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What Causes Strong Body Odor Even After Bathing?
Question: I have an odor on my skin shortly after I bathe. The odor is on my face, neck, chest area and a little on my scalp. My skin is a little oily, but the smell is very strong. I have seen quite a few dermatologists and they recommend topical washes and benezodene products. However, none of them have worked. Is it appropriate to test the oil in a lab? Or what steps should be taken next?
I received this reply before from the website " Brief Answer:
A chlorhexidine based soap and aluminium chloride hexahydrate lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern
Skin odor is due to the bacterial action/ degradation on sweat secreted by sweat glands.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest that you use an antibacterial soap, preferably a chlorhexidine based soap, for regular bathing. This would help reduce the bacterial population on skin and in turn would reduce breakdown of sweat and consequently reduce body odor.
In addition, you may use a aluminium chloride hexachloride based lotion fo local application at odor producing body sites. This being an antiperspirant, would help reduce sweat secretion as well as being an antibacterial would also result in less of bacterial action on sweat."
I have a red rash on my face and neck. So I have stopped the guidance above. What other medical advice should I follow?
I received this reply before from the website " Brief Answer:
A chlorhexidine based soap and aluminium chloride hexahydrate lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern
Skin odor is due to the bacterial action/ degradation on sweat secreted by sweat glands.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest that you use an antibacterial soap, preferably a chlorhexidine based soap, for regular bathing. This would help reduce the bacterial population on skin and in turn would reduce breakdown of sweat and consequently reduce body odor.
In addition, you may use a aluminium chloride hexachloride based lotion fo local application at odor producing body sites. This being an antiperspirant, would help reduce sweat secretion as well as being an antibacterial would also result in less of bacterial action on sweat."
I have a red rash on my face and neck. So I have stopped the guidance above. What other medical advice should I follow?
Brief Answer:
Rule out causes for body odour and can go for lab tests
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I have gone through your complaints and there can be multiple causes for strong body odour.
The common ones are bacterial decomposition, gout, diabetes, vitamin C deficiency, organic lesions of central nervous system and monosymptomatic delusions of malodour.
Even ingestion of foods like onion, garlic, drugs and chemicals can also cause body odour.
You need to rule out these by tests and examination.
Yes you can go for a test of the oil secreted to detect and quantify odour producing chemicals.
You have complained about rash on your face and neck. Were you applying aluminium chloride hexahydrate over face and neck?
If yes the rash can be due to an irritant reaction to aluminium chloride hexahydrate.
Regards
Dr Asmeet
Rule out causes for body odour and can go for lab tests
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I have gone through your complaints and there can be multiple causes for strong body odour.
The common ones are bacterial decomposition, gout, diabetes, vitamin C deficiency, organic lesions of central nervous system and monosymptomatic delusions of malodour.
Even ingestion of foods like onion, garlic, drugs and chemicals can also cause body odour.
You need to rule out these by tests and examination.
Yes you can go for a test of the oil secreted to detect and quantify odour producing chemicals.
You have complained about rash on your face and neck. Were you applying aluminium chloride hexahydrate over face and neck?
If yes the rash can be due to an irritant reaction to aluminium chloride hexahydrate.
Regards
Dr Asmeet
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
If I told you that following the first doctors guidance (which is the same as yours) gave me a rash - why are you suggesting the same direction. In addition my physical has not identified any of the diseases you listed. Also I stated the odor was also on my scalp. I have the odor on the scalp as well. However, there has been no proposed solution for the scalp.
Brief Answer:
Use cetrimide lotion for scalp
Detailed Answer:
If you are sure that your physician has ruled out all the diseases that I have listed then you can go for testing of the oil to find out the chemicals that are responsible for the production of odour.
Besides this I was just confirming with you that the rash is due to aluminium chloride hexahydrate. I was not prescribing you to apply it.
For your scalp you can use cetrimide lotion for head wash every alternate day. It is an antibacterial which will decrease the growth of bacteria.
I don't know whether it will be available as over the counter in your country.
Use cetrimide lotion for scalp
Detailed Answer:
If you are sure that your physician has ruled out all the diseases that I have listed then you can go for testing of the oil to find out the chemicals that are responsible for the production of odour.
Besides this I was just confirming with you that the rash is due to aluminium chloride hexahydrate. I was not prescribing you to apply it.
For your scalp you can use cetrimide lotion for head wash every alternate day. It is an antibacterial which will decrease the growth of bacteria.
I don't know whether it will be available as over the counter in your country.
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. Yogesh D
Answered by
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