Body odor comes from sweat interacting with skin bacteria. It’s normal to have some odor, but strong or persistent smells can be improved with targeted care.
Types of sweat
- Eccrine sweat: watery, all over the body, mainly for cooling—less smelly.
- Apocrine sweat: in armpits and groin—thicker; bacteria break it down into odor compounds.
Common triggers
- Heat, stress, spicy foods, certain medications, tight synthetic clothing.
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
- Poorly ventilated footwear causing foot odor.
Everyday fixes that work
- Wash daily with antibacterial cleansers (benzoyl peroxide wash 5% or chlorhexidine—avoid eyes; rinse well).
- Dry thoroughly; use a hairdryer on cool in armpits/feet if needed.
- Use an antiperspirant (aluminum-based) at night and again in the morning if needed; night use improves plug formation in sweat ducts.
- Choose breathable fabrics (cotton, moisture-wicking blends).
- For feet:
- Rotate shoes; allow 24 hours to dry.
- Moisture-wicking socks; change mid-day if sweaty.
- Use shoe inserts that reduce odor (charcoal/cedar) and antifungal powders.
- Treat athlete’s foot if present.
Upgrades if basics aren’t enough
- Prescription-strength antiperspirants (aluminum chloride 20% for armpits/hands/feet; apply at night).
- Topical antibiotics for armpits in short courses (clindamycin) if recurrent odor linked to bacterial overgrowth—use sparingly to avoid resistance.
- Underarm hair trimming can help products reach skin better.
- Hyperhidrosis options: iontophoresis for hands/feet; botulinum toxin injections for armpits; oral medications (glycopyrrolate) in select cases—discuss side effects with a clinician.
Special causes to consider
- Bromhidrosis from retained keratin/skin (rare conditions) or diet-related odors (garlic, curry).
- Sudden change in odor, night sweats, weight loss, or skin lesions (like hidradenitis suppurativa) warrant evaluation.
- Fishy odor from the groin with discharge may be a vaginal infection—seek care.
When to see a clinician
- Odor persists despite good hygiene and antiperspirants.
- Painful armpit lumps or draining tunnels (possible hidradenitis).
- Excess sweating interfering with daily life.
Simple routine to try for 2 weeks
- Morning: quick wash of pits/feet with benzoyl peroxide wash, rinse; apply antiperspirant; wear breathable clothes/socks.
- Evening: gentle cleanse; dry thoroughly; reapply antiperspirant; rotate shoes and air them out.