Body odor is the perceived unpleasant smell that our bodies give off when bacteria that live on the skin break down sweat into acid. other terms for body odor include B.O., osmidrosis, bromhidrosis, or ozochrotia.
Body odor usually becomes evident when a human reaches the stage of puberty. People who regularly eat spicy foods, those who are obese, and individuals with certain medicals conditions such as diabetes, are more susceptible to having body odor.
Those with hyperhidrosis, or those who sweat too much, may also be susceptible to body odor. However, for those with hyperhidrosis, the salt level of their sweat is too high for the bacteria to break down. it also depends on where the excess sweating is occurring and which type of sweat glands are involved.
On itself, sweat is virtually odorless to humans. But when bacteria multiply rapidly and then break down sweat acids, this causes an unpleasant smell.
The most common areas where body odor is most likely to occurs are:
- Armpits
- Groin
- Feet
- Genitals
- Pubic hair and other hair
- Belly button
- Behind the ears
- Anus
- The rest of the skin
Even so, body odor can also have a pleasant and specific smell to the individual and can be used to identify people, especially by dogs and other animals. Each person’s unique body odor can be influenced by gender, diet, health, and medication.
Top Causes of Body Odor
Your environment, medications you take, shifts in hormone levels, the things you eat, or any underlying disorders may all be behind a sudden change in your body smell.
Changes in body odor can be a normal part of development, like when an adolescent is going through puberty. During puberty, hormones and sweat glands become more active, which can be a cause of b.o.
If you are an active person or fond of working out, excessive sweat may be the culprit. If you do not wear antiperspirant or practice healthy hygiene habits, sweat can mix with bacteria and cause an unpleasant smell. If your body odor is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it may be something else. Listed below are some of the top causes of body odor:
1. Diet
The food you eat can sometimes be the cause of a sudden or temporary change in body odor. For example, many people experience a sudden, strong smell from their urine after eating asparagus. The smell will eventually go away once the food is metabolized unless it is eaten daily.
2. Menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy
According to research, it has found that women at high fertility within their menstrual cycle actually put out a different scent to men and are perceived to be more attractive than those at low fertility in their cycle. Other times, hormone fluctuations may also cause a change in body odor or vaginal odor.
3. Diabetes
When blood sugar levels get very high, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur. Ketones build up are secreted into the blood and urine which then causes a change in body odor. It can also cause your breath to have a fruity smell.
4. Vaginal infection
Vaginal infections such as vaginal parasite infection or bacterial vaginosis may cause a sudden change in how your vagina smells.
5. Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that gives off a bad smell and itch to the feet. This fungus thrives in the moist area of the shoes and socks. Healthy foot hygiene habits should be practice to avoid this.
6. Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause more sweat, leading to a stronger body smell. One study also states that hyperhidrosis (uncontrollable and excessive sweating) and stress are connected. People with mental health conditions are often diagnosed with hyperhidrosis.
7. Cancer
Some people with gynecological tumours often complain of having an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge. This is a result of certain acids that occur, but can also be reduced by using antibiotic metronidazole.
8. Vitamins or supplements
Vitamins and mineral deficiencies can sometimes cause b.o., or a smell to occur in your urine or stool.
Possible Treatments
Healthy hygiene habits can lessen or prevent body odor. Here are some tips to practice better hygiene:
- Use deodorants
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Take care of your feet
- Gently cleanse sensitive areas
- Create a shower routine that is fitted in your daily routine
When to see a doctor
Sudden change in odor is often not a sign of anything serious. The easiest to know if you should be concerned or not is by how long the smell lasts, and if it is related to something else. If your body odor is accompanied by other symptoms, or if there are any signs of infection, pain, bleeding, and other serious symptoms, consult your doctor right away. For more inquiries, you can contact an online doctor Vancouver. You can also contact them for an overall health checkup and for other health-related online consultations.