All humans have body odor to varying degrees. Body odor is an unpleasant, strong smell caused by the combination of sweat and bacteria that live on the skin. Consequently, the industry for products containing fragrances, cleansers, and deodorants as well as antiperspirants is a billion-dollar per year industry. When it comes to body odor, some of the most affected areas that this article focuses on include areas that sweat a lot (the armpits and groin) as well as the hands and feet.
Body Odor Causes & Factors
A variety of factors contribute to the intensity of a person’s sweating and body odor. Your skin has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.
- Eccrine glands release a watery fluid that cools the body when body temperature rises.
- Apocrine glands release an odorless fluid when you’re stressed, but it becomes odorous once it mixes with the bacteria on your skin.
In general, there is a difference between the sexes—men tend to be more prominently affected than women. This has to do with some of the effects of the larger amount of testosterone in a man’s system.
Testosterone
Testosterone acts as a propellant for oil glands. When you stimulate the production of oil you produce one of the basic raw materials for odor-causing bacteria. Bacteria in areas, especially the armpits groin, and feet break down these oils into smaller compounds which are what we call aromatic, meaning that they can turn into gases and be detected by the nose more easily, intensifying body odor.
Health Conditions
In some cases, changes in body odor result from an underlying health condition such as hyperhidrosis, trimethylaminuria (a rare genetic disorder), diabetes, and kidney failure. If you have diabetes and experience a sudden fruity smell in your breath accompanied by frequent urination, see your doctor immediately for medical advice. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition and should be treated as a medical emergency.
Heavy Sweating
Heavy sweating also plays a role. Increased sweating with or without increased oil production also provides a more ideal environment for bacteria which causes water to flourish. This is especially true on the bottom of the feet or in some cases bacteria may eat away at the soul of the foot causing tiny pinpoint punched out areas, a condition known as pitted keratolysis.
Bromhidrosis
When it comes to the creases of the skin, notably the armpits and the groin, the medical name for foul body odor is Bromhidrosis. With this background let’s talk about some of the basics as far as at-home treatments go.
Body Odor Treatments
Personal hygiene is essential for controlling strong body odors. However, practicing better personal hygiene, such as wearing antiperspirant deodorant itself is not enough for some individuals. A frequent periodic bath or shower is generally necessary as a baseline level of control for body odor. Some people may have excellent body odor control by showering every third day whereas others may need a shower daily or in some circumstances twice a day to avoid unpleasant smells.
Dove Bar Soap
When cleansing in the shower, consider using dove bar soap. Not all soaps are created equal. At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, we highly recommend dove in the bar form as this soap has excellent surfactants. Surfactants are the components in soap that foam up and in doing so help strip the oils and other types of dirt off your skin.
To prevent body odor, pay attention to areas such as the armpits, groin, hands, and feet when washing your body. Consider washing these areas twice, with two lather rinse cycles. Also, remember to dry off areas where you tend to have body odor very thoroughly after you have taken a bath or shower. Some patients will find that using a blow dryer on the cool setting used strategically in these areas will give added benefit.
Antibacterial Cleansers
Most antibacterial cleansers will not prevent body odor. However, antibacterial cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide may help prevent foul odors. These have excellent antibacterial properties and we often recommend them in strength up to 10%. These types of cleansers are readily available over the counter.
PanOxyl Foaming Cleanser
One of the most common versions that we recommend in all our clinics is PanOxyl, the foaming cleanser. These cleansers have an active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, which may have a bleaching effect on fabrics. This is important to keep in mind when rinsing the cleanser. Consider using a white towel to avoid bleaching your towels.
Prescription Antiperspirants
Prescription antiperspirants help combat body odor by targeting the root cause – excessive sweating. Unlike over-the-counter options, these specialized formulations contain higher concentrations of active ingredients like aluminum chloride, which effectively blocks sweat glands, reducing the amount of sweat that can lead to body odor. While regular antiperspirants may suffice for mild cases, those with hyperhidrosis or severe sweating often find relief with prescription-strength options.
These products are typically recommended when conventional methods fail to manage odor and sweat effectively. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any prescription antiperspirant regimen to ensure proper usage and minimize potential side effects.
Botox Injections
Medically reviewed studies suggest Botox injections may help reduce body odor and sweating by shutting down sweat glands. Although Botox injections are not a permanent solution to reducing body odor, it is common for people who suffer from a condition called hyperhidrosis. For maximum effectiveness, dermatologists recommend patients receive Botox injections every few months.
Stay Dry
Maintaining dryness may also help prevent body odor. There are numerous breathable fabric and moisture-wicking fabric clothing items that are available. These include socks, shirts, and undergarments. Also, perhaps using a drying powder such as a Zeasorb may give an added benefit.
How Environmental Factors Influence Body Odor
External factors such as climate, humidity, and pollution can influence the intensity of body odor. Here’s how:
- Hot and Humid Weather: Excessive heat and humidity increase sweating, creating a more favorable environment for odor-causing bacteria.
- Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants can affect skin health, potentially leading to more intense body odor.
- Seasonal Changes: Sweating tends to increase in the summer, which may result in stronger body odor, while cooler weather may reduce sweat production.
When to Seek Professional Help for Body Odor
In some cases, persistent body odor may require professional intervention. If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments don’t help, consider:
- Consulting a Dermatologist: A dermatologist can diagnose underlying conditions like hyperhidrosis or bromhidrosis and recommend appropriate treatments, including prescription-strength antiperspirants or Botox injections.
- Specialized Treatments: In some cases, more advanced treatments, such as laser therapy or surgical removal of sweat glands, may be necessary for extreme cases of body odor or excessive sweating.
Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands | Best Dermatologist in Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA | Board Certified Dermatologists
This is a simple reference guide for you to use to help better control your body odor. If you have body odor above and beyond what can be controlled with these measures, please see us in consultation. We treat bromhidrosis and other conditions associated with body odor in our clinics frequently and do you have prescription options that may benefit you, both from the standpoint of the excessive sweating and the levels of odor-causing bacteria on your skin. If you need more assistance, please consider seeing us in a consultation.
Additional information from a previous blog post: https://www.midlandsderm.com/hyperhidrosis-excessive-sweating-treatments-omaha/
