Body Odour: Causes, Prevention and Treatment Options
Sweat itself is odourless. Odour develops when the secretion of the sweat glands in areas such as the underarms and groin is broken down by bacteria on the skin. Body odour can usually be controlled with daily measures; if there is excessive sweating, medical treatments may also be considered. This article explains the causes of body odour, preventive measures and treatment options.
What Causes Body Odour?
- Excessive sweating and sweat remaining on the skin for a long time
- Bacteria multiplying in hairy and moist areas
- Synthetic and tight clothing
- Some foods and drinks such as garlic, onion, strong spices and alcohol
- Hormonal periods such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause
A marked change in body odour over a short time can sometimes be linked to diabetes, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disorders or certain medicines. If there is an unexplained change in odour, night sweats, weight loss or fever, a doctor should be consulted.
Daily Measures
Washing every day and drying the area thoroughly, wearing cotton and breathable clothing, changing clothes often and trimming underarm hair reduce odour. Deodorants mask odour, while antiperspirants reduce the amount of sweat and may work better when applied to dry skin at night. If products irritate the skin, they should be stopped and a doctor consulted.
Treatment Options for Excessive Sweating
- Stronger antiperspirants recommended by a doctor
- Botulinum toxin injection: temporarily reduces the nerve signals that stimulate the sweat glands in the underarms
- Some device treatments and medicines taken by mouth; surgical methods in selected cases
The effect of botulinum toxin is temporary; sweating returns over time and the treatment may need to be repeated. Pain, bruising and tenderness may occur at the injection sites. It is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in some muscle and nerve diseases or with certain medicines; the doctor decides whether it is suitable. Whether another condition underlies excessive sweating should be assessed before treatment. In people whose only concern is body odour, it can usually be controlled with daily measures.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın