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Suggest Treatment For Foul Body Odor
Question: Hi, All my life I have been very clean, hygienic person having 3 showers a day and clean clothes every day. I have never had body odour even if sweating in summer. However for some unknown reason 2 months ago out of nowhere I can smell a body odour smell like smell in armpits. However when I smell my armpits or clothes all I can smell is deodorant. I don't know where the smell is coming from but I can smell odour. No one else can smell anything and think I am imagining it but I cannot work out where it is coming from. It is the middle of winter and at times I smell the odour. Even my armpits have become sticky and clammy but all I smell is deodorant. I still have 3 showers a day. I am using the same soap, deodorant, laundry detergeant, eating same foods and no different medication. I am sure the odour is on me even though I don't know where. Please advise as this is the first time I have had body odour in my life and I have no idea why it would start at 44 years of age nor sweaty armpits daily when it is cold outside. No I have not had a temperature. Is this menopause or some weird thing going on in my body? Please help.
Brief Answer:
A few possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. There are a few causes for a body odor and modern medicine is exploring devices and ways to detect and identify body odors associated to many health conditions.
Usually, conditions related to hormonal and metabolic changes, diabetes, spicy foods, clothes made of synthetic fibers are the usual causes for body odors unrelated to increased sweating or lack of hygiene. A lesser known cause, which I think might be the case here, is aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants and deodorants. So you might want to reduce the amount and frequency of deodorant use.
If you still do not think any of the above mentioned is a factor, then I suggest you see a doctor for a check up and complete health evaluation. Sometimes, a discreet unusual body odor can be a sign of something that requires medical attention.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Wishing you all the best.
A few possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. There are a few causes for a body odor and modern medicine is exploring devices and ways to detect and identify body odors associated to many health conditions.
Usually, conditions related to hormonal and metabolic changes, diabetes, spicy foods, clothes made of synthetic fibers are the usual causes for body odors unrelated to increased sweating or lack of hygiene. A lesser known cause, which I think might be the case here, is aluminum chloride found in antiperspirants and deodorants. So you might want to reduce the amount and frequency of deodorant use.
If you still do not think any of the above mentioned is a factor, then I suggest you see a doctor for a check up and complete health evaluation. Sometimes, a discreet unusual body odor can be a sign of something that requires medical attention.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have further questions.
Wishing you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Hi thanks for your reply. I tried the tea tree deodorant when this started but no different. What other conditions and tests would a dr do or look for. There has to be a reason for this to begin for the first time in my life. As I said I can't locate where the smell is as each time all I smell is, deodorant, soapbor shampoo, so can a smell be somehow coming through my skin in general, or something internal which I smell and no one else can?
I haven't received a reply
I haven't received a reply
Brief Answer:
Please see as follows
Detailed Answer:
Diabetes, for one, is a cause for a body smell, so a blood sugar test would be in order. Some metabolic diseases such as Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) may alter body odor. Also, certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer can be a cause for discreet smell.
There is also the possibility that the smell is not real, is subjective or is related to an olfactory distortion or very high stress levels.
I strongly recommend you see a doctor to verify whether there is a basis to this smell perception. Before visiting the doctor, I recommend you stop using any cosmetic products, perfume, deodorants, shampoo or scented soap to avoid masking the odor.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Please see as follows
Detailed Answer:
Diabetes, for one, is a cause for a body smell, so a blood sugar test would be in order. Some metabolic diseases such as Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) may alter body odor. Also, certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer can be a cause for discreet smell.
There is also the possibility that the smell is not real, is subjective or is related to an olfactory distortion or very high stress levels.
I strongly recommend you see a doctor to verify whether there is a basis to this smell perception. Before visiting the doctor, I recommend you stop using any cosmetic products, perfume, deodorants, shampoo or scented soap to avoid masking the odor.
I hope this helps.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Would any diseases you mention cause a body odour like normal sweat though?
What about thyroid cancer could that be one?
What about menopause beginning? Although I might note that I am hot and sweaty in day time? Can hormones or metabolic problems you said suddenly start out of the blue as it did for me?
What about thyroid cancer could that be one?
What about menopause beginning? Although I might note that I am hot and sweaty in day time? Can hormones or metabolic problems you said suddenly start out of the blue as it did for me?
Brief Answer:
Please see as follows
Detailed Answer:
1. metabolic conditions cause a particular odor, which is different from normal sweat.
2. An hyper active thyroid (which can also be cancer) can cause body odor. Kidney and liver disorders (including kidney and liver cancer) can also cause body odor and this can alter the smell of normal sweat.
3. Yes, it is very possible for body odor to be altered during menopause due to hormonal changes. Although at your age I did not consider this to be a possibility, if you are experiencing signs such as irregular cycle, increase in body temperature alternated by chills, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, weight gain and reduced metabolism then you can safely assume you are approaching menopause and the change in body odor can be a symptom. Yes, it is possible for hormone and metabolic problems to start out of the blue, as they may sometimes be the earliest sign or symptom of an underlying problem.
Certain devices that detect even the most discreet body odors are being developed and will soon be part of common practice as a very useful means of diagnosing health problems at early stages.
I hope this helps. Wishing you all the best.
Please see as follows
Detailed Answer:
1. metabolic conditions cause a particular odor, which is different from normal sweat.
2. An hyper active thyroid (which can also be cancer) can cause body odor. Kidney and liver disorders (including kidney and liver cancer) can also cause body odor and this can alter the smell of normal sweat.
3. Yes, it is very possible for body odor to be altered during menopause due to hormonal changes. Although at your age I did not consider this to be a possibility, if you are experiencing signs such as irregular cycle, increase in body temperature alternated by chills, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, weight gain and reduced metabolism then you can safely assume you are approaching menopause and the change in body odor can be a symptom. Yes, it is possible for hormone and metabolic problems to start out of the blue, as they may sometimes be the earliest sign or symptom of an underlying problem.
Certain devices that detect even the most discreet body odors are being developed and will soon be part of common practice as a very useful means of diagnosing health problems at early stages.
I hope this helps. Wishing you all the best.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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