Often personal confidence is greatly increased by good grooming and the basis of this is cleanliness.

This means the taking of a daily bath or shower or if this is not possible, a thorough wash with soap and water. The dead skin cells, oil and sails which continually accumulate on the skin's surface are then removed. A pumice used at these times on rough areas such as elbows and feet is a good idea, as well as a moisturizer on dry areas.

Perspiration

All of us perspire, even on cold days, and this helps to regulate body heat and remove some waste products.

Sweating stimulated by heat causes wetness and is increased during the warmer months. However sweating stimulated by emotions (fear, anxiety) which causes odour, is the same no matter what the season. People wear more clothes during the winter, thereby creating better conditions for bacteria to grow. It is the action of bacteria normally present on our bodies which causes the unpleasant odour. Under arm hair can act as a collecting ground for decomposition products and bacteria.

Deodorants and deodorant soaps act on the odour producing bacteria on the skin. Anti-perspirants temporarily reduce the activity of the sweat glands. Sweating performs a very important role and it would be unhealthy to stop sweating over the entire body. However as anti-perspirants work on such a small area they do not cause a health risk.

If a decision is made to use deodorants and anti-perspirants both should be applied to clean, dry and cool skin and neither is a substitute for washing. Effect can last for several hours depending on both skin type and brand. They should not be applied when the body is already sweating e.g. immediately after a hot bath.

Irritation and inflammation under arms may occur after shaving or when tight clothing is worn. As most deodorants contain alcohol, a temporary burning sensation occurs when applied to irritated skin.

Odour can develop on other parts of the body - mostly in enclosed areas such as skin folds, though it will differ from under arm odour. Bacteria also decompose vaginal secretions. Feminine hygiene sprays are available and may give psychological reassurance, but are not recommended.

Let us mention here bad breath (halitosis). This can be caused by many things: tooth or gum infection, throat, tonsil or sinus infections, smoking or from odours exhaled when digesting pungent foods. If it is due to "strong" foods or smoking, gargling with a mouthwash or breath freshner may help to mask it but the actual condition takes some hours to disappear. Good oral hygiene is essential to keep gums, tongue and teetn healthy. So brush your teeth frequently and thoroughly, preferably after each meal, plus eat a selection of hard fibrous foods and plenty of fruit. A six monthly dental check is advisable. If it seems a chronic halitosis, a visit to the doctor or dentist is required - chewing gum or peppermints will only disguise it not cure it.

It is possible that our society has become obsessed with body odours. Conventions dictate that all body and mouth odours are undesirable though they are natural and in some societies are considered desirable. However with relatively little effort it is possible to achieve an acceptable level of hygiene and grooming.