Tawas, A Sure Solution to Overcome Body Odor, But Pay Attention to Its Side Effects According to Doctor Tirta!

Kapanlagi.com - One of the issues that often affects our confidence during activities is body odor. Many people try to tackle it with chemical-based deodorants or antiperspirants.

However, did you know that some of these products can contain ingredients that may cause irritation or long-term side effects? Another alternative often chosen to combat body odor is alum.

But how effective is alum in addressing this issue? In the latest episode on the YouTube account Tirta PengPengPeng titled "DISSECTING QUESTIONS FROM NETIZENS ABOUT HEALTH MYTHS & FACTS!" aired on April 12, 2025, Doctor Tirta provides an interesting explanation.

According to him, alum has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause underarm odor. "Based on research, alum can inhibit bacterial growth because unpleasant odors arise from sweat mixing with bacteria," explains Doctor Tirta.

Not only that, alum also has an astringent effect that can shrink pores. "It can help reduce sweat pores," he adds. However, even though alum has benefits, its use is not without risks.

Some people may experience side effects such as skin irritation. "There is a possibility of side effects, especially for those who have allergic reactions. The use of alum can cause irritation," he revealed.

Doctor Tirta reminds, "Always pay attention to your skin reactions. If you have hypersensitivity to certain ingredients, it is best to be cautious."

So, if you are looking for a solution for body odor, alum could be an option. However, don't forget to always monitor your skin's reaction!

1. Onion and Body Odor

Be careful, for those of you who have just shaved your armpit hair, it is best to avoid using tawas immediately! This can trigger irritation on sensitive skin. However, don't worry, because Doctor Tirta emphasizes that tawas remains a friend in combating body odor, thanks to its ability to inhibit bacterial growth.

In an exciting and laughter-filled discussion on the Raditya Dika podcast, Doctor Tirta also thoroughly discusses the myths and facts surrounding onions and their relationship with body odor.

He explains that while many believe excessive consumption of onions will cause unpleasant body odor, the reality is quite the opposite; onions actually provide benefits for digestion and serve as a natural anti-inflammatory.

"Body odor is not caused by onions or certain foods," he asserts, adding that this issue is more often caused by metabolic disorders or bacterial infections that develop in certain areas of the body, such as the thighs, neck, and armpits, which are rich in apocrine sweat glands.

2. Maintaining Personal Hygiene

Dr. Tirta jokingly explained that foods like curry or goat satay are not the culprits of body odor, but rather bacteria that thrive due to a lack of cleanliness.

"So, don’t blame the food!" he said while reminding us of the incredible properties of onions as a natural remedy often used in traditional medicine. When the throat feels sore, we are usually advised to enjoy onion soup, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties.

He emphasized that maintaining personal hygiene is far more important in preventing body odor than worrying about what we eat.

If body odor starts to disrupt daily activities, there are several effective steps that can be taken, such as using the right antiperspirant and deodorant, and if unsure about choosing, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or dermatologist!

3. Change Wet Clothes Immediately

After engaging in activities and sweating, promptly change out of your wet clothes into dry and clean ones, as damp clothing can worsen body odor.

Don't forget to regularly wash odor-prone areas using antibacterial soap to avoid the bacteria that cause it. In addition, removing hair in the underarm area can also be an effective solution, as hair can trap sweat and bacteria.

Pay attention to your diet as well; avoid foods like onions and strong spices that can trigger unpleasant odors.

With these steps, you can maintain cleanliness and minimize body odor, so that normal sweating does not become a problem in everyday life.

(kpl/rao)