Keisha Brown, Gleaner Writer

You are in the check-out line at the supermarket and the man next to you smells as though he hasn't showered since Hurricane Gilbert struck in 1988. You begin to feel as though you are going to faint, and you pray that the cashier moves the line along quickly. Of course, as luck would have it, she's still with the customer she had 10 minutes ago. You think you are definitely going to pass out now. Sounds familiar?

What's going on

Sitting in the sun, working out at the gym, giving a presentation at work - all of these activities can make you sweat. It is both natural and healthy to sweat under these conditions. Perspiration in itself is practically odourless. It can, however, take on an unpleasant smell when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. How much you sweat and even the way your sweat smells can be influenced by your mood, diet, drugs, medical conditions and hormone levels.

What you should know

The armpits are among the consistently warmest areas of the human body and the sweat glands present there provide bacteria with the moisture needed for them to thrive. Underarm hair adds to body odour by increasing the surface area for bacteria to multiply. Body odour is controlled by reducing moisture, killing bacteria, or overpowering the bacteria's smell with perfume.

What you should do

Shower or bathe daily. Use proper body-cleansing agents such as shower gel or antibacterial soap and be sure to wash all body parts completely.

Apply an antiperspirant daily after showering.

Change your clothes daily, including your undergarments.

Store your clothes in places where air can reach them. Consider lining your drawers with scented paper.

Let your antiperspirant dry completely before getting dressed.

Apply talcum powder to the armpits of your clothes and rub it in. Remove the evidence from dark clothing.

Shaving beneath your arms can help eliminate body odour.

Deodorant or antiperspirant

Believe it or not, they are not the same. A deodorant is a product that leaves a pleasant smell on the skin and masks body odour. An antiperspirant is a product which reduces perspiration and hinders odour-causing bacteria. If you truly wish to always smell good, your best bet is to use an antiperspirant.

Great picks for the active man

Gillette - Triple protection system clear gel

Old Spice - High endurance invisible solid

Right Guard - Xtreme.

Great picks for the active woman

Secret platinum clear gel

Secret platinum invisible solid.

Great picks for sensitive skin

Adidas for women sensitive 24H antiperspirant

Almay hypo-allergenic clear gel.