Bushra Griffith
A neck that smells like cheese could be a sign of bromhidrosis, a condition characterised by foul-smelling body odour. Bromhidrosis is caused by the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria on the skin. The odour can vary depending on factors like diet, hygiene, and the bacteria present on the skin, but is generally described as pungent and musky, or cheesy and sour, similar to the smell of aged cheese or fermented foods. While bromhidrosis can be treated or prevented through improved hygiene habits, there are also medical treatment options available.
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What You'll Learn
- Bromhidrosis: a clinical term for foul-smelling body odour caused by bacteria breaking down dried sweat
- Apocrine sweat: odourless and colourless when released, but can develop a smell when mixed with bacteria
- Eccrine sweat: mostly water and salt, but can produce an unpleasant odour when mixed with bacteria or certain foods
- Trimethylaminuria: a genetic disorder that causes a strong fishy odour in sweat, urine and breath
- Body odour prevention: frequent washing, trimming underarm hair, wearing clean clothes, and using deodorant can help prevent body odour
Bromhidrosis: a clinical term for foul-smelling body odour caused by bacteria breaking down dried sweat
Bromhidrosis is a clinical term for foul-smelling body odour caused by bacteria breaking down dried sweat. It is triggered by the action of bacteria on the skin, and the smell can vary depending on factors like diet, hygiene, and the bacteria present on the skin. The most noticeable symptom of bromhidrosis is a strong, persistent body odour that does not improve with regular hygiene practices like showering and using deodorant. This odour is often described as musky, sour, or even ammonia-like, and can be concentrated in specific areas of the body, such as the armpits (axillary bromhidrosis) and feet (plantar bromhidrosis).
There are two types of bromhidrosis: apocrine bromhidrosis and eccrine bromhidrosis. Apocrine sweat is released from glands located primarily in the underarm, groin, and breast areas. It is thick and protein-rich, and when it mixes with bacteria, it can produce an unpleasant odour. Eccrine sweat, on the other hand, is produced by glands found all over the body, including the palms, soles, head, and torso. While eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt and does not naturally have a strong smell, it can develop an odour when it mixes with bacteria, environmental factors, or metabolic waste.
Eccrine bromhidrosis is often easier to manage than apocrine bromhidrosis, and it usually presents as a generalised malodour. It may be associated with bad breath (halitosis), anogenital odour, and smelly urine. Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common form of bromhidrosis in adults and is typically localised to the armpits and/or anogenital area. The smell of apocrine bromhidrosis is usually strong, musky, or sour, and can be similar to the smell of aged cheese or fermented foods due to the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria.
To treat bromhidrosis, frequent washing with soap and water may be enough to neutralise the bacteria. Using antiseptic soap and antibacterial creams containing erythromycin and clindamycin may also help. Additionally, a strong deodorant or antiperspirant can play a key role in minimising odour. Maintaining good hygiene habits and making changes to your diet can also help prevent and treat bromhidrosis. However, if the odour persists despite these measures, it is recommended to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues.
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Apocrine sweat: odourless and colourless when released, but can develop a smell when mixed with bacteria
The human body has two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. Apocrine sweat is thick and protein-rich and is released from glands found in areas with hair, such as the armpits, neck, and groin. When apocrine sweat is initially released, it is odourless and colourless. However, it can develop a strong smell when mixed with bacteria on the skin, a condition known as bromhidrosis.
Bromhidrosis is characterised by foul-smelling body odour due to the action of bacteria breaking down dried apocrine sweat. The odour can vary depending on factors such as diet, hygiene, and the specific bacteria present on the skin. For example, a diet high in protein can result in an ammonia-like smell, while certain foods like garlic can be reflected in the odour of eccrine sweat. The intensity and character of the odour also depend on individual body chemistry and hygiene habits, with some people experiencing a milder scent and others a more overpowering smell.
In the case of neck odour resembling the scent of cheese, this could be a result of apocrine bromhidrosis. The neck is an area where apocrine glands are present, and when the odourless and colourless apocrine sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can lead to the development of a cheesy smell. This occurs due to the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria, resulting in an odour similar to aged cheese or fermented foods.
To manage bromhidrosis and reduce body odour, improving hygiene practices is often recommended. This includes frequent washing with soap and water, using antibacterial soaps or creams, and applying strong deodorants or antiperspirants. Additionally, trimming underarm hair, wearing loose-fitting and moisture-wicking clothing, and regularly washing clothing can help minimise body odour. In more severe cases, medical treatments such as botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections or liposuction to remove sweat glands may be considered.
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Eccrine sweat: mostly water and salt, but can produce an unpleasant odour when mixed with bacteria or certain foods
Eccrine sweat glands are found all over the human body, including the palms, soles, head, and torso. Unlike apocrine sweat, which is thick and protein-rich, eccrine sweat is primarily composed of water and salt, and therefore lacks a strong intrinsic odour. However, when eccrine sweat mixes with bacteria, environmental factors, or metabolic waste, it can develop an unpleasant smell. This occurs when the sweat from eccrine glands softens the keratin on the skin, making it easier for bacteria to break down. The process of bacterial breakdown produces a range of malodours, including:
- Ammonia-like odours, which are common in individuals consuming high-protein diets or suffering from metabolic disorders.
- Onion-like or garlicky scents, influenced by dietary factors such as the consumption of onion- or garlic-containing foods.
- Cheesy or sour aromas, reminiscent of aged cheese or fermented foods, resulting from the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria.
While eccrine sweat itself is typically odourless, the presence of bacteria and certain environmental or dietary factors can lead to the development of these unpleasant odours.
It is important to note that bromhidrosis, a condition characterised by strong body odour, is associated with eccrine sweat. Eccrine bromhidrosis often manifests as a generalised malodour and may be accompanied by bad breath, anogenital odour, and smelly urine. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health issues contributing to persistent odours, even with good hygiene practices.
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Trimethylaminuria: a genetic disorder that causes a strong fishy odour in sweat, urine and breath
A neck that smells like cheese could be a sign of bromhidrosis, a condition characterised by foul-smelling body odour. Bromhidrosis is caused by the action of bacteria breaking down dried sweat on the skin. The odour can vary depending on factors like diet, hygiene, and the bacteria present on the skin. For example, a cheesy smell could be the result of the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria. However, bromhidrosis can also be accompanied by other smells, such as onion-like, garlicky, musky, or sour.
While bromhidrosis is typically associated with body odour, it can also lead to bad breath (halitosis) and smelly urine. Eccrine bromhidrosis, in particular, may be related to these symptoms as it presents as a generalised malodour.
In some rare cases, a strong fishy odour in sweat, urine, and breath could indicate a genetic disorder called trimethylaminuria. This disorder is caused by variants in the FMO3 gene, which provides instructions for making an enzyme that breaks down nitrogen-containing compounds from the diet, including trimethylamine. Trimethylamine is a chemical compound with a pungent odour, often described as resembling rotten or decaying fish. As this compound builds up in the body due to the impaired breakdown process, it leads to the distinctive fishy smell associated with trimethylaminuria. The intensity of the odour can vary over time, and the condition can significantly impact various aspects of daily life, including relationships, social life, and career prospects.
While bromhidrosis can often be managed through improved hygiene practices and the use of deodorants or antiperspirants, trimethylaminuria may require different management strategies. In some cases, identifying and avoiding dietary triggers, such as eggs, liver, legumes, and certain kinds of fish, can help reduce the production of trimethylamine. Additionally, managing stress levels may be beneficial, as stress is believed to play a role in triggering symptoms. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options for any concerning body odours.
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Body odour prevention: frequent washing, trimming underarm hair, wearing clean clothes, and using deodorant can help prevent body odour
Body odour, or bromhidrosis, is caused by the breakdown of sweat proteins by bacteria on the skin. The odour can vary depending on factors like diet, hygiene, and the bacteria present on the skin. For instance, a diet of garlic or onions can lead to an onion-like or garlicky body odour. While everyone produces sweat, not everyone experiences bromhidrosis—factors such as genetics and body fat percentage can make some people more prone to it.
Body odour prevention typically involves good hygiene practices, such as frequent washing, trimming underarm hair, wearing clean clothes, and using deodorant or antiperspirant. Here are some detailed tips to prevent body odour:
- Frequent washing: Wash at least daily with soap and water, focusing on areas with high sweat gland concentrations, such as the armpits and groin. Antibacterial soaps can be particularly effective at removing odour-causing bacteria.
- Trimming underarm hair: Removing underarm hair can reduce body odour as cleaning is more effective on shaved skin, and hair can trap odour-causing bacteria.
- Wearing clean clothes: Regularly wash clothing, especially after strenuous activities or sweating heavily. Wear clean clothes, preferably made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, to allow your skin to breathe.
- Using deodorant or antiperspirant: Deodorants mask body odour with a pleasant fragrance, while antiperspirants reduce sweating. Apply antiperspirant to dry skin after showering or before bed, focusing on the underarms.
By following these prevention tips, you can effectively minimise body odour and maintain a pleasant personal hygiene routine.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese-like odour on the body is often associated with bromhidrosis, a condition where bacteria on the skin break down dried sweat, resulting in a strong smell. This can be treated or prevented by improving hygiene habits, such as washing daily with soap and water, using antibacterial products, and wearing clean clothes.
There are two main types of bromhidrosis: apocrine and eccrine. Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common form in adults and tends to affect specific areas like the armpits and anogenital region. Eccrine bromhidrosis is less common and presents as a generalised malodour, affecting the entire body.
Maintaining good hygiene is essential for managing bromhidrosis. This includes washing your body and clothes regularly, using deodorant or antiperspirant, and trimming underarm hair. Antibacterial soaps and creams can also help neutralise the bacteria causing the odour.
In rare cases, a strong cheese-like body odour may be indicative of trimethylaminuria, a genetic disorder where the body cannot break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound produced during the digestion of certain foods. This disorder can cause a fishy odour in sweat, urine, and breath, impacting various aspects of daily life.
