All you need to know about Body Odor

It is a common misconception that sweat itself causes body odor. In actual fact, human sweat is almost odorless.

Body odor occurs due to bacteria on a person’s skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat and producing odor as a result.

Body odor is a common problem, but it can severely affect a person’s quality of life. Although its root causes are often down to a person’s hygiene practices, body odor can indicate a more serious underlying condition in some instances.

The body can produce odors in the mouth and other cavities, as well as in bodily fluids. However, this article focuses on odors originating from a person’s skin and the bacterial processes in sweat.

What is body odor

Body odor is an umbrella term for natural smells originating from a person.

The human body can produce a range of substances that carry a smell, known as odorants. Many of these are important for regular bodily function and, in small quantities, do not lead to unpleasant odors. However, an excessive accumulation of these compounds on the skin can cause noticeable smells.

Body odor usually becomes more evident during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Diabetes, are also more susceptible to having body odor.

Sweat itself is virtually odorless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells. As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odor.

Body odor is most likely to occur in the following places:

• the feet
• the groin
• the armpits
• the genitals
• pubic and other hair
• the belly button
• the anus
• behind the ears

A person’s diet, natal sex, health conditions, and medications help create a unique body odor. Some research suggests that people, and more so, animals are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles.

Causes of Skin Odour (Bad odour)

A person’s skin contains both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands.

Apocrine glands start to function at puberty and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin. These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odorless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odorant molecules in greater concentrations, causing body odor.

In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration and are not as strongly linked with body odor.