Bengaluru-based homemaker Shaleena Nair remembers that one of her close friends in class 12th had a strong body odour. “It used to get really bad and since we were quite close, I did tell her. It was not that she wasn’t taking care of her hygiene. She used to bathe twice but she had a medical condition,” says Nair.
Body odour is an unspoken social stigma. It’s never easy to tell someone about their body odour. If dealing with a sensitive person, it can affect your relationships, and equations. It can impact someone’s confidence as well. Even though it’s a natural phenomenon, we have never addressed it openly. What people end up doing is avoiding those experiencing body odour which eventually makes the latter isolated and lonely.
Analysing to understand it
Body odour (BO) occurs due to the interaction of sweat with bacteria on the skin’s surface, breaking down sweat into compounds that emit a distinctive smell. “There are two primary types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands, found all over the body, produce a watery sweat, while apocrine glands, concentrated in areas like the armpits, release a thicker sweat that contains proteins and lipids, which bacteria break down into odorous compounds. While body odor can be influenced by factors like hormonal changes, genetics, or certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), external factors like climate, occupation, sports also play a role. Certain foods like garlic, onions, spicy foods, and alcohol can exacerbate BO due to their sulfur compounds. Poor hygiene, stress, and lack of adequate hydration can also contribute,” says Dr. Prathibha PM, Consultant, Dermatology, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru.
Sweat in itself has no body odour. The smell gets generated when bacteria breaks down the lipids and proteins in perspiration. Sweat breakdown by bacteria on the skin, especially in places like the groin, foot, and armpits, leads to body odour. Body smell can be made worse by stress, particular foods, hormonal fluctuations, poor hygiene, and illnesses like trimethylaminuria or hyperhidrosis. Trimethylaminuria is known to trigger a fishy smell in breath, perspiration, and urine.
Dermatologists often receive patients complaining of body odour, seeking advice on both preventive measures and treatment options. “In cases of persistent body odour, a healthcare provider may suggest treatments like prescription-strength antiperspirants, or in some cases, Botulinum toxin injections or surgery for excessive sweating,” states Dr. Pratibha.
28 year-old Sharanya Prabhakar (Name changed on request), an HR professional based in Chennai shares that she was diagnosed with trimethylaminuria two years ago. “I remember my friends hesitatingly telling me that I have a strong body odour which can be repulsive. It was not a pleasant conversation to have but I tried to resolve it through bathing twice a day, wearing perfumes and applying deodorants but nothing helped.” A couple of tests revealed that she was suffering from trimethylaminuria. It’s an incurable condition but the symptoms can come down with modifications in diet, soap, lotions and stress levels. “I also take some medications and supplements. Also, when I meet a new person, new colleague, I let them know about my condition which has made people more accepting and understanding,” adds Prabhakar.
Addressing the issue
Talking about solutions, Dr. Vijaya Gowri Bandaru, visiting consultant, Dermatology, Sakra World Hospital, says, “During summer, the issue intensifies due to increased sweating, and we commonly encounter 1–2 patients regularly with complaints of body odour. To manage this condition, we recommend bathing twice daily and keeping the affected areas clean to maintain body hygiene. Trimming hair in the armpit and groin areas minimises bacterial growth. We also suggest applying the antibacterial soap and rinsing it thoroughly to effectively kill bacteria. Also, it’s recommended to dry the area and use talcum powder or antiperspirant sprays to reduce moisture. Wearing loose and cotton clothes to keep the area breathable also helps.”
As per nutritionists, foods high in sulfuric acid also impact body odour. Spices, red meat, garlic and onion, alcohol and fish are known to cause body odour. Additionally, spices include volatile molecules that can enter our bloodstream and be expelled through sweat glands, giving them a unique smell. Excessive use of garlic and onions can also increase sweat, body heat, and metabolism in certain individuals.
Body odour can be managed by practicing a mix of personal hygiene and lifestyle adjustments. Regular bathing, wearing clean and breathable clothing, and using deodorants or antiperspirants can help control odour. Dietary modifications, such as reducing the intake of pungent foods like garlic and onions, can also help. In severe cases, consulting a doctor becomes essential who may suggest medical treatments like clinical perspirants or procedures such as Botox injections to reduce sweating may be necessary.
People with body odour face ostracisation, which can, in turn, affect their confidence and mental health. Awareness, empathy and open discussion are essential to reducing the stigma and isolation of those experiencing body odour. We can encourage open conversations around the subject to make individuals feel supported and manage the issue.
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