If the smell is strongest near your roomate, then it’s probably a good
guess that he or she is the source of the smell.
You don’t mention whether the smell is bad, good, or just odd. I can
only presume that the smell isn’t pleasant, because otherwise you
would have no problem asking your roommate what was causing it. If
that is the case, check out the following links to personal hygiene
sites:
Bathing.org
http://www.bathing.org/
WebHealthCentre
http://www.webhealthcentre.com/general/ph_index.asp
Rush-Presbyterian-StLuke’s Medical Centre
http://www.rush.edu/worldbook/articles/008000a/008000268.html
Good Medicine
http://goodmedicine.ninemsn.com.au/goodmedicine/Factsheets/db/general/procedures/1198.asp
They have some information on personal hygiene routines and body
odour. It may be that your roommate is unaware of the odour, whatever
is causing it, and may need some helpful tips. It may also be due to a
medical condition, such as excessive sweating, so tread carefully.
Certain foods can, when consumed, cause odours to be excreted through
pores in the body. A BBCi article on health states:
“Being overweight; eating foods such as onions, fish, garlic, and
spicy foods; exercise; anxiety; hot weather; and certain medical
conditions cause the body to sweat more.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/mens/cond_bo.shtml
An advice section on the same Website also has the following
information:
“What you eat can also contribute to body odour, as some foods contain
smelly chemicals which are secreted out in sweat. These include garlic
and many spices, particularly cumin.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_doctor/body_odour.shtml
Having lived with a flatmate with dubious personal hygiene, I will say
that it is a subject best approached delicately and with sensitivity –
it may be embarrassing for both of you, but there is less chance that
feelings will be hurt and friendships irrevocably damaged if you
approach it in a nice manner.
I hope this helps!
Cobrien-ga |
