Body odour
Sweat on its own is almost odourless. Odour appears when skin bacteria break down its components, particularly those from the apocrine glands in the armpits…
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Body odour
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication.
Dosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 60 ML OF 5% SOLUTIONActive substance: minoxidilManufacturer: Industrial Farmaceutica Cantabria S.A.Prescription not requiredDosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 50 mg/mlActive substance: minoxidilManufacturer: Laboratorios Cinfa S.A.Prescription not requiredDosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 50 mg/mlActive substance: minoxidilManufacturer: Laboratorios Serra Pamies S.A.Prescription not required
Sweat on its own is almost odourless. Odour appears when skin bacteria break down its components, particularly those from the apocrine glands in the armpits and groin. Body odour is therefore not a question of dirt but of the interplay between sweating, bacteria and, sometimes, a medical cause worth excluding when the smell changes suddenly.
What influences it
- the amount of sweat and the type of gland: the apocrine glands of the armpits, groin and areolae produce sweat rich in proteins and fats;
- the skin's bacterial flora, which varies greatly from person to person;
- hair, which traps sweat and bacteria;
- synthetic clothing, which holds odour far more than cotton;
- diet: garlic, onion, cumin, curry, cabbage, alcohol and red meat;
- stress, which activates precisely the apocrine glands: this is why nervous sweat smells different from heat sweat;
- hormones: puberty, the menstrual cycle, the menopause;
- excess weight and skin folds;
- smoking;
- some medicines.
When odour points to something medical
- hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating that soaks clothing and occurs at rest as well;
- erythrasma: a bacterial infection of the skin folds with brown patches and a characteristic smell; treated with a topical antibiotic;
- fungal infections of the folds and feet;
- trichomycosis axillaris: yellowish nodules stuck to the armpit hair;
- uncontrolled diabetes: fruity or acetone-smelling breath and sweat;
- advanced kidney or liver disease: an ammoniacal or sweetish smell;
- hyperthyroidism: increased sweating with weight loss and palpitations;
- infections with fever and night sweats;
- trimethylaminuria: a rare metabolic disorder producing a fishy odour that does not respond to washing;
- altered sense of smell: sometimes a person perceives an odour that others do not notice, and that also deserves assessment.
When to see a doctor
- the odour has changed abruptly for no reason;
- it persists despite proper washing and antiperspirant use;
- you sweat so much that it limits you at work or socially;
- there are night sweats with weight loss or fever;
- there are patches, scaling or a localised bad smell in a skin fold;
- there is intense thirst, frequent urination or tiredness;
- the odour is fishy, ammoniacal or of acetone;
- it is causing you anxiety and you are avoiding social contact — a legitimate reason to attend;
- you perceive an odour that those around you say they cannot detect.
What works
Washing and clothing
- a daily shower with mild soap, paying attention to armpits, groin and feet;
- dry thoroughly: moisture is what allows bacteria to grow;
- trimming armpit hair noticeably reduces odour;
- cotton, linen or technical fabrics that wick moisture; avoid polyester next to the skin;
- change clothes daily and always after exercise;
- wash sports kit promptly and do not leave it in the bag;
- alternate footwear and wear clean socks every day.
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Products
- an aluminium-salt antiperspirant: it reduces sweat and should be applied at night to dry skin, not in the morning, because that way it penetrates the duct while you sweat less. This is the advice that produces the biggest improvement and almost nobody follows it;
- deodorant: it does not reduce sweat, only masks odour and slows bacteria;
- antiseptic washes with chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide, a couple of times a week;
- absorbent powders for feet and folds;
- avoid heavy perfume on sweaty skin: the result is usually worse.
Diet and habits
- reduce garlic, onion, strong spices and cabbage if you notice a link;
- limit alcohol and caffeine;
- stop smoking;
- manage your weight;
- work on stress: it directly reduces apocrine sweating.
Medical treatments
- high-strength aluminium chloride antiperspirants on prescription;
- topical antibiotics — clindamycin, erythromycin — for erythrasma and trichomycosis;
- antifungals for fungal infection of the folds or feet;
- botulinum toxin in the armpits: very effective for hyperhidrosis, lasting several months;
- iontophoresis for hands and feet;
- oral anticholinergics in selected cases;
- microwave or surgical treatment for severe axillary hyperhidrosis;
- treating the underlying condition where there is one.
Common questions
Is it because I do not wash? No. Many people with impeccable hygiene have marked odour because of their bacterial flora and their type of sweating.
Are antiperspirants dangerous? The available studies have not shown a link with breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease.
Does removing hair help? Yes, it reduces the surface where sweat and bacteria accumulate.
What if I am the only one who notices it? It may be an alteration in the perception of smell, and it is worth raising with your doctor rather than escalating your washing indefinitely.
Does bicarbonate of soda work? It can reduce odour short term, but it irritates the skin of the armpit with continued use.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor distinguishes normal body odour from a fold infection or hyperhidrosis, reviews medicines and habits, advises which tests make sense if the odour has changed suddenly, and explains how to use an antiperspirant correctly and what treatments exist if that is not enough.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2026
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