Patrick Oconnell
Body odour is caused by a combination of bacteria and sweat on the skin. While sweat itself is odourless, bacteria on the skin can mix with it to create a smell. This odour can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as diet, hygiene, and the type of bacteria present. Bromhidrosis, a condition characterised by foul-smelling body odour, can result in an ammonia-like or cheesy scent, particularly in the armpits and feet. This occurs when bacteria break down sweat proteins, leading to an intense and persistent smell that may be challenging to manage with regular hygiene practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on the skin. |
| Odor | The odor can be pungent and musky, cheesy or sour, onion-like or garlicky, fecal or sulfuric, sweaty and ammonia-like. |
| Treatment | Bromhidrosis can be treated or prevented through changes to hygiene habits, medication, or surgery. |
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What You'll Learn
- Bromhidrosis, a condition causing foul-smelling body odour
- Apocrine glands, which produce sweat that can smell when it comes into contact with bacteria
- Eccrine glands, which secrete sweat directly onto the skin's surface
- Body odour caused by diet, including strong-smelling foods like garlic
- Treatment options for bromhidrosis, including surgery, medication, and hygiene practices
Bromhidrosis, a condition causing foul-smelling body odour
Bromhidrosis is a condition that causes foul-smelling body odour. It is triggered by the action of bacteria breaking down dried sweat on the skin. While perspiration itself is initially odourless, it can produce a strong smell when it comes into contact with bacteria.
The most noticeable symptom of bromhidrosis is a persistent body odour that lingers despite regular hygiene practices such as showering and using deodorant. The smell of bromhidrosis can vary depending on factors such as diet, hygiene, and the type of bacteria present on the skin. It is often described as pungent and musky, with a strong, lingering odour. In some cases, it may smell like aged cheese, sour milk, onions, or garlic.
There are two types of sweat glands that can be associated with bromhidrosis: apocrine and eccrine. Apocrine glands are located in the underarm, groin, and breast areas, and they produce a thick and protein-rich sweat. Eccrine glands, on the other hand, are found all over the body, including the palms, soles, head, and torso. Their sweat is mostly water and salt, so it doesn't naturally have a strong smell. However, when eccrine sweat mixes with bacteria, environmental factors, or metabolic waste, it can develop an unpleasant odour.
Treatment options for bromhidrosis range from simple hygiene adjustments to medical interventions. Frequent washing with soap and water, using antiseptic soap and antibacterial creams, and trimming underarm hair can help neutralize bacteria. Wearing an undershirt and using strong deodorants or antiperspirants can also minimize odour. In more severe cases, surgery may be an option to remove sweat glands or the nerves that trigger sweating.
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Apocrine glands, which produce sweat that can smell when it comes into contact with bacteria
Body odour is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on the skin. When sweat comes into contact with the bacteria on the skin, it causes an odour. The amount of sweat does not necessarily impact body odour. That is why a person can have an unpleasant body odour but not be sweaty, and vice versa.
Apocrine glands are located primarily in the underarm, groin, and breast areas. They open up into hair follicles. Apocrine glands don't become active until puberty, which is why body odour is usually not an issue for young children.
Apocrine sweat is initially odourless and colourless. However, when bacteria on the body start to break down dried apocrine sweat, an offensive smell can result in people with bromhidrosis. Bromhidrosis is foul-smelling body odour related to sweat. While apocrine glands are usually associated with bromhidrosis, both types of sweat glands (the other being eccrine glands) can lead to abnormal body odour.
Apocrine bromhidrosis tends to be more challenging to manage than eccrine bromhidrosis. If the odour persists despite good hygiene, it may be worth consulting a doctor to rule out underlying health issues.
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Eccrine glands, which secrete sweat directly onto the skin's surface
Body odour is caused by secretions from sweat glands. When bacteria on the body break down dried sweat, a strong smell can result. This is known as bromhidrosis, a clinical term for foul-smelling body odour. While apocrine sweat glands are located primarily in the underarm, groin, and breast areas, eccrine sweat glands are found all over the body.
Eccrine sweat is initially odourless and colourless, though it does contain a mild salty solution. However, a bad smell can develop when bacteria on the skin break down the sweat. The smell of eccrine sweat can also be influenced by certain foods, alcohol consumption, or medications.
Eccrine glands are composed of an intraepidermal duct, an intradermal duct, and a secretory portion. The intraepidermal duct exits at the skin surface, while the intradermal duct is made up of a straight and coiled portion. The coiled portion is formed by two concentric layers of columnar or cuboidal epithelial cells, with myoepithelial cells providing support and helping to distinguish the eccrine duct on a microscopic level.
Eccrine glands are important for thermoregulation, providing cooling through the evaporation of sweat. They are also active in emotionally induced sweating, such as during anxiety, fear, stress, or pain. Additionally, eccrine secretions may play a role in skin immunity and wound healing.
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Body odour caused by diet, including strong-smelling foods like garlic
Body odour is caused by a combination of bacteria and sweat on the skin. While sweat itself is odourless, when it comes into contact with the bacteria on your skin, it can produce a strong smell. This odour can vary from person to person, smelling sweet, sour, tangy, or like onions. The amount of sweat does not necessarily influence body odour, as some people who sweat a lot do not have a noticeable smell, while others with less sweat may have a more pungent odour.
Body odour can be influenced by various factors, including diet, hormones, genetics, medical conditions, medications, and stress levels. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions, and alcohol, can directly affect body odour by changing the scent of your sweat and breath. This is because the breakdown of these substances in the body releases sulphur-like compounds that are excreted through the pores, resulting in a strong odour. Other odour-inducing foods include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, which produce gas and contribute to body odour.
Additionally, some people may experience a fishy body odour after consuming seafood. This is due to a rare genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria, which affects the body's ability to break down a foul-smelling compound found in fish. Meat consumption has also been linked to increased body odour due to the presence of fatty acids that can find their way into sweat, making it more pungent. Spicy foods, curry powder, cumin, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also increase sweating, leading to stronger body odour.
To minimise body odour caused by diet, it is recommended to reduce or eliminate odour-inducing foods and beverages. Maintaining proper hygiene, such as showering regularly and using deodorant or antiperspirant, can also help neutralise bacteria and reduce body odour. In some cases, prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may be necessary to control excessive sweating and body odour.
If you are experiencing persistent or unusual body odour, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They can advise you on lifestyle changes, prescribe treatments, or refer you for further testing to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the issue.
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Treatment options for bromhidrosis, including surgery, medication, and hygiene practices
Bromhidrosis is a condition characterized by foul-smelling sweat that can significantly impact a patient's social life and psychological well-being. It is caused by the action of bacteria breaking down dried sweat on the skin. While it is easy to diagnose through scent, it can be treated or prevented through a combination of hygiene habits and medical treatment options.
Hygiene Practices
Improving hygiene practices can be an effective way to manage bromhidrosis. This includes washing at least daily with soap and water, focusing on areas with a strong odour, such as the armpits. Using antiseptic soap and antibacterial creams containing erythromycin and clindamycin may also help neutralize bacteria. Additionally, maintaining dry skin through the use of antiperspirants, such as aluminum chloride, can reduce sweating and minimize odour.
It is also important to promptly remove sweaty clothing and wash clothes regularly. Using a strong deodorant or antiperspirant can help minimize odour, and trimming underarm hair is recommended.
Medication
Botulinum toxin injections are a popular treatment option due to their precision, safety, minimal adverse effects, and limited impact on daily activities. However, the safety and efficacy of other injectable drugs and oral medications require further investigation due to potential side effects and limited clinical data.
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment option for bromhidrosis, particularly in Asian countries, where axillary odour causes significant social and psychological distress. Surgical techniques aim to reduce the number of apocrine glands, as they contribute to bromhidrosis. While surgery can be effective, it carries risks, including scarring, surgical complications, and the possibility of recurrence.
Minimally invasive techniques have been developed to reduce these risks, such as electrosurgery, which uses tiny insulated needles to remove sweat glands over several treatments. Endoscopic sympathectomy is another procedure that uses small incisions and special tools to destroy the nerves leading to the underarm sweat glands. It is effective for 5 to 10 years.
A novel surgical procedure has also been proposed, involving one-centimetre-long incisions and the use of a special serrated scraping device to clean the subcutaneous apocrine glands. This method aims to improve wound healing and minimize scarring compared to conventional surgery.
Other Treatments
Other treatments mentioned in studies include radiofrequency microneedling, high-frequency electro-acupuncture, and phototherapy. Additionally, a microwave device that causes the apocrine and eccrine glands to fibrose has been suggested as a potential treatment for bromhidrosis, offering the possibility of permanent results with minimal adverse effects.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of cheese could be due to bromhidrosis, a condition where bacteria on the skin break down dried sweat, resulting in a strong odour. This can be treated or prevented through improved hygiene habits, or through medical treatment.
The most noticeable symptom of bromhidrosis is a strong, persistent body odour that doesn't improve with regular hygiene practices like showering and using deodorant. The smell can be described as musky, sour, pungent, sweaty, or ammonia-like, depending on the type of bromhidrosis.
There are several ways to treat bromhidrosis. Firstly, improving personal hygiene by washing daily with soap and water, using antiseptic soap and antibacterial creams, and trimming underarm hair can help. Wearing clean clothes and using strong deodorants or antiperspirants can also minimise odour. In more severe cases, surgery can be used to remove sweat glands or the nerves that trigger sweating.
