Medical News Today reports that body odor is an unpleasant smell given off when sweat breaks down certain bacteria on the skin. Sweat, which does not have an odor by itself, is a natural occurrence the human body uses to cool down. Body odor can be prevented with frequent bathing and using deodorant. People who are susceptible to having chronic body odor include those with diabetes, people who regularly eat spicy food and the obese or massively overweight.
Diseases
People with diabetes are at risk of developing a type of body odor caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, which occurs when people with type 1 diabetes have low insulin levels and can’t break down glucose. When this happens, their body begins breaking down fat instead. The National Institutes of Health reports that for some, diabetic ketoacidosis actually leads to their diagnosis of type 1 diabetes because it may be the first symptom that causes a person to see a doctor. Along with a strange odor of the body, breath and urine, other symptoms include dry skin and mouth, nausea and vomiting, and frequent urination.
Infections
Erythrasma, according to the Mayo Clinic, is a chronic bacterial infection that can begin in skin folds, which is especially a concern for the overweight, morbidly obese and people with diabetes. It is more common to develop erythrasma in warm climates. Other areas this condition is known to occur includes the underarms, groin and between the toes. When erythrasma progresses into a rash, it is characterized by brown or red scaly patches and gives off a strong odor. This condition can easily be treated using a topical antibiotic such as erythromycin or clindamycin. Gently cleaning the skin with antibacterial soap can help the rash clear up. Frequent showering and maintaining good hygiene overall, keeping skin dry, wearing clothing that absorbs moisture and staying at a healthy body weight can reduce the risk of developing this infection.
Emotions
David Wetter, MD, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester writes that stress and mood can affect a person’s body odor. When you’re under emotional stress, Wetter says, your apocrine glands secrete a fatty sweat. The walls of the sweat glands push sweat to the surface and bacteria breaks down chemicals in the sweat. While perspiration is odorless, the combination of sweat and bacteria can give off a funky odor.
Diet
An aromatic body odor can simply be the symptom of an exotic diet. Onions, garlic and cumin contain oils that can be excreted through the skin. You likely won’t develop an odor after one spicy meal, but eating this way often can result in body odor. Caffeinated drinks can also cause sweating, which can lead to an odor if you haven’t showered or have certain bacteria on your skin.
When to See a Doctor
In a majority of cases, body odor can likely be attributed to poor hygiene or diet. For the small percentage of people who develop an odor because of an infection or diabetes, it’s something that needs to be addressed by a physician. For a diabetic, once an odor appears when the body starts breaking down fat, you’re considered at risk for going into a diabetic coma if not soon treated.
Member Comments