Body odour (bromhidrosis)

Causes of body odour

Anyone who has reached puberty can produce body odour, as this is when the apocrine sweat glands develop, which produce the sweat that bacteria can quickly break down.

Men are more likely to have body odour because they tend to sweat more than women.

Things that can make body odour worse include:

• being overweight
• consuming rich or spicy food and drink – such as garlic, spices and alcohol
• some types of medication – such as antidepressants
• certain medical conditions – a fruity smell can sometimes be a sign of diabetes, while a bleach-like smell may suggest liver or kidney disease

Excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a condition where a person sweats excessively and much more than the body needs to regulate temperature.

If you have hyperhidrosis, you may also have smelly feet (bromodosis).

Smelly feet are caused by wearing shoes and socks that prevent sweat from evaporating or being absorbed, which attracts bacteria.

When to see your GP

See your GP if:

• your sweating or body odour is causing you distress
• you notice a significant change in your body odour
• you suddenly begin to sweat much more than usual

Managing body odour

Excessive sweating and body odour is an unpleasant problem that can affect a person's confidence and self-esteem.

A body odour problem can usually be managed by getting rid of excess skin bacteria – which are responsible for the smell – and keeping the skin in the affected area (usually the armpits) clean and dry.

Self-care advice

Your armpits contain apocrine glands, which are responsible for producing body odour.

Keeping your armpits clean and free of bacteria will help keep odour under control.

To manage body odour:

• have a bath or shower every day to kill the bacteria on your skin
• wash your armpits thoroughly using an antibacterial soap
• use a deodorant or an antiperspirant after bathing or showering
• wear natural fibres, such as wool, silk or cotton that allow your skin to breathe, which means your sweat will evaporate quicker
• wear clean clothes – make sure you wash your clothes regularly 
• limit the amount of spicy foods, such as curry or garlic, and red meat you eat because they can make body odour worse

Deodorant and antiperspirant

Deodorants work by using perfume to mask the smell of sweat.

Antiperspirants contain aluminium chloride which reduces the amount of sweat produced by your body.

Use roll-on antiperspirants if you sweat heavily, as they tend to be more effective.

You may find some more effective than others.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for severe body odour that can't be treated by self-care measures and over-the-counter products.

Risks associated with surgery include:

• damage to nearby arteries or nerves
• compensatory sweating (increased sweating from other areas of the body)

You should fully discuss the risks of the procedure with your surgeon beforehand. 

• Body odour

More useful links

• How to use your health services