Some other treatments for body odor may include prescription-strength antiperspirants, antibiotics, botox injections or surgery, depending on the cause and severity of your condition. You should consult your doctor before trying any of these treatments, as they may have risks or side effects.
• Prescription-strength antiperspirants: These are products that contain higher concentrations of aluminum chloride or other active ingredients that block the sweat glands and reduce sweating and odor. They are usually applied at night and washed off in the morning. They may cause skin irritation or staining of clothes in some people. They may also lose their effectiveness over time or cause allergic reactions in some people.
• Antibiotics: These are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause body odor. They are usually prescribed for people who have excessive sweating or a condition called bromhidrosis, which is a foul-smelling odor caused by bacterial breakdown of sweat. They may be taken orally or applied topically to the affected areas. They may cause nausea, diarrhea, yeast infections or resistance to antibiotics in some people. They may also interact with other drugs or supplements that you are taking.
• Botox injections: These are injections of botulinum toxin, a substance that blocks the nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands. They are usually given in the armpits, palms or soles to reduce sweating and odor for several months. They may cause pain, bruising, infection or muscle weakness in some people. They may also wear off after a while or cause adverse effects such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing or breathing problems in some people.
• Surgery: This is a procedure that involves removing or destroying the sweat glands or the nerves that control them. It is usually reserved for people who have severe sweating or odor that does not respond to other treatments. It may cause scarring, infection, nerve damage or compensatory sweating (increased sweating in other areas) in some people. It may also require general anesthesia, hospitalization and recovery time. It may not guarantee a permanent solution or a complete elimination of body odor.