Body Odor

(See also Introduction to Sweating Disorders Introduction to Sweating Disorders Sweat is made by sweat glands in the skin and carried to the skin’s surface by ducts. As sweat wets the skin and evaporates, it helps keep the body cool. Thus, people normally sweat more when... read more .)

Sweat is secreted by the apocrine glands and the eccrine glands.

The apocrine glands secrete sweat into hair follicles. They are under the arms, in the genital area, around the anus, and around the nipples.

The eccrine glands secrete sweat directly onto the skin. They are nearly everywhere in the skin. Sweat secreted by these glands does not have a foul odor until it is broken down (decomposed) by bacteria and yeasts that normally live on the skin. After decomposition, the odor becomes foul.

Bromhidrosis results from poor hygiene of skin and clothing. It can also occur after eating or drinking certain foods (such as curry, garlic, onions, and alcohol) and taking certain drugs (such as penicillin). Bromhidrosis develops more easily in people who sweat excessively.

Cleansing twice a day with soap and water usually removes the bacteria and yeast that cause odor. In some people, a few days of washing with an antiseptic soap, which may be combined with use of antibacterial creams containing clindamycin or erythromycin, may be necessary. Shaving the hair in the armpits may also help control odor.

Clothing should be washed often as well. People can also promptly remove and wash sweaty clothing and use deodorants or antiperspirants. Deodorants mask odor and antiperspirants decrease sweat production.