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Some scientists believe that long ago, underarm odor helped attract humans to their mates. But it's obvious that for most of us, any such attraction has vanished from our culture. In fact, underarm odor is such a turn-off that a large amusement park in Surrey, England, recently banned customers from raising their arms when riding scary roller coasters during hot weather.

Underarm odor isn't pleasant for anyone -- not for the poor sweaty sap experiencing it, or his neighbors. Luckily for everyone, effective remedies abound. For five ways that work -- and to sweeten the smell of your armpits -- read on.

• Remember That Cleanliness Counts: In generally healthy people, it's not the underarm sweat itself that stinks. The culprits are the bacteria that feed on the sweat that's manufactured by the specialized apocrine sweat glands. Showers or baths are crucial to the destruction of these bacteria -- maybe more than once a day when the weather is hot or you're especially active.
• Take a Look at Your Medicine Cabinet: Home remedies that are likely to be in your medicine cabinet can be effective in fighting underarm odor. Some people swear by them. Witch hazel has astringent properties that make it an effective odor fighter. It contracts tissues, thus helping to reduce the production of sweat.

Full list at HowStuffWorks.com.

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