Body odor is the smell naturally given off by people and is the result of the interaction between sweat and bacteria on the body. While this odor is natural, it is considered offensive in many cultures. Several factors can lead to body odor and can range from simple hygiene issues to serious medical conditions. Understanding the causes of body odor can help to effectively treat it.
Sweat glands
The human body contains two specific types of sweat glands. The first type is called the eccrine glands, which produce the thin liquid sweat that is primarily used by the body to excrete waste products and to cool the body. The apocrine glands excrete scents in the form of proteins. These can easily be broken down by bacteria and are the primary cause of body odor.
In the healthy human body, sweat is mostly odorless when secreted. The moist environment created by sweat is perfect for bacteria on the skin to multiply. As they proliferate, the bacteria's waste interacts with components in sweat to produce a distinct smell.
Causes
Body odor usually results from improper personal hygiene. Excessive exertion or high anxiety can produce excessive sweat, resulting in body odor. Foods can also contribute to body odor. Garlic is a classic example. Coffee, alcohol, nicotine and other stimulants can also increase the amount of sweat components that cause body odor. Some medications--such as Effexor, Wellbutrin, pilocarpine and tamoxifen--can also produce body odor.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, in which excessive sweating occurs, can cause body odor. People suffering from hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that results in overactive sweat glands, can lead to frequent body odor. Another condition, in which sweat has a naturally-occurring bad odor, is known as bromhidosis. Metabolic conditions, diabetes, liver or kidney disease and yeast infections can contribute to body odor. See your doctor if you start sweating at night, begin to sweat more than normal for no apparent reason, have cold sweats, or if your body odor smells unusual, such as a fruity or bleach-like odor.
Hygeine
Proper hygiene goes a long way to minimizing the effects of body odor. Regular bathing with a good antibacterial soap will reduce bacteria levels and remove sweat. Cotton clothing that wicks sweat away from the body can also help. Armpit hair can slow the evaporation of sweat. Shaving the underarm area has proven to help control body odor.
Treatments
Home treatments for body odor include deodorants and antiperspirants. Deodorants do not stop sweating. Instead, they reduce the bacterial activity. They may also mask body odor with fragrance. Antiperspirants have active ingredients, such as aluminum chlorohydrate, which actually inhibit sweat production. These are available over the counter. Pharmaceutical grade antiperspirants are also available, by prescription. In severe cases, Botox injections can inhibit sweat gland function and significantly reduce sweat production.
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