Why body odor

If a person notices unexpected changes in their body odor or volume of sweat, they should consult a medical professional immediately. Halitosis is a common condition and is most often caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth because of gum disease, food, or plaque. Many causes of…. Diet, health status, and many other factors can affect the natural odor of the vagina.

Different odors suggest different issues. In this article…. Foot odor, or bromdosis, can cause discomfort and embarrassment, but there are a variety of simple and effective ways to resolve this issue. Garlic and onions add flavor to an extensive variety of foods and have many health benefits. However, both can cause bad breath, especially when eaten…. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that involves excessive sweating.

It may affect the whole body or just specific areas. Although it might be embarrassing…. What to know about body odor. What is it? Causes Prevention Treatment Seeking help Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. What is body odor? Stress and anxiety can occasionally cause you to sweat more, leading to a stronger body odor.

If you have hyperhidrosis disorder , you sweat excessively and uncontrollably, sometimes for no apparent reason. Some people develop this disorder due to genetics, an underlying health condition, or while taking certain medications. According to research , hyperhidrosis and stress are connected. Many people who develop this condition experience stress, especially if the excess sweating affects their self-esteem or confidence.

Hyperhidrosis is often diagnosed in people with mental health conditions, such as social anxiety , which may influence its onset. It leads to high blood sugar. If blood sugar levels get very high, a complication called diabetic ketoacidosis DKA can occur. Ketones build up to dangerous levels in the body and are secreted into the blood and urine.

Additionally, DKA causes your breath to have a fruity odor. If you have diabetes and experience a sudden fruity smell in your breath accompanied by frequent urination and a very high blood glucose level, see a doctor immediately. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency. Have you ever thought you might smell different during your period? Research has found that women at high fertility within their menstrual cycle actually put out a different, perceived to be more attractive, scent to men than those at low fertility in their cycle.

Other times, hormone fluctuations may cause a change in body odor or vaginal odor. This may not necessarily be unpleasant — just different. Several vaginal infections , such as a vaginal parasite infection or bacterial vaginosis, may cause a sudden change in vaginal odor.

Other types of infections that occur outside of the vagina may also cause a change in body odor in the affected area. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and often produces a fishy odor.

Its other symptoms are similar to those of a yeast infection. Trichomoniasis , a type of parasitic sexually transmitted infection, often has no symptoms but may change vaginal odor. Discharge can smell bad, change color, or become frothy. If your skin develops an infection, either new or due to a preexisting condition, you may experience a sudden smell at the site of the infection. Some types of skin infections or conditions that might cause a smell include:.

Fungus thrives in the warm, moist environment of your shoes and socks. And people with a rare condition called trimethylaminuria develop a fishy odor after eating seafood. The easiest way to eliminate body odor is by taking a bath or shower, which will remove bacteria from your skin.

However, for many people a daily shower or bath may not be necessary. Showering a few times a week , especially after you exercise or do other activities that make you sweat, may be enough to rid you of body odor without drying out or irritating your skin.

After your shower or bath, apply an antiperspirant and deodorant. Deodorants repel the bacteria that cause odor, and may contain an additional fragrance. Some products combine an antiperspirant and a deodorant. Body malodours and their topical treatment agents. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Shirasu M, et al. The scent of disease: Volatile organic compounds of the human body related to disease and disorder.

Journal of Biochemistry. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Smith CC, et al. Primary focal hyperhidrosis. Related Thermoregulatory sweat test.

Associated Procedures Urinalysis.