Personal Hygiene
During Physical Activity
Sweat and Body Odor
Perspiration, or sweat, comes from sweat glands that you've always had in your body. But
thanks to puberty, these glands not only become more active than before, they also
begin to secrete different chemicals into the sweat that has a stronger smelling odor.
You might notice this odor under your arms in your armpits. Your feet and genitals might
also have new smells.
The best way to keep clean is to bathe or shower every day using a mild soap and warm water. This
will help wash away any bacteria that contribute to the smells. Wearing clean clothes, socks, and
underwear each day can also help you to feel clean. If you sweat a lot, you might find that shirts, Tshirts, socks, and underwear made from cotton or other natural materials will help absorb sweat
more effectively.
If you're concerned about the way your underarms smell, you can try using a deodorant
or deodorant with antiperspirant. Deodorants get rid of the odor of sweat by covering it
up, and antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration. They come in sticks, roll-ons,
gels, sprays, and creams and are available at any drugstore or supermarket. All brands
are similar (and ones that say they're made for a man or for a woman are similar, too, except for
some perfumes that are added).
If you choose to use deodorant or antiperspirant, be sure to read the directions. Some work better
if you use them at night, whereas others recommend that you put them on in the morning. But keep
in mind that some teens don't need deodorants or antiperspirants. So why use them if you don't
have to? Deodorant and antiperspirant commercials may try to convince you that you'll have no
friends or dates if you don't use their product, but if you don't think you smell and you take daily
baths or showers and wear clean clothes, you may be fine without them.
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Usually athlete's foot affects the soles of the feet and the areas between the toes, and it may also
spread to the toenails. Athlete's foot can also spread to the palms of your hands, groin, or
underarms if you touch your feet and then touch another area of your body. Athlete's foot doesn't
just aggravate athletes; anyone whose feet tend to be damp or sweaty can get this infection. The
fungi that cause athlete's foot thrive in warm, moist environments. The signs and symptoms of
athlete's foot include itching, burning, redness, and stinging on the soles of the feet. The skin may
flake, peel, blister, or crack.
How Can I Prevent Getting Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is contagious. It's often spread in damp areas, such as public showers or
pool areas. To prevent getting athlete's foot, dry your feet — and the spaces between
your toes — thoroughly after showering or swimming. Use a clean towel. (Avoid sharing
towels because doing so can spread the infection.) If you use public showers, like those in
the locker room, wearing waterproof shoes or flip-flops is a good way to protect your
feet.
To keep your feet as dry as possible, try not to wear the same shoes or sneakers all
the time, and don't wear socks that make your feet sweat or trap moisture. Cotton or
wool socks are a good bet. You can also find socks made of special "moisture wicking"
fabrics in many sports stores — these are designed to keep feet dry. If possible,
choose sneakers that are well ventilated — some sneakers contain small ventilation holes that help
to keep your feet dry.
How Is Athlete's Foot Treated?
A doctor can often diagnose athlete's foot simply by examining the affected area. Your doctor may
also take a small scraping of the skin on your foot. This sample is then examined under a microscope
or sent to a laboratory for culture to see if the fungi that cause athlete's foot are present.
If you have athlete's foot, over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays may solve
the problem. Most mild cases of athlete's foot usually clear up within 2 weeks, but it
is common for athlete's foot to recur (come back), so some people use medicated
powders and sprays to prevent this from happening.
If an athlete's foot infection is more serious, it can take longer than a couple of weeks to get
better. In these cases, it's a good idea to see your doctor, who may prescribe a stronger antifungal
cream, spray, or pill.