Body odour (2024)

FAQs

How do you give feedback about body odor? ›

Be honest and kind but also be direct, don't try and tackle the problem by means of well intended hints. Ask them what may be causing the odour and how you can help. Take notes—you may need them if you need to handle the situation formally.

What is body odor? Body odor is what you smell when your sweat comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin. Sweat itself doesn't smell, but when the bacteria on your skin mix with your sweat, it causes an odor. Body odor can smell sweet, sour, tangy or like onions.

Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down the sweat from the apocrine glands in your armpits, groin, and pubic area. You may be more prone to body odor if you are overweight, eat certain foods, have certain health conditions, or are under stress. Genetics may also play a role.

As he did so, I caught a pungent whiff of body odour, the sour smell of decomposing underpants. Heavy colognes were used to mask body odour.

For instance, instead of saying "You smell bad," it's more constructive to say, "I've noticed a consistent scent recently, and I wanted to discuss it to ensure we maintain a comfortable environment for everyone." By being direct yet sensitive, you respect the employee's feelings while addressing the issue of the ...

Use clear language, but don't be insulting. Try saying, "Look, this is awkward, and I'm sure you're not aware of it, but I really thought you'd want to know that you have a strong body odor." There's no need to lecture or get into a long discussion.

Body odour (bromhidrosis)

Go take a shower, watch TV, read a book for a while. Then, collect the clothes and give them the sniff test, especially around the pit area and anywhere you sweat profusely. If you find an odor that is unpleasant, that might be an indicator that you have a body odor problem that is leaching into your clothing.

It's best to tell her the truth, rather than gossip about her behind her back. Let her know very nicely that she has body odor, and that you're not trying to hurt her but that people are talking. Tell her you don't want to see her get hurt from people teasing her.

If the body odor is new, you can frame it by saying something like, “I never noticed this before, so are you eating something different or taking new medications or supplements?” Or even, “Do you feel OK? I've noticed you haven't been keeping up with showers lately, and I'm concerned about you.”

How to tell a customer they smell bad? ›

If you can get their name ahead of time that's even better. Once you tell them that you'd like to have an honest but difficult discussion, simply tell them that their hygiene is affecting the people around them in a negative way…but that you'd like to help if they'd let you.

Limiting frequent bathing can lead to dirt, sweat and dead skin cells build up leading to Your clothes have a strong smell. You can reduce these effects by showering regularly and washing with mild soap and warm water. Sweating in the groin area can attract fungi and bacteria that lead to bad odors.

“The most common cause of odor coming from that area is caused by the action of bacteria on sebum,” explains Dr. Robert Brodell, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “The other major cause is what I'm going to call a 'yeast infection. ' We call it intertrigo.

Be direct and tactful.

Use factual language like: “I noticed stains on your work clothes for three of the last five days,” but avoid making unnecessary judgments.

Provide an explanation of the issue, treating the employee with respect. Use factual terms and avoid judgmental language. Cite your policy (if applicable) and describe how the body odor or poor hygiene is affecting the business. Give the employee an opportunity to speak.