If you notice a strange smell coming from your body, it could be a sign of something more serious. Body odor is usually caused by puberty, excessive sweating, or poor hygiene. Learn more about causes of sudden increase in body odor female
Sometimes changes in body odor can be due to the environment, medication, or food we consume. Persistent changes in body odor may indicate an underlying health issue and should be addressed right away.
Everyone has their own unique body odor which can range from pleasant to unpleasant smells. Poor hygiene such as not showering regularly or not using deodorant are common causes of bad body odor but other medical conditions can also cause abnormal odors.
If you’re concerned about your body odor it’s important to take steps to identify and treat any underlying issues that may be present.
What causes a person to have body odor?
When your body is hot, two types of sweat glands, eccrine and apocrine, secrete fluid onto the skin’s surface. This fluid, known as sweat, helps to cool down the body. Eccrine glands are all over the body while apocrine glands are mainly located in areas such as the armpits and groin; they produce a thicker type of perspiration. Sweat does not have a smell by itself; it is when bacteria mix with sweat that an odor develops.
What does sweat mean?
Sweat is mostly water and some salt. It’s produced in glands found beneath the skin all over your body, but there are more of them in areas like your armpits, palms, forehead, and feet.
Why are you sweating?
Sweating helps regulate body temperature by cooling it down when it’s too high. This occurs when the water in sweat evaporates and cools the skin. Additionally, sweating may also occur due to eating hot or spicy food, having a fever, or feeling emotionally distressed.
If you are sweating a lot, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Some possible conditions could include:
- Having too much body fat or being obese.
- Changes in hormones that occur during menopause, such as hot flashes.
- Infections or other illnesses associated with fevers.
- Diabetes
- An overactive thyroid is known as hyperthyroidism.
Certain medications used to treat depression, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause excessive sweating.
What illnesses can cause body odor?
Excessive sweating may be a symptom of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is an uncommon condition that has no underlying cause, whereas secondary hyperhidrosis may be associated with other medical conditions such as menopause, infection, or an overactive thyroid gland. In addition, stress, medication use, and alcohol consumption can also lead to excessive perspiration.
Eating certain foods can affect the way you smell. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, and onions are all examples of cruciferous vegetables that can cause gas. Additionally, some people may have a condition called trimethylaminuria which causes a fishy odor after eating seafood.
Why does sweat have an odor?
Your sweat does not have an odor by itself. Your sweat glands produce proteins, which create an odor when broken down by bacteria on your skin. These bacteria also create waste products that cause a less pleasant smell. This smell is usually more noticeable in areas like your armpits, groin, and feet since these areas tend to be darker, warmer, and more humid.
The sudden increase in body odor female
Body odor can be caused by a variety of factors such as environment, diet, medication, hormone changes, or an underlying condition. During puberty, sweat glands and hormones become more active which can lead to body odor. Excessive sweating due to physical activity or lack of hygiene can also cause an unpleasant smell. If body odor is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign of something else.
Diet
The foods you eat can sometimes cause changes in body odor. For instance, many people experience a strong smell from their urine after eating asparagus which will go away once the food is metabolized unless eaten daily. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and kale can give off an egg-like smell when gas is passed due to their high fiber content.
Garlic, onions, cumin, and curry can also change body odor due to the sulfur-like compounds released by the body breaking them down. Eating these foods may also lead to producing more gas causing belching or flatulence that could create a bad smell.
Foods that may lead to smelly gas include:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- bok choy
- asparagus
If you have food sensitivity, the foods you’re sensitive to can cause extra gas. Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables has been found to give sweat a better smell, no matter how much is produced. In comparison, high carb intake is associated with less pleasant-smelling sweat. Additionally, eating a lot of meat may be worse for body odor than eating mostly plants. Bad breath can come from strong flavors like spices, garlic, onions, and radish, as well as from smoking tobacco products.
Stress
Excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis disorder, can sometimes be caused by stress and anxiety. Genetics, an underlying health condition, or certain medications can also lead to this condition. Research has shown that there is a connection between hyperhidrosis and stress which may cause low self-esteem and confidence for those affected. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin after exercise and then dries it results in body odor (BO).
Other causes of excessive sweating include:
- Having an excessive amount of weight or being obese.
- Being in a warm environment.
- Feelings of strain or pressure.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder where your body does not produce enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively. This results in high blood sugar levels which can lead to a dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA causes the production of too many ketones which are secreted into the blood and urine and can cause your breath to have a fruity odor.
Female hormone imbalance and body odor
Hormone imbalances can potentially contribute to changes in body odor in some individuals, including females. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including the production of sweat and sebum, which can affect body odor.
One of the hormones that can influence body odor is estrogen. Estrogen helps regulate the activity of sweat glands, and changes in its levels can affect the composition and amount of sweat produced. Fluctuations in estrogen levels, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, can sometimes lead to changes in body odor.
Additionally, imbalances in other hormones like progesterone or androgens (such as testosterone) can also contribute to changes in body odor. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which involves hormonal imbalances, may lead to increased androgen levels and potentially affect body odor.
It’s important to note that body odor can be influenced by various factors, including personal hygiene, diet, medications, and underlying medical conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent changes in body odor or other concerning symptoms, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your specific situation and provide appropriate guidance.
Changes in Menstruation, Menopause, and Pregnancy
Research has found that women with high fertility during their menstrual cycle have a different, perceived to be more attractive, scent than those with low fertility. This scent was suggested to influence how women interact with one another, as it smells good to everyone. Sometimes hormonal changes can cause body or vaginal odor which may be different but not necessarily unpleasant. This can be due to pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation and usually does not indicate any underlying issues.
Skin infections
If you have a skin infection, either new or pre-existing, you may notice a smell coming from the affected area.
Certain skin infections or conditions can cause a smell, such as:
- Trichomycosis axillaris is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles in the armpits.
- Erythrasma is a type of bacterial skin infection that affects the outer layers of the skin.
- Intertrigo is a rash found in skin folds that may become smelly if a yeast infection (candidiasis) develops on top of it.
Athlete’s Foot
If your feet have a bad smell and are itchy, you may have an athlete’s foot. This is a common fungal infection caused by the warm, moist environment of your shoes and socks. To avoid getting this infection, make sure to practice good hygiene habits with your feet.
Health Issues
Sudden changes in body odor can sometimes be caused by a health issue.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
People with hyperhidrosis produce too much sweat from their eccrine glands. This sweat does not usually cause body odor, but it may if mixed with apocrine sweat. Plantar hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of the feet, which can lead to smelly feet. It can be a primary condition or a symptom of another medical issue, or a side effect of medication.
Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuria is a rare disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound. This leads to an unpleasant odor that can resemble rotten eggs, fish, or garbage being released in sweat, urine, and breath.
Diabetes
Body odor can be a symptom of diabetes. Diabetes is a long-term condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed through proper treatment and lifestyle changes. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause body odor in some people with diabetes.
Other signs to look out for include:
- Having to go to the bathroom more often.
- Having too much thirst.
- Feeling very hungry.
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slowed healing of wounds.
Kidney illness
Sometimes, body odor can be an indication that the kidneys are not functioning properly, which may be a sign of kidney disease.
Other signs to look out for include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Having trouble focusing.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Dry, itchy skin.
- Having an increased need to use the bathroom.
- Urine that is foamy.
- Feet that are swollen.
Cancer
People with advanced cancer may report a bad body odor, which is usually caused by infected cancer-related wounds. This affects about 5 percent of people with cancer. Additionally, some individuals with gynecological tumors have reported an unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge. This can be treated using the antibiotic metronidazole.
Do you take vitamins or supplements?
If you do not get enough vitamins or minerals in your diet, or if your body is unable to absorb the nutrients in what you eat, it can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These deficiencies can cause body odor and unusual smells in your stool or urine. For example, a lack of vitamin C (known as scurvy) can make sweat smell bad.
Other factors
- A UTI occurs when bacteria enter your urinary tract and cause your urine to have a strong odor, change its appearance, and affect the frequency, urgency, and sensation when you urinate.
- Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can cause bad-smelling breath and coughing up of mucus.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, throat, and neck. It can cause bad breath and swelling of the lymph nodes which can give off a smell like stale beer.
- If you ingest certain toxins, it can affect your body odor. For example, cyanide can make your breath smell like bitter almond, while arsenic and certain insecticides may produce a strong garlic scent. Turpentine poisoning causes urine to have a violet-like odor.
- Uremia is a symptom of kidney failure which can cause someone’s breath to smell like ammonia or urine.
- If someone has an intestinal obstruction, they may vomit and have breath that smells like feces.
- If your belly button has an unpleasant smell accompanied by discharge, redness, itchiness, swelling, or bleeding, you may have a belly button infection. Good hygiene is usually the best way to prevent this type of infection.
- Excessive or smelly earwax can be a sign of an ear infection. Other symptoms of an ear infection may include redness, itching, pain, balance problems, hearing difficulties, and pus.
How can I eliminate body odor?
Taking a shower or bath is the best way to get rid of body odor. Showering a couple of times a week, especially after activities that make you sweat, can help prevent body odor without irritating your skin.
After bathing, use an antiperspirant and deodorant to further reduce body odor. If over-the-counter products don’t work well enough, see your doctor for prescription-strength antiperspirant and deodorant.
Wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk, or wool and washing clothes after each wear can help reduce sweating. For exercise, moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester or nylon are recommended. Shaving armpit hair can also allow sweat to evaporate quickly.
Treatments for excessive sweating include antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, and prescription medications. Severe cases may require surgical removal of sweat glands to reduce the symptoms.
Body odor and bad breath can be managed through regular bathing and using antiperspirant/deodorant but if this does not help it is best to speak to a doctor or dermatologist for further advice.
Treatments for Sudden Changes in Body Odor
To help reduce excessive sweating and body odor, the International Hyperhidrosis Society suggests: keeping affected areas clean and dry; using antiperspirant; regularly washing with antibacterial soap; and wearing deodorant. For smelly feet, it is important to change shoes and socks often, as well as use powders or antiperspirants.
Excessive Sweating
If your excessive sweating is caused by an illness or medication, treating the condition or adjusting the medication should help reduce your symptoms.
If the cause of a condition is unknown, various treatments may be beneficial.
- Prescription creams or antiperspirants can be used.
- Taking medications.
- Seeing a therapist and doing relaxation exercises.
- Surgery was performed.
- Injections of Botox
Bathing daily, wearing clothing made from natural fabrics, and changing socks frequently can help improve your lifestyle and let your feet get some air.
Infections
If you have an infection, it is important to treat it quickly to avoid any potential problems. The type of treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the infection. Common treatments include antibiotics and antifungal medications, which may be applied topically, taken orally or given intravenously.
What are the treatments for these infections?
- Yeast Infections
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Ear infection
- Skin infections
Managing Diabetes
If you have fruity-smelling breath, which is a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis, it is important to seek emergency medical treatment. To manage diabetes, you should focus on maintaining your blood glucose levels. There are several ways to do this such as taking medications and trying alternative treatments or natural remedies.
Changing what you eat, taking supplements, or using medications.
If you notice a change in your body odor that could be caused by what you eat, try to avoid those foods and add more variety to your diet. A doctor can check for vitamin deficiencies with a simple blood test. To get more vitamins, you may need to include certain foods in your diet or take supplements. If the body odor is related to a medication, talk with a doctor about adjusting the dose or switching medications. Don’t make any changes until speaking with a doctor first.
Athlete’s Foot
At-home treatments are usually effective for treating athlete’s foot, such as:
- Over-the-counter treatments for fungal infections include powders, sprays, ointments, and lotions.
- Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
- Oils like tea tree and neem can be used.
- Talcum powder
- Taking sea salt baths
Cancer
If you have cancer and notice a change in your body odor, talk to your doctor. It could be from an infected wound related to the cancer, which can be treated.
Healthy habits
Changes in body odor can be caused by improving your hygiene habits.
Here are some tips for improving your hygiene:
- Antiperspirants and deodorants can help keep sweating and body odor under control. You can buy them from stores, find more natural options, or make your own.
- Take care of your feet by making sure they’re not in a damp environment for too long. If your socks get wet, switch them out for dry ones. Wear shoes that fit properly and use a pumice stone on calluses to keep them healthy.
- Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day for two minutes each time to practice good oral hygiene. This is what dentists recommend.
- Creating a shower routine that works for you is important. Depending on your personal preference, you may need to shower more often if you’re noticing unwanted body odor. Showering helps to rinse away dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria, and oils that can build up on the body.
If an adolescent is going through puberty, it is normal to have a change in body odor. To help manage this, it is important to follow healthy habits such as showering regularly, wearing clean clothes, and using antiperspirants. Unless the change in body odor is severe and is accompanied by other worrying symptoms, there should be no need to treat it.
When should I see a doctor?
If you think a sudden change in body odor is caused by a health issue, talk to a doctor. Kidney disease and diabetes are serious diseases, so it’s important to get medical help. Somebody odors can go away on their own if you practice good hygiene and lead a healthier lifestyle.
If you experience any symptoms of Covid-19, it is important to take necessary precautions. However, if your symptoms are severe, you should seek medical treatment.
- Your body odor has suddenly changed.
- The smell doesn’t dissipate.
- You may have a sweet, fruity smell coming from your breath or body which could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- There is a strong smell of ammonia or bleach coming from your body, which could be an indication of liver or kidney disease.
- You can sweat even if you’re not exercising or in a room that is cool.
- You may also experience pain, swelling, and bleeding along with the foul odor.
- You think the smell could be linked to poisoning.
- You believe you may have a urinary tract infection or an infection in the vagina.
Everyone has their own unique body odor. If it’s strong, embarrassing, and affecting your quality of life, there are ways to reduce or eliminate it. However, sometimes body odor can be a sign of a medical issue, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes.
Last thought
Sudden changes in body odor are usually nothing to worry about. However, if the smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact a doctor for advice.
Generally speaking, body odor is caused by sweat mixing with bacteria on the skin and can be avoided by keeping clean and dry.
Rarely, an unusual smell may indicate an underlying medical issue such as diabetes or kidney disease, so this should be checked out if suspected.
