Body Odor, An Embarrassing Possible Health Concern

Let's say you get into a place and there is a stench you cannot resist, the most probable option will be to run out, but imagine you are followed by the person from whose body is coming the terrible smell. Anyway, it's just an imagination, ignore me!!! I want to share about the possible cause of this body that we all dislike greatly.

Growing up, we always believed body odor was caused by excessive sweat, but lots of published research has made us realize this is a misconception since the sweat of humans is almost an odorless one. If body odor isn't caused by sweat, what causes it then? Let's find out as we proceed.

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Body odor happens as a result of the bacteria on a person's skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat, and producing odor as a result. Body odor is common and can greatly affect the quality of life of the person in question, the embarrassment that comes with body odor is not a small one.

Hygiene practices can greatly contribute to the presence of body odor, but it can be an indication of a more serious medical issue. The human body naturally produces a range of substances which carries smell carries smell known as odorants, lots of these released odorants are important for normal bodily function but only in small quantities, and when it happens, it usually does not create unpleasant odors, but an excessive accumulation of these elements on the skin would lead to noticeable smells.

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During puberty, hormones and sweat glands become more active, and it is at this time that the presence of body odor becomes more evident. Those who are obese or have some type of medical condition like obesity can also have body odor. Some people sweat excessively too, they are categorized into two, the primary and secondary forms of hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis happens without any specific cause, while secondary is related to the presence of a medical problem. Aside from any medical issue, the excessive intake of alcohol, stress, and some medications can also make a person sweat more than usual.

People who have trimethylaminuria usually develop a fishy-like odor after they consume seafood. The breakdown of garlic and onions in the body also leads to the release of sulfur-like compounds that find their way out of the body through pores, based on some medical beliefs.

You begin to suspect something serious may be going on when there is a sudden and persistent change to your normal body odor. This sudden change typically happens in specific areas of the body like the feet, armpits, belly button, genitals, mouth, and throat. Sudden smell from the urine, genitals, earwax, or stool. If this body odor is accompanied by other symptoms then there is an issue to be bothered about.

At the hospital, the underlying issue may be identified and resolved, but before then or in the absence of any underlying condition, a proper shower or bath from time to time is advised. Most over-the counter antiperspirants contains an aluminium based compound which functions by blocking the body's eccrine glands and prevents sweating. Deodorants functions by repelling the bacteria causing odor, may also contain an additional fragrance.

It is advised that, breathable fabrics are put on and washed after each wear, armpit needs to be shaved consistently to allow sweat evaporate quickly before it begins to produce an odor. The feet can breed odour too, ensuring your feet does not stay too long in a damp area is important.

Sometimes, a sudden body odour may be nothing to get you worried, and at the same time, it may indicate a cause for alarm, so a visit to the hospital whenever this sudden occurrence happens is not a bad idea at all.

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Read More

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/whats-that-smell-common-and-less-common-causes-of-body-odor
• https://www.healthline.com/health/sudden-change-in-body-odor#summary
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173478#treatment
• https://asm.org/articles/2021/december/microbial-origins-of-body-odor