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What Causes Metallic Body Odour?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014
Question: Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

I have a question about my husband's situation. He is 34 years old and in a good health. He has recently (for past few months actually) developed a metal-like odour. The smell is so strong that if the door of the room he is siting in is closed, it becomes really noticeable and it is hard for me to breath. I can smell the same odour in the shower-room, after he has taken a shower. I am bit concerned and was wondering if there could be a medical condition behind this? Would appreciate your response on this.


Best Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Unusual odor from bacterial changes

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with your medical question.

You are concerned about the change in your husbands body odor. The odor reminds you of a metallic smell. The change in body odor could be related to a change in you husbands skin bacteria. If he has been on any antibiotics within the last 3 months that can change the bacterial counts and cause the odor. Also if he has been taking any new vitamin supplements or herbal medication this can also cause unusual odors.

To help reduce the odor I recommend that he take a bath or shower with a good deodorant soap. Do not reuse bath towels or wash clothes. Wash the clothing in a good detergent and use a pleasant smelling clothes softener if you use one.

There is no medical treatment to change the bacteria flora. Over time his bacteria should return to its prior state and reduce the odor your are experiencing.

Hope I answered your medical question. Please contact us again with your medical questions and concerns
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Metallic Body Odour?

Brief Answer: Unusual odor from bacterial changes Detailed Answer: Thanks for contacting HCM with your medical question. You are concerned about the change in your husbands body odor. The odor reminds you of a metallic smell. The change in body odor could be related to a change in you husbands skin bacteria. If he has been on any antibiotics within the last 3 months that can change the bacterial counts and cause the odor. Also if he has been taking any new vitamin supplements or herbal medication this can also cause unusual odors. To help reduce the odor I recommend that he take a bath or shower with a good deodorant soap. Do not reuse bath towels or wash clothes. Wash the clothing in a good detergent and use a pleasant smelling clothes softener if you use one. There is no medical treatment to change the bacteria flora. Over time his bacteria should return to its prior state and reduce the odor your are experiencing. Hope I answered your medical question. Please contact us again with your medical questions and concerns