Body odour can vary from person to person and in terms of intensity. There are many types of body smell ranging from sweaty to faecal to urine odour, all of which can be distressing. But why do we have a body odour at all? What is the reason behind it? In this article, we will not only discuss the reasoning behind it, but also understand the various causes. Dr Inderpreet Mahendra MBBS, DDVL, MD (Dermatology), Apollo Clinic, Vimana Nagar, helps us with insights.
The Science Behind Body Odour
People usually think sweating is the root cause of body odour, but it isn't, at least not directly.
Interestingly, body odour occurs when bacteria on the skin's surface breaks down protein molecules within the sweat. Therefore, when the water, salt and fat blends in with the bacteria, it causes odour.
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When it comes to sweat odour, it is basically linked to two types of sweat glands: apocrine glands and eccrine glands, according to Dr Mahendra.
Eccrine glands are found throughout the skin and produce a clear, watery sweat that is primarily composed of water, salt, and small amounts of other substances. On the other hand, apocrine glands are mainly found in areas with a high concentration of hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. Both these sweat glands play important roles in maintaining the body's homeostasis and cooling mechanisms.
Having a body odour is not a matter of concern unless it is associated with certain medical conditions. In that case one must approach a doctor and seek proper treatment.
Body Odour Associated With Medical Conditions
Here are some of the medical conditions linked to different types of body odour:
Diabetes Mellitus
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a sweet or fruity odour on the breath, often described as "acetone-like." This odour is due to the presence of ketones in the body. Ketones are organic compounds released by the body when it breaks down fat for energy in the absence of sufficient carbohydrates. As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA), it can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Liver Associated Disorder
According to Dr Mahendra, liver diseases can lead to bleach-like smell due to toxin buildup in the body. It may also be a symptom of kidney disease.
Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylaminuria, also known as "Fish Odour Syndrome," is a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot properly break down trimethylamine, resulting in a strong fishy odour in the breath, sweat, urine, and other bodily secretions. While it is a physical condition, it can cause "serious difficulties in a social context, leading to other problems such as isolation and depression," says a study published in the Journal The Clinical Biochemist Reviews.
Hyperhidrosis
Ofcourse, excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, is a primary condition or secondary to another medical issue that can result in persistent body odour, especially in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands like the armpits and feet.
Also Read: Factors That Can Cause Loss Of Smell Other Than COVID-19
Excess Intake Of Certain Foods Can Also Cause Strong Body Odour
Dr Mahendra also highlights how excess intake of certain foods can lead to strong body odour. This particularly includes foods that are high in sulphur like garlic, cabbage, onion, broccoli, and more.
Sulphur-rich foods contain compounds like sulphur-containing amino acids that the body metabolises into hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan, which have strong and often unpleasant odours. When they are excreted through sweat, urine, or breath, they contribute to the sulphur-like smell from the body.
A Final Word
Dr Mahendra advises to take all the above-mentioned causes into consideration, especially if your body odour is too strong and is affecting your daily life. Getting them treated by a Board Certified Dermatologist is necessary, he concludes.