It is a common misconception that sweat itself causes body odor. In actual fact, human sweat is almost odorless.

 

Body odor occurs due to bacteria on a persons skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odor as a result.

 

Body odor is a common problem, but it can severely affect a persons quality of life. Although its root causes are often down to a persons hygiene practices, body odor can indicateTrusted Source a more serious underlying condition in some instances.

 

The body can produce odors in the mouth and other cavities, as well as in bodily fluids. However, this article focuses on odors originating from a persons skin and the bacterial processes in sweat.

 

Body odor is an umbrella term for natural smells originating from a person.

 

The human body can produce a range of substances that carry a smell, known as odorants. Many of these are important for regular bodily function and, in small quantities, do not lead to unpleasant odors. However, an excessive accumulation of these compounds on the skin can cause noticeable smells.

 

Body odor usually becomes more evidentTrusted Source during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are also more susceptible to having body odor.

 

Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells. As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odor.

 

Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places:

 

A persons diet, natal sex, health conditions, and medications help create a unique body odor. Some researchTrusted Source suggests that people, and moreso animals, are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles.

 

Causes

A persons skin contains both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.

 

Apocrine glands start to function at puberty and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin. These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odorless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odorant molecules in greater concentrations, causing body odor.

 

In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration and are not as strongly linked with body odor.

 

Prevention

Having a large concentration of apocrine glands in the armpits and groin makes these areas susceptible to the rapid development of body odor. However, body odor can occur almost anywhere on a persons body.

 

Although there is no universal treatment for the causes of body odor, taking the following steps may help controlTrusted Source body odor:

 

Washing: A person should wash regularly with soap and ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly. Deodorizing soaps are available to purchase online.

Shaving: Having hair in areas such as the armpits can slow down the evaporation of sweat, giving bacteria more time to break down proteins and create odorants. Shaving can help body odor control in that area. Reusable razors are available to purchase online.

Using antiperspirants: Antiperspirants can reduce the intensityTrusted Source of a person body odor by changing sweat volumes and altering the amount and activity of odor-causing bacteria.