Body odor is something that most people, especially men, will consistently need to monitor and prevent over a lifetime. Body odor can emit from many place on the body, but most frequently is associated with the underarms. Underarm odor can be caused by and contributed to by several factors.
Perspiration
Most body odor begins with perspiration, otherwise known as sweat. Perspiration is set apart into two different types, sweat from the eccrine glands, and sweat from the apocrine glands. Apocrine glands are largely associated with body odor, and start emitting sweat around the age of puberty. Unlike eccrine glands, which produce mostly salt and water, apocrine-related sweat also contains proteins and fatty acids. The apocrine glands are mostly located in the groin and armpits, making both areas susceptible to the production of body odors.
Bacteria
Bacterial also play a pivotal role in the production of body odor. When apocrine sweat is secreted in the underams, bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacteria go to work breaking down and consuming the fatty acids and proteins in the sweat. The byproduct from the action of the bacteria on your sweat helps to produce the smells most commonly associated with body odor.
Food
Food can also create and alter body odor after you eat them. Most commonly, onions, garlic, cumin and curry powder all can stay in your body long enough to have a presence in your sweat, states the Mayo Clinic. This is especially true when consuming these foods and spices in large quantities.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis can also contribute to problems with body odor. Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that causes the body to sweat excessively. The more sweat present on the body, the greater chance body odor will be produced due to the action of bacteria on the skin. Hyperhidrosis can be caused by several factors. For example, medications, such as morphine, acetaminophen and some anti-psychotic medicines can contribute to excessive sweating. Certain disorders and conditions such as alcoholism, gout, arthritis, diabetes, obesity and menopause can also contribute to developing hyperhidrosis, according to the International Hyperhydrosis Society.
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