Body odor is the smell our bodies can give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweat, according to the medical and health news website Medical News Today. Body odor can usually be remedied by washing daily or after exertion. Sometimes, though, the source of body odor is something other than sweat-bacterial interaction. At times it can indicate a medical problem.
Contributing Factors
Sometimes something as simple as the food we eat can contribute to body odor. The odors of red meat, refined foods, eggs, onions, garlic and curry spices can be excreted through the sweat glands. Hormonal fluctuations, especially during adolescence, menstruation and menopause, can trigger body odor. In addition, an underlying health condition can contribute to body odor. Obesity, diabetes and systematic yeast infections are among those health conditions.
Treatment of Simple Causes
Sometimes body odor requires no more than lifestyle changes. Vigilant washing with anti-bacterial soap, paying special attention to moist areas, is a good idea. Wearing loose clothing can alleviate sweating and the bacterial reaction. Avoiding problematic foods can also be helpful.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions change the way people sweat and therefore the way they smell, according to Medical News Today. Hyperthyroidism and menopause can make people sweat more, while liver and kidney disease and diabetes can change the way people smell. See your doctor if your body smells different. If your body has a fruity smell, you could have diabetes. Those with liver or kidney disease often have a bleach-like smell, Medical News Today says.
Confronting the Issue
Having a body odor can be embarrassing, and you may be reluctant to discuss it with your doctor. But that's exactly what you need to do, because he is in the best situation to determine the cause. Likewise, talking with someone else about his body odor can be awkward, but you may be alerting him to a potentially serious problem. Encourage that person, who may be unaware of his smell, to see a doctor.
A Word About the Feet
The smelliest part of the body can be our often-neglected feet. "When feet are enclosed by socks and shoes, bacteria can really get to work and produce a lot of unpleasant smells," the Children's Youth and Women's Health Service of Great Britain advises. When feet are damp, yeasts and bacteria grow, causing an unpleasant odor, the health service says. Wash frequently, dry with care and wear cotton socks.
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