Body odor that is excessive or abnormal (bromhidrosis) is the result of the breakdown of sweat by bacteria and yeasts that normally live on the skin.
(See also Introduction to Sweating Disorders.)
There are two types of sweat glands: the apocrine glands and the eccrine glands.
The apocrine glands secrete sweat into hair follicles. They are under the arms, in the genital area, around the anus, and around the nipples.
The eccrine glands secrete sweat directly onto the skin. They are nearly everywhere in the skin. Sweat secreted by these glands does not have a foul odor until it is broken down (decomposed) by bacteria and yeasts that normally live on the skin. After decomposition, the odor becomes foul.
Getting Under the Skin
The skin has 3 layers. Beneath the surface of the skin are nerves, nerve endings, glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels. Sweat is produced by glands in the dermis and reaches the surface of the skin through tiny ducts. |
Bromhidrosis develops more easily in people who sweat excessively. Poor hygiene of skin and clothing also contribute to bromhidrosis. Bromhidrosis can also occur after eating or drinking certain foods (such as curry, garlic, onions, and alcohol) and taking certain medications (such aspenicillin).
Treatment of Body Odor
Frequent skin washing with soap and water and clothing washing
Sometimes antibacterial creams
Use of deodorants or antiperspirants
Cleansing twice a day with soap and water usually removes the bacteria and yeast that cause odor. In some people, a few days of washing with an antiseptic soap, which may be combined with use of antibacterial creams containing clindamycin or erythromycin, may be necessary. Shaving the hair in the armpits may also help control odor.
Clothing should be washed often as well. People can also promptly remove and wash sweaty clothing and use deodorants or antiperspirants. Deodorants mask odor, and antiperspirants decrease sweat production.
Occasionally, other treatments are tried, such as injections of botulinum toxin or use of microwave-based devices, lasers, or surgery.
