Body Odor

The body exudes many odors, some of them tolerable, perhaps even agreeable, and others unpleasant. For example, the smell of fresh perspiration usually is not offensive. (That of stale perspiration is, however, because bacteria that live on the skin create malodorous substances in sweat.) Menstrual blood develops a disagreeable odor when exposed to air, and certain foods, especially onions and garlic, as well as alcoholic beverages, can produce a strong and distinctive body odor.Body odor generally originates in the underarms, genital area, and feet because perspiration cannot readily evaporate from these areas and bacterial and fungal action are encouraged.

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures

An unpleasant body odor is rarely of mysterious origin and usually vanishes with bathing; if it does not, these are some possibilities to consider. An untreated infection can be the source of the problem. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, is the most common cause of foot odor. Vaginal yeast infections have a fishy smell. And any skin infection that is allowed to fester under an airtight dressing will produce a bad odor. Also, gangrene, which denotes tissue death, smells like rotting meat. Certain medications may also be the source. Frequent application of a topical over the counter acne preparation that contains benzoyl peroxide may produce an unwanted smell. Other medications used topically or taken internally should be reviewed with your doctor to find out whether they might be causing body odors. An offensive smell can also originate in the faulty metabolism of a particular food or food group. If body odor is a persistent problem, a doctor will investigate the diet to try to track down the cause. There is some evidence, for example, that foods high in the chemical choline found in eggs, liver, and legumes may produce a distinctive odor in perspiration; eliminating them from the diet may help.

Medical Treatments

In practically all cases, body odor does not require medical treatment. The exceptions are problems due to an infection or underlying disease. Topical antifungal creams or powders will clear up most cases of athlete's foot, and antiyeast preparations can cure the majority of vaginal yeast infections. Exposing skin ulcers to the air, removing diseased tissue, and applying appropriate antibiotics can heal most skin ulcers and infections. However, gangrenous tissue must be surgically removed. If poor circulation is contributing to the infection, it must be treated as well.

Alternative Therapies

Natural deodorants, many of which are available in health food stores, are recommended to counter body odor. Other alternative approaches include:

Herbal Medicine

Extracts of astringent herbs such as witch hazel, sage, and betony have mild antiperspirant properties when applied to the skin. A few drops of mint oil added to bath water acts as a natural deodorant.

Nutrition Therapy

In addition to exploring the possibility that a change in diet might be the solution to offensive body odor, a nutritionist may also suggest such dietary supplements as zinc or magnesium, which are said to counteract unpleasant smells carried in the perspiration of some people.

Self Treatment

In the vast majority of cases, simple self treatment is all that is needed. To control most unpleasant odors, bathe daily and refrain from using perfumes, deodorants, and antiperspirants as an alternative to bathing. (Also heed warnings not to use these products on broken skin and discontinue their use if a rash appears.) Roll on or cream deodorants are preferable to aerosols, which may contain propellants harmful to the lungs or the environment. Genital areas can be kept free of unpleasant odors by daily washing with mild soap and water. Women should avoid overuse of douches and feminine hygiene products, because they can irritate sensitive tissues. Even after odor has been eliminated from the body, it may linger on some clothing. If washing with detergent does not remove it, try soaking the garments for at least an hour in warm salt water, using about 3 tablespoons of salt per quart of water.

To prevent the bad odors that may develop because of bacterial decomposition on sweaty feet, podiatrists make the following recommendations:

• Wear shoes made of natural materials, such as leather and cotton canvas, that allow air to circulate.

• Don't wear the same shoes, especially sneakers, everyday; give them a chance to air out. It also helps to dust them with a deodorant foot powder.

• In hot weather, choose open footwear that permits air to circulate.

• Wear white cotton socks with sneakers. After exercising, bathe feet with warm water and soap, dry them thoroughly, and change into dry socks and different shoes.

If athlete's foot does not respond within a week to self treatment with a nonprescription drug, see a dermatologist for a prescription medication. Sometimes the infection spreads to the nails and can be especially difficult to cure, even with professional treatment.

Other Causes of Body Odor

In unusual cases, a serious underlying disease such as diabetes or cancer can cause an unpleasant body odor.