Body odor is a natural yet unpleasant phenomenon that is normal, to some extent. Sweat is the precursor to body odor in many cases, but not all types of sweat lead to body odor. Eccrine glands, located throughout the body, produce clear, "lightweight" sweat that cools the skin and regulates body temperature. Apocrine glands, located under the arms, in the groin area and in the hair follicles, produce a heavier, more pungent sweat, according to the Mayo Clinic. Apocrine sweat is most likely to become odorous.
Bacteria Growth
Sweat in itself does not smell and create body odor. When apocrine sweat is exposed to outside forces, namely the air and clothing fibers, bacteria begin to develop. The bacteria grow and feed on the sweat, which causes body odor.
Though eccrine sweat does not usually produce bacteria and lead to body odor, there is one exception and that is on the feet. Eccrine sweat that usually evaporates can become trapped by socks, which can become pungent quickly due to the damp, yeasty environment.
Inadequate Personal Hygiene
People who do not practice a high level of personal hygiene are more likely to develop body odor than those who regularly wash and shave under their arms, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Using an antibacterial soap on the entire body, especially under the arms and in the genital region, removes apocrine sweat, thus minimizing the activity of bacteria. Antiperspirant deodorants inhibit the growth of microorganisms as well.
Changing into fresh clothing, especially underwear and socks, can reduce the occurrence of body odor, as regular laundering of clothing kills smelly bacteria that is embedded into sweat-stained clothing.
Illness or Disease
Some types of body odor have nothing to do with sweat, but instead are a sign of illness or disease. As explained by R. Kenneth Landow, an associate professor in UCLA's Department of Medicine and Dermatology, body odor is a common symptom of diabetes, gastrointestinal ailments and the now rarely seen typhoid fever. Hormonal fluctuations and other metabolic changes, such as high glucose readings in a diabetic, cause cause unusual if not always unpleasant scents to permeate from the skin.
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