Bushra Griffith
If your sebum smells like cheese, it could be due to several factors. Firstly, diet can play a role; consuming dairy products or greasy food without properly washing your face afterwards can lead to a cheese-like odour. Additionally, poor hygiene practices can cause bacteria to build up, resulting in clogged pores and acne, which may also contribute to the cheesy smell. In some cases, an epidermoid cyst, a noncancerous bump under the skin, could be the cause. These cysts can form due to blocked hair follicles and contain a foul-smelling, yellowish, cheese-like substance. Other factors, such as genetics and age, can also influence body odour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Dead bacteria, white blood cells, and other necrotic material in the pus or sebum |
| Bacteria type | Both aerobic bacteria (bacteria that require oxygen to grow) and anaerobic bacteria |
| Acne severity | Moderate to severe acne with pus discharge |
| Poor hygiene | Not keeping the area around the acne clean |
| Food habits | Consuming dairy products or greasy food and not washing your face |
| Medical condition | Epidermoid cysts, a noncancerous bump under the skin |
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What You'll Learn
Poor hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene practices is essential for managing skin scent and overall health. Regular cleansing of the skin helps remove bacteria, sweat, and other necrotic material that can contribute to an unpleasant odour. It is crucial to pay attention to areas prone to sebum accumulation, such as the face and scalp, as these areas can become breeding grounds for bacteria, resulting in a cheesy smell.
Additionally, practising good personal hygiene includes avoiding the temptation to pop or squeeze pimples. Although it may seem like a quick solution, popping pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to further bacterial growth and potential infections. Instead, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for proper treatment options, which may include oral medications, topical treatments, or alternative therapies.
The type of bacteria present on the skin also plays a role in the overall scent. Both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can contribute to the foul odour associated with acne. Anaerobic bacteria, in particular, produce sulfur compounds as they break down the matter within your skin, resulting in a pungent smell reminiscent of garlic or onions.
While the cheesy odour may be embarrassing, it is important to remember that it is a common issue experienced by many people. By understanding the underlying causes, you can take proactive steps to prevent and manage the odour. This may include not only practising good hygiene but also staying hydrated and making adjustments to your diet, as certain foods can influence body odour.
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Dead bacteria
Anaerobic bacteria, in particular, produce their own sulfur compounds as they grow, which can cause a pungent smell of garlic or onions when you pop the acne. As the infection deepens and spreads, the likelihood of scarring increases, and the odour may become more noticeable.
Additionally, poor hygiene can contribute to the smell of acne. If the area around the acne is not kept clean, there is a higher risk of contracting secondary infections from the bacteria. More severe infections result in acne pus with a stronger odour.
In some cases, the consumption of dairy products or greasy foods without proper facial cleansing can also contribute to the cheesy smell of sebum. Improving personal hygiene practices and drinking plenty of water can help address this issue.
It is important to note that while the presence of bacteria is a factor in the odour, acne odour is influenced by a combination of factors, including the intensity of the breakout and personal hygiene practices.
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Epidermoid cysts
If your sebum smells like cheese, it may be due to the presence of an epidermoid cyst. These cysts are harmless growths that occur due to a blocked hair follicle. They contain a soft, cheese-like substance known as keratin. These cysts do not typically need treatment. However, they can sometimes cause distress and may become inflamed or infected.
An epidermoid cyst is a noncancerous bump under your skin. It develops when dead skin cells accumulate deep in the skin and don't slough off as they should. An injury or irritant may also cause epidermoid cysts to form. These cysts typically consist of a thick, yellow substance made of the protein keratin, which has a cheesy texture. Although epidermoid cysts are typically painless, they can occasionally become inflamed or infected and, rarely, even develop into skin cancer.
The main symptom of an epidermoid cyst is a lump, which can become painful if there is inflammation or an infection. A person is typically able to move the cyst slightly under the skin. Epidermoid cysts vary in size from tiny bumps to growths larger than a golf ball. Tiny epidermoid cysts are known as milia, or milk spots. There may be a small dark pore-like "punctum" that indicates the opening of the cyst. Inside the cyst may be a yellowish, unpleasant-smelling material similar to soft cheese. Epidermoid cysts can appear anywhere on the body but typically appear on the face, neck, trunk, or genitalia.
While the exact cause of epidermoid cysts is unknown, several factors may increase the risk of developing them. These include:
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to developing epidermoid cysts due to their genetic makeup.
- Skin injuries: Traumatic injuries or skin damage can lead to the formation of epidermoid cysts by allowing bacteria and other substances to enter and form a cyst.
- Certain genetic disorders: Individuals with specific genetic disorders, such as Gardner's syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome, may have an increased risk of developing epidermoid cysts.
It is important to note that while epidermoid cysts are generally benign, they can occasionally become cancerous. Therefore, if you notice any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in your skin, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Diet
A cheese-like odour on your face can be due to several factors, and adjusting your diet is one way to prevent and manage this issue.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote healthy skin. Limiting your intake of dairy and spicy foods can help minimise a cheese-like smell on your face. Dairy products and spicy foods are known to cause excess sebum production, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to an unpleasant scent.
In addition to diet, practising good hygiene and staying hydrated are also important. Keeping the area around your acne clean is crucial, as poor hygiene can lead to secondary infections and more severe infections that result in a stronger odour.
While mild acne generally does not produce a strong smell, moderate to severe acne with pus discharge is more likely to have a bad smell. This is because acne lesions are filled with dead white blood cells that feed bacterial infestations. The bacteria produce their own sulfur compounds as they grow, resulting in a pungent smell when the acne is popped.
It is important to note that if you have tried adjusting your diet and practising good hygiene but still experience a persistent or worsening cheese-like smell on your face, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist.
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Body microbes
Body odour (BO) is a common issue, and microbes are often the root cause. Commensal microbes on the skin metabolize certain compounds in sweat, which can produce foul-smelling odours. While deodorants and antiperspirants can mask these odours, they can sometimes indicate an underlying disease.
The human body has three types of sweat glands: apocrine, eccrine, and sebaceous. Eccrine sweat glands are present in all skin types, while apocrine and sebaceous glands are restricted to certain locations. Body odour primarily comes from the apocrine sweat glands, which develop in hairy regions like the armpits, genitals, and scalp. These glands secrete an oily fluid made up of proteins, lipids, and steroids.
Several factors, including sex, genetics, age, and diet, can influence the type of odour an individual emits. For example, men generally produce more sweat, leading to larger populations of Corynebacterium spp. and a more intense cheese-like odour due to higher amounts of volatile fatty acids.
The biochemistry behind the microbial conversion of sweat into malodorous products is not yet fully understood. Still, the odour can be attributed to the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including volatile fatty acids and thioalcohols. Key volatile fatty acids contributing to body odour include 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid (3M2H), with a "goat-like" odour, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid (HMHA), which has a "cumin-like" scent. These odours are produced by some members of the Corynebacterium genus, such as C. striatum, C. jeikeium, and C. bovis.
Other bacteria that contribute to body odour include Staphylococcus epidermis, which can cause smelly feet by degrading leucine in sweat to isovaleric acid, a compound with a cheesy smell. Additionally, Staphylococcus hominis produces 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3M3SH), a thioalcohol that makes the underarms smell like rotten onions or meat.
In terms of acne, the presence of bacteria, the intensity of the breakout, and personal hygiene practices collectively contribute to any odour. While mild acne typically doesn't produce a strong smell, moderate to severe acne with pus discharge is more likely to have a noticeable odour. Poor hygiene can lead to secondary infections, resulting in a stronger-smelling acne pus.
If your sebum smells like cheese, it could be due to consuming dairy or greasy food and not washing your face regularly. Additionally, an epidermoid cyst, a noncancerous bump under the skin, could be the cause. These cysts develop when dead skin cells accumulate and don't slough off, resulting in a thick, yellow, cheese-like substance made of the protein keratin. They are often treated by surgically removing the cyst while keeping the cyst wall intact.
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Frequently asked questions
Sebum that smells like cheese could be due to an epidermoid cyst, which is a noncancerous bump under the skin. These cysts typically contain a foul-smelling, yellowish, cheese-like substance.
Epidermoid cysts are caused by blocked hair follicles, which can be the result of dead skin cells accumulating deep in the skin and not sloughing off. They can also be caused by injuries or irritants that damage the skin's protective barrier, allowing bacteria and other substances to enter and form a cyst.
While epidermoid cysts typically do not require treatment, they can sometimes become inflamed, infected, or cancerous. If you notice any of these issues, it is important to see a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory injections, draining the cyst, or complete surgical removal.
Yes, moderate to severe acne with pus discharge can also produce a strong cheese-like smell. This is due to the presence of bacteria, the severity of the acne, and personal hygiene practices. Keeping the area clean can help reduce the risk of infection and decrease the odor.
