Body Odour Basics
Did you know that your sweat does not cause body odour? What then, causes that foul smell after a workout or a hot day in the sun? Well, we’ve got just the answer for you.
Where Does it Come From?
Body odour is an unpleasant smell that is produced when the human sweat (naturally odourless!) comes into contact with bacteria on the skin.
The amount you sweat doesn’t necessarily affect your body odour (that’s why some people can smell even when they’re not sweating), and a person can sweat excessively without producing body odour.
This is because body odour is affected by the type of bacteria on your skin, and how that bacteria interacts with sweat.
Body Odour Commonly Occurs in:
- The feet.
- The groin.
- The armpits.
- The genitals.
- Pubic or hairy areas.
- The belly button.
- The anus.
- Behind the ears.
Factors Affecting Body Odour
Here are several factors that contribute to one’s body odour:
- Sulfur-rich foods such as caffeine, alcohol, spices, and spicy foods.
- Hormonal changes such as menopause, menstruation, or pregnancy.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, gout, and liver disease.
- Medications such as antidepressants, drugs to treat inflammation and pain.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Genetics.
Tips to Reduce Body Odour
- Up your personal hygiene by shaving regularly and keeping your skin clean with anti-bacterial shower gels.
- Cut back on odour causing foods or change your diet if needed.
- Use antiperspirants or deodorants to reduce the intensity of body odour.
Permanent Treatments
If a person’s body odour persists, and affects their quality of life, additional treatments may help:
- Prescribed aluminum chloride antiperspirants.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) to reduce sweating.
- Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS) surgery to sever sweat-controlling nerves.
If conditions are unusual, such as experiencing cold sweats, night sweating, excessive sweating, or sudden body odour changes, do consult a doctor to understand your situation and receive necessary treatment.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Medical News Today, WebMD
