Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Both hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis can cause distress and social problems. Sweat by itself doesn't smell. Some people who eat fish can secrete choline in their sweat for up to a day. Tight-fitting clothes trap sweat against your skin, giving bacteria a chance to thrive and causing body odor. Messages: 30 . Still, its unlikely you feel comfortable walking around with noticeably smelly armpits. Changes in muscle tone poor muscle tone, muscle tightness/tension. Theres also no research showing that toxins in deodorants or antiperspirants result in breast cancer. Armpit hair is natural, and whether you shave it, trim it, or let it grow, what you do with your armpit hair is a choice all your own. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis.. 2021;16(11):e0258773. If you are concerned about your body odor, talk to your healthcare provider. It may affect the whole body or just specific areas. For some lucky people, a couple of swipes of deodorant are enough to cover the evidence. Dermatol Surg. As a result, it is common for teenagers to start to get smelly armpits when they did not before. I hardly ever wear fragrances, he said. Eating some foods, including garlic and onion, can make sweat smell different. In addition, these materials are less likely to hold onto odors. Eccrine and apocrine sweat glands differ in their location, production method, and purpose. I would caution people against [an armpit detox], Khetarpal says. They get it from beef fat, which is what gives crayons their signature waxy consistency. If you have ever had a period, then you know how much your body can change over the course of one month. There are a few medical conditions that can cause body odor, including: If youre concerned about your body odor, talk to your doctor. The promise of odorless pits might make holding your arms over your head while the detox mask dries seem worth it. certain types of medicine, such as antidepressants. A derm explains why sweat smells and what you can do about it. Former vampire and current caped crusader Robert Pattinson sat down withAllure and revealed that people are obviously over asking him about body glitter and have moved on to inquiring about his natural musk. However, removing the hair only removes the 'house' for the bacteria. Body odor can vary from person to person, though, and some people tend to have more onion-y sweat than other people. Meanwhile, Givenchy and Chlo fell short. Sometimes, this can lead to a sudden change in the way the armpits smell. Poor hygiene can lead to the build-up of sweat and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell. If you exercise often, make sure to shower right after every workout so bacteria dont have a chance to spread. That natural aroma, it turns out, is akin to waxy crayons. So, thats the basis for explaining why your armpits might smell. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The first is to mix baking soda with water and apply it to the armpits. Shave or trim your pits frequently to keep the armpit odor under control. However, each injection only lasts a few months, so youll have to keep repeating them if youre looking for a permanent solution. Hyperhidrosis affects about 3% of the population. We avoid using tertiary references. These fluctuations largely influence how much you sweat and, therefore, how wet, moist, and optimal your armpits are for odor-causing bacteria to flourish. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases. Save your tears for the cutting board. The eccrine sweat glands are located all over the body and secrete a clear, odorless fluid. Turns out, theres actually something to this claim. detox youre probably better off skipping, cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-014-1487-1, breastcancer.org/research-news/using-antiperspirants-during-radiation, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, A 2023 Review of Biossance: Reputation, Products, and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, 2023s Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, According to Dermatologists, The 17 Best Face Moisturizers for Your Skin Type in 2023, Turn Down the Temp on Your Skin Care Routine with These DIY Cryotherapy Tips. This imbalance in bacteria can be one reason why transitioning from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can make you feel extra smelly. They should also wear clean clothes every day and change their clothes after exercising. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Microbiome6, 213 (2018). By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. This Season, The 12 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Drake Made a Candle That Smells Like Drake, Reg-Jean Page Thinks Rain Smells Like Home, 24 Fragrances That Dad Will Want to Wear Every Day, Brad Pitt Launching a Skincare Line Actually Makes a Lot of Sense. Even beyond romantic attraction, there is enticing evidence that an individual's body odor hints at aspects of their personality to others. Thats a lot of places for bacteria to grow and cause body odor. Ask the doctor: What can I do about excessive sweating? hot weather. So, the metabolic processes release what is known as volatile compounds (otherwise known as VOCs), which then evaporate off the body by releasing an odor. 2017;43(4):558-565. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001004. Use antiperspirants to reduce sweating and prevent onion body odor. 17 Deodorants That Will Actually Keep You Dry, These Bidets Will Keep Your Butt Happier Than Ever, From Women's Health for Urovant Sciences and GEMTESA, try meditation or other forms of stress-reducing activities, botox is another way to reduce how much you sweat, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Smelly armpits typically aren't cause for concern, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. "Armpit hair is a collecting site to help bacteria grow," Dr. Francis told Health. The injections are even FDA-approved to treat underarm sweating. First, you can bring in the antiperspirant big guns. Alcohol can also have this effect. Eating Healthy: How a Balanced Diet can Help Prevent Stinky Armpits. The most common reasons why your armpits itch include: Sweat: Your armpits contain a large concentration of sweat glands, which makes it a place where you'll experience sweating. PLOS ONE. They include threading, which entails removing hair with a piece of thread, and sugaring, in which a sugar water mixture is applied to unwanted hair then all of it is peeled off together. Sweating can cause onion-scented armpits because of the combination of sweat, bacteria, and onion oil. Lemon juice is another highly acidic ingredient that doubles as a home remedy for body odor. This high quality, anti stink shirt is infused with our revolutionary Odor Shield technology, a natural non-toxic hydrogen peroxide-based solution that eliminates 99.9% of odor causing bacteria in the fabric! Have You Tried Eating an Orange in the Shower? 1. Additionally, antiperspirants often contain fragrances that can help to mask the smell of onions. However, there is no need to worry this odor can be fought with the use of an antiperspirant or deodorant. "We have clients who don't even wear deodorant anymore," Sloan added. "These contain an ingredient that actually decreases the amount of sweat, rather than just preventing it from reaching the surface of the skin," says Dr. Zeichner. These soaps are designed to kill bacteria, which can help to reduce body odor. He answered that, too, saying that sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to fragrance. 2023 Fix That Smell. Changing Hormones. } Your armpits are also one of the warmest parts of your body. It might be time to take a good, hard look at your personal care routine. People have lots of both types of sweat gland in the armpits. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Only Owens has the power to demolish our notions of dress. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Body odor is prevalent among humans, although it may be more severe in certain individuals. Usually, light body odor isnt a cause for concern, but in some cases, you may want to see a professional. All Rights Reserved. Showering more often, using soap that contains tea tree oil, using a deodorant without aluminum, or applying baking soda to your armpits can help get rid of this smell. Stay away from strongly scented soaps, which can make your armpits smell worse. If more than one person has remarked that sniffing you feels like sticking their nose in a Crayola box, it is probably safe to say their assessment is accurate, as crayons have a very distinctive odor. Eccrine glands are found almost all over the body, and usually release clear, odorless fluid that quickly evaporates off the surface of the skin. Deodorants simply mask the smell of sweat with fragrance. They're not too pricey either, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Kristen Stewart Called the Tabloid Attention on Her Relationship with Robert Pattinson "Gross", The 12 Best Fragrances for Your Zodiac Sign, According to an Astrologer, Shopping for a New Fragrance? Redness and itchiness may be from an increase in bacteria as your body adjusts. In some cases, our nerves and sweat glands become overstimulated, producing more sweat than is needed. Antiperspirants have aluminum salts that block skin pores to help stop sweat from reaching the surface. Many people who switch from traditional to natural deodorants have noted going through a period of time when they say they sweat and stink more. Understanding the microbial basis of body odor in pre-pubescent children and teenagers. (2014). Common side effects of these drugs include: Eating some foods, including garlic and onion, can make sweat smell different. But deodorant and antiperspirants change the types and amounts of bacteria in the armpit. In order to help avoid sweating after showering, try some of the following strategies: If youve seen the film Shrek, you might recall the scene in which the famously ill-mannered ogre likens himself to an onion with many layers that need to be peeled back to reveal his true self. The Odor Shield technology is designed for daily use and stays put for at least 70 wash cycles. Instead, a simple wash with a gentle soap and water will remove antiperspirant or deodorant on your skin and help control odor. During puberty, sweat glands and hormones become more active, which can cause BO. If you work in an onion or garlic factory, there is a high chance that your might be producing this onion smell in your underarms. Those who simply trimmed their armpit hair had the next smelliest, with the strongest armpit odors coming from those who left their pit hair untamed. Everyone will have smelly armpits from time to time. Garlic may cause onion-smelling armpits. Be aware that sulfur-rich foods can sneakily be a cause for body odor and, possibly, smelly armpits. Hydration is important for keeping the skin healthy and free of bacteria. No matter your gender, hormonal changes and fluctuations in levels throughout a given day, month, or year can affect how much you sweat and the aromas you give off. Wax, sure, but there's more. The best way to prevent smelly armpits is to wash daily and after sweating. Did you know that the average person has roughly 1.6 to 5 million sweat glands in their body? If you have sensitive skin, mix the juice of half a lemon with half a cup of water to dilute it. Some people might even go so far as to say that how a potential mate smells is a make-or-break factor in whether they will pair up. 2013;34(3):216-221. doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2013.01.003, Croijmans I, Beetsma D, Aarts H, Gortemaker I, Smeets M. The role of fragrance and self-esteem in perception of body odors and impressions of others. For a 2013 study published in the journal PLoS One, researchers asked male subjects to smell the body odors of two groups of women: women who do wear antiperspirant (anti-sweating) deodorant and women who don't wear antiperspirant deodorant. Causes of body odour. Antiperspirant works by temporarily clogging sweat glands to decrease sweating. Callewaert C, et al. Feeling like youre still sweaty or stinky after cleaning up not as much. Armpit masks for detoxing often involve charcoals, clays, or apple cider vinegar. Christopher is a Southern California-based editor and has been with InStyle since 2018. When this dries, it can cause an unpleasant smell. Sweat can carry toxins like heavy metals out of the body, but its unlikely that clay alone can lift them from the tissues under the skin. Body odor is sometimes the result of a medical condition that should be addressed by a doctor but for many people, simple lifestyle changes and home remedies can help cure smelly pits. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Theyre usually the result of abnormal tissue growth. Some methods include showering more often, using soap that contains tea tree oil, using a deodorant without aluminum, or applying baking soda to your armpits. If you're looking for something long lasting, miraDry could be worth exploring. These include certain foods and medications. The reasons for sweating more can include being overweight or obese, being in a hot environment, and stress. She appears to have broken off her engagement and is spending a lot of time with Tyga. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Free Domestic Shipping Over $50, Free Returns. Many people experience smelly armpits from time to time. The apocrine sweat glands are found in areas with a high concentration of hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. It might seem strange, but botox is another way to reduce how much you sweat. Your body naturally detoxes and removes harmful chemicals through the liver, kidneys, and elimination (urination, defecation, and sweating). If you have sensitive skin, mix the juice of half a lemon with half a cup of water to dilute it. Eccrine glands release a clear liquid that does not smell. However, unlike antiperspirant, deodorant does not block sweat. The effect of habitual and experimental antiperspirant and deodorant product use on the armpit microbiome. Considering you have millions of sweat glands on your skin, it makes sense that you may occasionally experience stinky odor. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. sweat by itself doesnt smell. Try using it to wash your pits, but do it before shaving so your skin doesn't sting. Medical conditions can also cause sweat, though its rarer. Any number of reasons can cause hormones to fluctuate. They can help you identify any underlying medical conditions and recommend treatment options. Thioalcohols are a type of molecule that can give off a strong, onion-like scent. In the simplest sense, stink happens when sweat encounters bacteria on the skin. There are digital detoxes, water detoxes, diet detoxes, and, yes, even armpit detoxes. Other causes of body and armpit odor include poor diet, gut health issues or digestion problems. Reasons And The Best Way to Fix It, Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Poop? 2016;15(1):58-65. doi:10.1111/jocd.12197, Lam, T.H., Verzotto, D., Brahma, P.et al. Home remedies for getting rid of onion-smelling armpits may include using deodorant and showering regularly, as well as reducing onion consumption. However, its important to note that certain ingredients, like vinegar, can cause irritation. If you're wondering why your sweat smells sour or like vinegar, you may have more of a specific bacteria, Corynebacterium, in your armpits, which produces putrid fatty acids, she explains. "I hardly ever wear fragrances," he added. Epsom salt can help you relax, de-stress, or avoid constipation, but it's not effective for weight loss. The name for this condition is hyperhidrosis. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. can also signal an enzyme deficiency. (2017). Bromhidrosis is a condition that occurs when sweat is broken down by bacteria on the skin, resulting in an unpleasant smell. It certainly can. You can combat the onion smell with antiperspirant or deodorant. Your smelly pits could be a product of hormonal changes. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. To prevent strong body odor, it is important to bathe regularly, wear clean clothes, and use deodorant. Some people just smell like onions naturally. If you are concerned about your armpits smelling bad, you may want to try one of these methods. However, if it dries on the skin, it can smell. Last medically reviewed on March 7, 2022. You Forgot to Put on Antiperspirant or Deodorant Sure, it's the most obvious culprit. There are two types of bromhidrosis apocrine and eccrine. Want to know what the next big thing is in the detox world? This is because the type of bacteria present in an individuals armpit is based on various factors, including diet, environment, and genes. Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat glands, which prevents sweat from being produced. Maybe, as the interview revealed, it's because he. Moreover, hot water still on the body keeps warming the skin after a shower, which can give rise to additional sweatiness. "Different people make different odors, and believe it or not, odor is an attraction to the opposite sex," Dr. Francis told Health. Privacy Policy and Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It helps to maintain your bodys internal temperature.