What Bad Body Odour Reveals About Your Health
Body odour is a common human experience, but it’s not always just a matter of personal hygiene. The intensity and type of body odour can vary from person to person, and it can reveal valuable insights into your health. In this article, we’ll delve into the science behind body odour and explore the various causes and medical conditions associated with different odours. Dr. Inderpreet Mahendra, an expert in dermatology, lends us her insights into this often-overlooked aspect of health.
The Science Behind Body Odour
Contrary to popular belief, sweating itself isn’t the main cause of body odour. Instead, it’s the result of bacteria on your skin’s surface breaking down protein molecules within your sweat. When this happens, a combination of water, salt, and fat interacts with the bacteria, resulting in the characteristic odour.
There are two primary types of sweat glands responsible for different aspects of sweat odour:
- Eccrine Glands: These are distributed throughout your skin and produce a clear, watery sweat primarily composed of water, salt, and small amounts of other substances.
- Apocrine Glands: These glands are concentrated in areas with many hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. They play a crucial role in regulating the body’s temperature and other homeostatic functions.
In general, having a body odour is normal, but it becomes a concern when it’s associated with certain medical conditions, warranting prompt medical attention.
Body Odour Associated With Medical Conditions
Several medical conditions can manifest through distinct body odours:
- Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a sweet or fruity odour on the breath, often resembling acetone. This odour is attributed to the presence of ketones in the body, a byproduct of fat breakdown when there’s insufficient carbohydrate intake. It may signal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Liver Disorders: Liver diseases can produce a bleach-like smell due to toxin accumulation in the body, potentially indicating kidney issues as well.
- Trimethylaminuria (Fish Odour Syndrome): This rare genetic disorder hinders the body’s ability to break down trimethylamine, resulting in a strong fishy odour in bodily secretions, including sweat and urine. While it’s primarily a physical condition, it can have significant social and psychological implications.
- Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can lead to persistent body odour, especially in areas with a high concentration of sweat glands, like the armpits and feet.
Dietary Influence on Body Odour
Dr. Mahendra also highlights how dietary choices can influence body odour. The consumption of sulphur-rich foods, such as garlic, cabbage, onions, and broccoli, can contribute to strong body odours. These foods contain compounds that metabolize into hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan, known for their pungent and often unpleasant odours when excreted through sweat, urine, or breath.
In Conclusion
While body odour is a natural occurrence, it’s essential to pay attention to any unusual or persistent odours that affect your daily life. If you experience particularly strong or concerning body odour, especially when it’s accompanied by other symptoms, seeking advice from a board-certified dermatologist or healthcare professional is recommended. Understanding the root causes of body odour can provide valuable insights into your health and well-being.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Consult with a medical expert for personalized guidance and treatment.]
