If you notice a change in body odor, it could be a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment.
Have you ever caught a whiff of a foul odor after finishing an intense workout or spending an afternoon outside in the heat, only to realize the odor was coming from you? The smell goes with the sweat, and some of us give off a stronger and more pungent scent than others.
Most of the time body odor isn’t a problem and a shower will quickly wash it away. But if you notice a change in body odor or you’re sweating much more than usual, it could be a sign of a medical condition that needs treatment.
What causes body odor?
You probably notice body odor most when you’re sweating. Your body has two main types of sweat glands — eccrine and apocrine — that release fluid (sweat) onto your skin’s surface when you’re hot. Sweat serves an important purpose. As perspiration evaporates, it cools your body temperature.
Eccrine glands are all over your body. Apocrine glands are in areas like your armpits and groin. They produce a thicker, milky fluid.
Sweat itself doesn’t have a smell. The odor happens when bacteria come into contact with the perspiration your apocrine glands release.
What diseases can cause body odor?
People who sweat more than usual may be diagnosed with the condition hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is a relatively rare condition that happens without a specific cause. Secondary hyperhidrosis is related to a medical problem, such as hot flashes with menopause, an infection, or an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Stress, certain medications, and alcohol use can also cause you to sweat more than usual.
If you’re still looking for a cause, look at your diet. Certain foods can change the way you smell. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower produce gas. The breakdown of garlic and onions in your body releases sulfur-like compounds that waft out through your pores. And people with a rare condition called trimethylaminuria develop a fishy odor after eating seafood.
How to get rid of body odor
The easiest way to eliminate body odor is by taking a bath or shower, which will remove bacteria from your skin. However, for many people a daily shower or bath may not be necessary. Showering a few times a week, especially after you exercise or do other activities that make you sweat, may be enough to rid you of body odor without drying out or irritating your skin.
After your shower or bath, apply an antiperspirant and deodorant. Most over-the-counter antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that block your body’s eccrine glands, preventing you from sweating. Deodorants repel the bacteria that cause odor, and may contain an additional fragrance. Some products combine an antiperspirant and a deodorant. If over-the-counter products don’t control sweating and body odor, your doctor can prescribe a stronger prescription-strength antiperspirant/deodorant.
Wear clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk, or wool and wash clothes after each wear. For exercise, you may prefer to wear moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon. You might also consider shaving your armpit hair, which allows sweat to evaporate quickly, before it can produce an odor.
Secondary hyperhidrosis treatment addresses the condition that caused the excess sweating. Treatments for primary hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, and prescription medications. For sweating so severe that it affects your daily life, surgery can block nerve signals from triggering your sweat glands or remove those glands entirely.
Usually, body odor (as well bad breath)is more of a nuisance than a serious health issue. But if you find that you can’t manage sweating and odor with lifestyle changes like regular bathing and antiperspirant/deodorant, ask your doctor or dermatologist for advice.
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FAQs
After your shower or bath, apply an antiperspirant and deodorant. Most over-the-counter antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that block your body's eccrine glands, preventing you from sweating. Deodorants repel the bacteria that cause odor, and may contain an additional fragrance.
What gets rid of bad body odor? ›
Self care
- Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
- Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
- Try relaxation techniques. ...
- Change your diet.
Baking soda holds intrinsically alkaline traits, which balances the acidity in sweat processed by bacteria, to reduce unfavourable smells from the body. Prepare a paste with baking soda and water, apply directly on the armpits, to decrease moisture levels and rancid sweat gland secretions.
Can someone with really bad body odor be cured? ›
Thoroughly washing, using antiperspirants, and shaving may all assist a person in managing unwanted body odor. If symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend prescription treatments and, in some cases, surgery. Body odor and excessive sweating may also be indicators of an underlying health condition.
Why do my armpits smell so bad even with deodorant? ›
Even if you're using deodorant, you might still experience smelly armpits. This could be due to various factors such as diet, stress, hormonal changes, or even the type of bacteria present in your underarms.
Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene down there? ›
A strong vagin*l odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vagin*l itching, burning and discharge.
What does kidney disease body odor smell like? ›
Kidney disease can cause build of urea and make your sweat and urine smell like ammonia. Thyroid Issues - Thyroid glands regulate many bodily functions, including our sweat response.
What is the best natural body odor eliminator? ›
How do you get rid of body odor naturally?
- Baking soda: Make a paste using baking soda and water. ...
- Green tea: Put green tea bags in warm water. ...
- Apple cider vinegar: Mix apple cider vinegar with a small amount of water in a spray bottle. ...
- Lemon juice: Mix lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.
Baking soda is one of the most effective natural cleaners to use in your home. While it can do everything from eliminate stains on clothes to remove soap scum in your shower, one of the most well-known uses for baking soda is odor removal.
How can I detox my body from body odor? ›
Tips for Reducing Body Odor
- Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean.
- Use Antibacterial Soap.
- Towel Off Well.
- Use 'Industrial Strength' Antiperspirants.
- Keep Your Clothes Clean.
- Cut Out or Cut Back on Certain Foods or Drinks.
Aramusk Force Soap for Men| Refreshing Cool Feel| Moisturising Bathing Soap Bar| Lasting Freshness & Nourishment| 125g (Pack of 8)
- benzoyl peroxide soap.
- antibacterial soap for body odour.
- anti bacterial soap.
- perobar soap 5 percent.
“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.
What foods help with body odor? ›
Leafy-green vegetables: Spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula and other leafy greens contain high levels of chlorophyll, which can neutralise odour-inducing components.
How to get rid of bad armpit odor permanently? ›
Underarm odour can be an embarrassing problem, but there are natural remedies that can help to combat it. By keeping your underarms clean, using baking soda, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice, wearing natural fibers, staying hydrated, and eating a healthy diet, you can get rid of underarm odour naturally.
What is the best detox for armpits? ›
Most armpit detoxes use a homemade mask of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Some also include water to dilute the vinegar. Others use equal parts bentonite clay and coconut oil for a more soothing, hydrating mix that still has some antibacterial properties, thanks to the coconut oil.
Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene? ›
Changes in body odor may be caused by puberty, too much sweat, or poor hygiene. Sudden changes may be triggered by the environment, your medications, or your food. It could also indicate a health problem.
How do you stop a body from smelling? ›
Tips for Reducing Body Odor
- Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean.
- Use Antibacterial Soap.
- Towel Off Well.
- Use 'Industrial Strength' Antiperspirants.
- Keep Your Clothes Clean.
- Cut Out or Cut Back on Certain Foods or Drinks.
- Other Body Odor Treatments.
- Other Body Odor Preventions.
Apple cider vinegar: ACV is naturally acidic and antimicrobial, neutralizing the environment and preventing odor-causing bacteria. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it to your underarms twice a day. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil acts as an astringent to combat sweat-causing bacteria.
Why do I still smell after shower? ›
A shower alone may not be the answer to controlling body odor. If the pH balance of the skin is repeatedly altered from its slightly acidic set point by repeated exposure to alkaline skin care products, body odor can be the result, as specific bacteria flourish when the acid mantle is breached.
How to make yourself smell good? ›
With these 11 tips, you'll be one step closer to becoming that person who always smells amazing.
- Stay on top of your shower routine. ...
- Try a scented shampoo and conditioner. ...
- Don't skip deodorant. ...
- Be strategic about perfume placement. ...
- Layer on scented products. ...
- Don't go overboard with different fragrances.
