rash.
So, the thing is now that I had thought I had solved my problem, somehow there is a lot of “coincidental” complaints of something smelling awful near me.Ive confided in most of my friends about this and how I smell and they all say I smell fine, or even nice.But EVERYTIME someone says something smells like ass (from behind me) i just happen to not be able to smell it.Some kids might’ve even avoided sitting behind my in assembly too. I just don’t know anymore and I’m freaking scared. This is one of my worst fears come true; even though nobody has directly said i stink, all of these complains about the smell of somewhere or something I’m not able to smell has me going crazy.I try to do everything perfect too.I use body scrub,body wash, Cetraben as cream, body mist and perfume as well as some deoderant on the inside of my shirts.A good day for me is when nobody complains about a smell I can’t smell.And i want to change that, i just want to be happy and well, nice smelling? If I even do stink that is. Any advice would be really helpful, especially if someone has gone through something similar!
Comments
You should see a doctor if you haven’t already
A few pointers to eliminate / reduce BO
Apart from the usual Antiperspirant stuff and perfume stuff, try to fix the internal issues. You will find with time your BO will reduce. Knew a friend with exactly this issue, and now he’s pretty much odor free. He follows these steps everyday and his situation has improved tenfold.
Depression can do this to you. When I had panic attacks, I had to wash my clothes and put in baking soda to try to remove the smell. Things that help. Water . Correct amount and quality of sleep. Daily exercise. Really clean clothes, new new shirts. Keep positive to avoid stress in the day. Bring a kit with you to clean up and extra shirts to wear. Do all you can to cure Depression. Join a sport. Get a dog. Join a church. Volunteer to help people. Hike. Bike, etc… goals and hobbies help.
Hey, first of all—breathe. You’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is valid. At 16, everything feels louder—especially our fears. But here’s the truth: our minds are brutal overthinkers when we’re anxious, and yours is stuck in a loop.
You’re clearly trying hard, and that alone speaks volumes. The fact that your friends say you smell fine means something. Our own noses can get used to our scent, making it hard to judge ourselves, while anxiety fills in the gaps with the worst-case scenarios.
But you’re not crazy. You’re just scared of being judged, and that fear is real. If this keeps affecting your daily life, talking to a dermatologist or a therapist could really help—sometimes it’s not about smell, it’s about how we feel about ourselves.
And trust me, you’re not broken. You’re human. You’re doing your best—and that’s more than enough.
Also, depending on how excessive you sweat, make sure you change out your bedding weekly/biweekly.
You excrete toxins out of your body through sweat. Try eating cleaner food. Important trust me
The solution: lemon juice! Rub a piece of fresh lemon under your armpits, wait about 15 minutes (for best results, orherwise shorter is fine too) and wash of with a cloth). It’s very effective! Works better and healthier than chemical deodorant.
Also get some axe body spray or something to carry around.. and try some differene deotorant like old spice or something. Sometimes some deotorants just clash with your natural body oder. Personaly i dont work well with citrus smells. So mix it up.. and ya back to the axe body spays. If you think you stink just slap a bit on. But not to much.. because to much sometimes could be even worse. Then you would smell like an old lady in a elevator with channel #5.. so keep things light. And also what the other people say. Trim arpit hair/ body hair. Get your workout on, and maybe change diet. And also make your clothes smell nice by washing on the reg and using bounce dryer sheets.
If you pay for my airfare and motel I’ll come smell you
You have to apply a deodorizing solution to other parts of your body that sweat excessively, too, including crotch, feet, chest, and neck. Each area might call for a specific solution. Also your shoes might need washing.
A few ideas from someone with experience dealing with hyperhidrosis. First, diet can be important as what you consume affects the smell of your sweat. Very potent herbs or spices, such as garlic or curry, are easy examples of things to consume in moderation. Secondly, make sure you are addressing all of your sweaty areas (baby powder can be used for genital region, body sprays, laundry fresheners). Carry wet wipes if necessary to freshen up. Thrid, examine your commonly worn items closely – smell the underarms of your clean clothes and the insides of your socks and shoes to see if you detect any lingering odors (cleaning products can address these). Also, make sure you wear breathable clothing. Some materials like polyester or silk tend to exacerbate odors caused by sweat. Fourth, rather than simply battling the odor caused by sweat, there are products you can use to reduce or eliminate excessive sweat altogether. Drysol, Certain Dry, and ZeroSweat make a liquid roll-on antiperspirant that you put on before bed, then wash off in the morning. These products close your pores to prevent sweating but may irritate the skin a bit (well worth the result, though). Lastly, consider your breath and oral hygiene. I have noticed that many people who drink coffee regularly are completely ignorant of how foul it makes their breath. Stay hydrated and maybe bring a portable brush or mints to freshen with if necessary.
Most importantly, remember that we are animals who all naturally sweat and stink. Some just have an easier time hiding it. There is nothing abnormal about you or smelling when you sweat. You will get through this. Be patient and kind with yourself.
Are you soaking your clothes in odoban or vinegar before washing. Sometimes clothes can harbor odors and you won’t even know until you start sweating. I would fill the bathtub or sink with very warm water and soak clothes in vinegar/baking soda combo or odoban for a few hrs. Wring out then run through the washer. Also, chlorella capsules or chlorophyll can help with odor from the inside out. Sorry you’re having to deal with this.