Causes of body odors and how to prevent them

Some bodies emit odors that others find unpleasant, and these are called “Body Odors”. Body odour is the unpleasant smell that our body gives off when bacteria living on the skin breaks down sweat into acids. Some say body odour is the smell of bacteria growing on our bodies, however it is the result of bacteria breaking down proteins into certain acids.  


Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons, say that body odors are caused by apocrine sweat glands in the armpit and the anogenital regions, the areas that extend from the buttocks to the genitals. These glands are responsible for the musty smell that we associate with body odors. Body odour occurs when a person reaches puberty and during the puberty stages the apocrine glands located in the breasts, genitals and anal region develop more strongly.    


During puberty, your sweat glands become active and your body chemistry begins to change. Sweat comes from areas of your body that have the most sweat glands such as arms, palms, soles and legs. It is the sweat that is produced by the apocrine glands that is responsible for body odors, as it is rich in protein that breaks down into acids and causes stench. 


Apocrine glands release sweat when your body temperature rises or you are under stress. Apocrine glands are located in selected areas of the body, such as the armpits, groin and pubic area. Body odour is the cause of bacteria living in sweaty areas of the body. This explains why body odour develops in the armpit and groin areas.    


When sweat evaporates, it helps to cool the skin and regulate body temperature. When you get hot, your body tends to sweat and when the air touches your sweaty skin and dries up the moisture your body cools down. On your skin, there are different types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. The sweat-producing eccrine gland is high in salt, making it more difficult for bacteria to break down.   


You may also notice a sudden odor in your stool, urine, earwax or genital discharge. Occasional abnormal body odors can be a temporary effect of metabolic changes, such as bad breath in diabetics with ketoacidosis. Other metabolic diseases such as advanced kidney and liver diseases and diabetes can also cause strange body odors in the form of bad breath. If you are hot, nervous or start exercising, you are likely to sweat more. 


If you have a hyperhidrosis disorder, you can sweat excessively for no apparent reason. Unusual changes in sweating Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and little sweating or anhidrosis can be a concern.    


The terrible smell associated with sweat can be embarrassing, especially if you tend to be around friends or family. The smell is caused by bacteria that accumulate on sweaty skin and react with sweat oil which grows and multiplies when sweat reacts with bacteria on the skin.    


Most people spend at least part of the day preventing body odor by taking a shower, applying deodorant, and sniffing their armpits to detect traces of added odor. For most people, body odour is normal and is a simple result of the interaction between sweat and bacteria on a person's skin.    


Each person is unique, and body odour is influenced by diet, gender, health, and medication. The average person can control their body odour with proper hygiene, but for others it is not so easy.    


Eccrine covers most of the body and acts as a cooling system; sweat evaporates from the skin after physical exertion and helps maintain a healthy body temperature. Wearing constricting and heavy layers of clothing can make sweat worse and cause more smell. Armpit smells can lead to embarrassing social situations and awkward conversations.    


Man made materials such as polyester, viscose and silk are non-breathable and can cause you to sweat more. Most of us also wear shoes and socks, which make it harder for sweat to evaporate, allowing bacteria to break down more sweat into smelly substances. The best way to prevent body odor is to take a shower and make sure to wash all parts of your body.    


When bacteria on the skin mix with sweat, they multiply and intensify the stench. Keep yourself clean by taking a shower at least twice a day so that you can wash off the sweat and get rid of the bacteria. Make sure to wash your clothes regularly so that the terrible smell and odors caused by bacteria do not stick around.    


Pay attention to particularly sweaty areas every day in the shower, especially on hot days. Washing areas where you sweat more often can help with reducing body odors.    


Although sweat is odourless, bacteria can interact with it and produce a foul-smelling chemical called thioalcohol. Sweat is produced by apocrine glands and is produced in warm, moist, humid environments which are ideal breeding conditions for bacteria.    


Body odour is not always a cause for concern, but can be a consequence of underlying health problems. If you think that sweat hyperhidrosis could contribute to your bromhidrosis, it is best to treat it and reduce the sweat that affects your body odor problems.    


In conclusion, you can prevent body odors by; 


1) Taking a bath or shower every day.


2) Using antiperspirant deodorant which helps to mask the smell. 


3) Brushing your teeth at least twice a day or using mouthwash.


4) Washing your clothes regularly and making sure to wear clean ones.


5) Wear thin socks so your feet can breathe.


6) Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet and avoid strong-smelling foods that may seep through your pores.


7) Invest in disposable wipes to keep you smelling fresh on the go.


8) You can even do a body cleanse once per month, which will help with bringing out unwanted toxins from your body.