News

What Your Body Odor Says About Your Health

MEEFRO August 8, 2023

0 124,533 3 minutes read

Changes in your breath can be a sign of several medical issues. Sinus infections, gum disease, and acid reflux are examples of these. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that targets the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva. The odor is also affected by the medical condition. For example, gum disease can cause your breath to smell metallic, whereas diabetes can cause your breath to smell fruity.

Poop smells natural due to germs and chemicals. However, if it smells worse than usual and is accompanied by other symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pains, or nausea, it could be an indication of an infection. Stomach bugs can be caused by certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Giardiasis is a kind of diarrhea that results in unusually foul-smelling feces. It is caused by the giardia parasite, which is commonly present in untreated water and food.

Sweating can be caused by exercise, anxiousness, or simply being too hot. Sweat does not have an odor by itself, but when it combines with bacteria on your skin, you should be cautious. An antiperspirant, which regulates sweating, usually resolves the issue. Deodorant can also assist with odor. Some over-the-counter medications can do both. Antiperspirants with a prescription may also be an option.

It’s a mixture of water and waste from your kidneys. Pee with a high water content has little or no odor. However, smelling ammonia frequently is a warning that you need to drink more water. Certain foods, such as asparagus, can alter the smell of your urine. Supplements can do the same. Adding water and caffeine-free fluids can help you get back on track.

If an unusual odor persists, you should contact your doctor. Unusual odors might be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder irritation, or uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Metabolic problems, diabetic ketoacidosis (a diabetes consequence), and gastrointestinal-bladder fistulas can also occur.

Groin Perspiration: Causes and Implications for Body Odor

Some folks have a lot of perspiration in their groin. Your thighs and lower tummy meet here. The testicles might rub against the skin, causing perspiration. This can result in body odor.

Smegma and Foreskin Hygiene: A Potential Source of Unpleasant Odor

Dead skin cells and fluids can accumulate in your foreskin if you are not circumcised. This buildup transforms into smegma, a stinky, cheese-like material. This can be avoided by washing your penis every day. UTIs can also be a source of odor.

Combatting Foot Odor: Effective Hygiene Practices and Treatments

Sweating a lot and wearing the same shoes every day can result in stinky feet. Cleaning them with antibacterial soap and thoroughly drying them can help. On your feet, you can also use absorbent powder or an antiperspirant. Foot soaks with vinegar or Epsom salts are also beneficial. It’s also critical to allow your shoes to dry out. Disinfectant spraying destroys the bacteria that create odor (3).

Vaginal Odor: Common Causes and Preventative Measures

Your vagina has a distinct odor. Sex, your period, or perspiration may temporarily alter it. Odors can also be caused by improper washing or keeping a tampon in for an extended period.

A fishy or bad odor that won’t go away could indicate an infection or another illness, especially if it’s accompanied by itching, burning, or discharge. The most prevalent cause is bacterial vaginosis, which is caused by an excess of normal bacteria (4). Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also generates the odor. Other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, normally do not have scents. Cervical or vaginal cancer, albeit less prevalent, can also modify the scent of your vagina.

References:

Hulcr J, Latimer AM, Henley JB, Rountree NR, Fierer N, Lucky A, Lowman MD, Dunn RR. A jungle in there: bacteria in belly buttons are highly diverse but predictable. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e47712. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047712. Epub 2012 Nov 7. PMID: 23144827; PMCID: PMC3492386.

Tungare S, Zafar N, Paranjpe AG. Halitosis. [Updated 2022 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534859/

Ara K, Hama M, Akiba S, Koike K, Okisaka K, Hagura T, Kamiya T, Tomita F. Foot odor due to microbial metabolism and its control. Can J Microbiol. 2006 Apr;52(4):357-64. doi: 10.1139/w05-130. PMID: 16699586.