Everyone’s underarms have a distinct smell, and most of the time it’s entirely normal and not cause for alarm. Sweat and germs on our skin interact to cause body odor, which also results from the apocrine glands in your armpits secreting odor.
There are a few sources of body odor according to research:
Eccrine organs
These glands, which are found throughout your body but are more numerous under your arms, create fluids. Everyone perspires, which causes the good bacteria and other microorganisms on your skin to become moist and release an odor.
Skin glands with apocrine
Puberty stimulates the development of these scent-emitting glands, which are extremely sensitive to hormonal changes. Smelly pits are caused by apocrine glands, which are also found in the groin area.
This is according to dermatologist Susan Massick, MD, of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center “There is no universal fragrance because it varies from person to person and is impacted by a variety of factors, including heredity, diet, hormones, hygiene, and medications.”
Your B.O. may only be a medical issue if it smells particularly bad and could be an indication of an illness. The only risk associated with having smelly armpits is that those around you might find you repulsive.
Here are five typical reasons why your armpits could start to smell, how to stop the odor, and when you should visit the doctor.
Diet
Chemical substances that are produced during digestion make their way to your apocrine glands, where they can be released as body odor. As a result, what you eat can affect how you smell. Foods with particularly strong flavors are notably associated with significant body odor, and these include:
• Red meat, onions, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are examples of foods high in sulfur.
• Curry, cumin, fenugreek, garlic, and coriander are a few of the spices used.
• Beer, wine, and hard liquor among others.
Increased sweating
Hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive perspiration, can intensify body odor.
The causes of hyperhidrosis are numerous and include:
• Anxiety
• Infection
• Cancer and other diseases
• Stroke
• Thyroid condition
• Menopause
The moisture brought on by excess sweat encourages bacterial development if you sweat a lot.
Puberty
According to research, children’s lack of functioning apocrine glands accounts for their lack of body odor. The increase in fragrance that many people going through puberty experience is actually caused by the apocrine glands becoming active at this time.
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Many tweens and adolescents may not yet be aware of how to regulate body odor by regular washing, wearing deodorant, and frequently changing clothes because it is unfamiliar ground for them.
Hormone alterations
Whether brought on by the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause, hormonal changes can have an impact on how your body smells. Though apocrine gland activity is reduced during pregnancy due to increased sweating, this can result in a general shift in fragrance. Additionally, biological changes might be in play: Males thought that women smelled better when they were ovulating, according to a tiny study published in 2020.
Gender transition
That includes trans males, who frequently experience more sweating and a greater body odor three months after starting testosterone medication.
Trans women may also experience changes in their body odor, although when testosterone levels fall, it’s more likely to be a decrease.
Prevention and treatment
Maintaining proper hygiene is the greatest cure for smelly armpits.
Daily showering
Use a soap that fights bacteria to clean your underarms. This will lessen the number of bacteria on your skin that reacts with sweat to produce odor.
Use deodorant
Unlike deodorant, which only disguises odor, antiperspirant really stops sweating. Antiperspirant should be used at night so that it can absorb while you sleep.
Shave the underarms
Hair can intensify fragrance and collect perspiration and microorganisms.
Put on breathable, wicking garments
Cooling clothing will lessen perspiration, which should lessen odor.
Change your diet
If you discover that particular foods make you odor, think about eliminating or reducing them.
