What's That Smell? Excessive Sweat and Body Odor

Sweat and body odor are common problems that everyone faces from time to time. Simply stated, they are some of the unpleasant facts of life. But they are relatively small problems, and most people can solve them with a few simple techniques.

Body odor does not have to keep you on the sideline away from other people, even if your problem is health-related. There is little anyone can do to prevent sweating, which is a normal function of the body. But good personal hygiene and a proper diet can eliminate, or at least minimize, body odor.

This hub highlights some of the home remedy treatments and lifestyle practices that are essential for fighting body odor. If you have other useful tips and techniques, please share them in the comments section below.

Most people recognize that body odor is linked to sweat. However, many are unaware that perspiration is virtually odorless. Sweat only turns foul-smelling when it comes into contact with bacteria. In fact, sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria, and they can multiply quickly.

Excessive sweating, as well as lack of perspiration, can indicate a medical problem. Most people experience normal sweating, and various remedies can manage their symptoms.

The pungent smell of bacteria on the skin known as body odor has many different names. People often abbreviate "body odor" as "B.O." The condition is known medically as bromhydrosis, bromidrosis, malodorous sweat, osmidrosis, ozochrotia and fetid sweat.

Bacteria mixed with sweat causes body odor. Wet skin, damp clothes and a sour smell are the tell-tale signs. Various things can trigger perspiration.

The most common triggers are exercise or physical exertion; hot weather or a hot environment; and anxiety, stress or nervousness. Sweating under these conditions is healthy and natural.

Diet, mood, hormones, drugs, illness, medications and other factors can alter the natural smell of sweat. In fact, the smell of perspiration is typically faint. It is not until sweat comes into contact with bacteria that offensive odors occur.

Sweating is a necessary biological process. It regulates body temperature, hydrates skin, balances body chemicals and flushes out toxins. The skin has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands open onto the skin's surface throughout the body.. Apocrine glands open into hair follicles on the armpits, scalp and groin.

A rise in body temperature stimulates the eccrine glands to secrete fluid (mainly water and salt) onto the skin to cool the body. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, secrete a fatty perspiration. The bacterial breakdown of this type of sweat is the primary cause of body odor.

For most people, the sweat and body odor solution is a simple one: antiperspirants and deodorants. These health products are available over-the-counter and by prescription.

Antiperspirants are aluminum-based products that block sweat pores to temporarily reduce perspiration. Deodorants are acidic, alcohol-based products that discourage bacterial growth. Although they can't eliminate perspiration, deodorants usually contain fragrances that mask unpleasant body odors. Many products today combine an antiperspirant with a deodorant.

Non-prescription products are usually effective for addressing normal sweat and body odor. Prescription treatments may be necessary if over-the-counter products cannot manage the problem.

Doctors usually prescribe aluminum chloride to control excessive sweating, but this solution is not without side effects. Prescription antiperspirants can produce redness, swelling and itching skin.

More than a nuisance, body odor is often cause for embarrassment. It can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, depression and low self-esteem. Certain lifestyle practices are essential to control sweating and body odor, and many home remedies are also helpful. Here are a few suggestions.

• Bathe daily, and then some. Regular baths and showers wash away odor-causing bacteria and keep new growth in check. Use a washcloth and antibacterial soap to scrub your whole body. Pay close attention to your armpits, feet and groin area. For serious odor, try soaking in an Epsom salt bath, or add a few cups of tomato juice to the bath water (a popular remedy for skunk smells!).
• Keep your body dry. Bacteria thrives in damp places near the groin, in skin folds and between your toes. Use a clean towel to dry your body thoroughly after a bath or shower. Follow up with body powder, foot powder, cornstarch or baking soda to absorb sweat and stay dry.
• Discourage bacterial growth. Apply an antiperspirant, or an antiperspirant-deodorant, to your armpits after bathing. Re-apply again at bedtime. Or wipe apple cider vinegar, lime or lemon juice, baking soda or hydroden peroxide under your arms, on your feet and on the palms of your hands. These natural remedies neutralize acid and discourage bacteria growth.
• Wear natural fiber clothing. Cotton, wool, silk and other natural fiber fabrics absorb sweat and wick away moisture, allowing your skin to breathe. Leather and other natural material shoes do the same thing for your feet. Change your clothes, socks and underwear at least twice daily. Make sure your body is dry and your change of clothes is clean.
• Wash clothes, towels and bedding. Anyone with sweat and body odor problems should do their laundry often. Never re-wear clothing or re-use bath towels without washing them, and avoid sleeping on dirty sheets. Change your bedding at least once a week, and clean the sheets, pillowcases and covers.
• Shave your body hair. Your hair is a good place for bacterial growth. Apocrine sweat glands near the hair follicles are responsible for much of your body odor. In addition to shaving under your arms, consider shaving your pubic hair to keep from harboring odor-causing bacteria.
• Change your diet. A few dietary changes can go a long way to control body odor. Eliminate foods and drinks that cause excessive perspiration, such as alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks. Stay away from foods with strong odors like onions and garlic, and avoid processed foods and refined sugar. Stick with fruits, vegetables and naturally refreshing water.
• Eliminate stress and relax. Stress and anxiety can trigger perspiration, increase body odor and cause additional stress. Try a few relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Nervous types can teach themselves to be "calm, cool, and collected."
• Seek medical help, if necessary. If excessive, uncontrollable perspiration is your problem, seek medical attention. Certain illnesses and medications can cause excessive sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe the proper treatment.

• "Body Odor." Natural Remedies: May 11, 2010.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. "Sweating And Body Odor." Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research: December 9, 2010.
• Nazario, Brunilda (Reviewer). "Preventing Body Odor." WebMD Medical Reference: July 8, 2009.
• Norton, Amy. "Body Odor? Gene Disorder May Be The Culprit." Thomson Reuters (Reuters Health): September 14, 2011.

Copyright © 2011. Annette R. Smith. All rights reserved.

Published: September 22, 2011 / Modified: May 1, 2012.