Body Odor: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Q: Body Odor: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Hello： In response to your question, there are various causes of body odor, and the source of the odor can differ depending on the area of the body. <br>I recommend paying attention to a low-fat diet, reducing the intake of lean meats, especially red meat, and increasing the cons

There is a severe body odor?

I have had a severe body odor for a long time, to the point where people from a distance can smell it.
When others get close to me, they often cover their noses.
I sweat heavily, especially around the back of my ears and the sides of my nose, and when I touch those areas, there is a cheesy odor.
I also experience axillary odor.
Currently, I rely on herbal powders to reduce sweating, along with sprays for atopic dermatitis and foot odor issues.
I wash my feet daily, but I still notice a lot of "debris" and the smell returns quickly.
I also have halitosis; sometimes I can smell something similar to fried rice, and I've heard others describe it as a rotting food smell.
When saliva touches my lips and I pucker near my nose, there are times when I can smell feces.
However, halitosis is still difficult to eliminate; sometimes even right after brushing my teeth, the odor returns after eating.
My bowel movements have a foul smell, and my buttocks sometimes have a fishy or unpleasant odor.
Recently, I've tried rinsing first before wiping, but there are still times when a fishy smell persists.
In the past, I would shower before going out, but the odor would return shortly after.
I have a smoking habit, but people say the smell isn't very strong.
I have cavities and my gums often bleed when I brush my teeth.
Over the past 2-3 years, I have gained weight rapidly, going from over 54 kg to a peak of 80 kg, and I currently weigh 74 kg, not through exercise.
I used to binge eat, but my meal times were irregular, and I have been diagnosed with fatty liver.
I have a history of gastric ulcers since childhood and also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Recently, I visited a well-known herbal medicine shop where they took my pulse and prescribed medicine.
They mentioned I have metabolic issues but did not clarify if this means I have diabetes.
I used to drink very little water and mostly consumed beverages, but I have since changed to drinking more water and improving my diet.

Could the diseases I mentioned above be contributing to the odors my body emits? With so many issues, which specialist should I see first to address the odor from specific areas? I would greatly appreciate any guidance from a physician to help me overcome this odor problem.
Thank you very much for your assistance.

Ka Ka, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/11/13

Dr. Chen Bozhang reply Family Medicine

Hello: In response to your question, there are various causes of body odor, and the source of the odor can differ depending on the area of the body.
I recommend paying attention to a low-fat diet, reducing the intake of lean meats, especially red meat, and increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and high-fiber foods.
This can help with gastrointestinal cleanliness and may also reduce skin oil secretion.

As for bad breath, it is often caused by the proliferation of bacteria related to periodontal disease.
I suggest you visit a dentist for a thorough examination of your teeth and ensure you are practicing proper oral hygiene daily.
Smoking can also worsen periodontal health and weaken your immune response.
If you can commit to quitting smoking, it will also help improve your bad breath.
Regarding your concern about diabetes, the typical symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue; however, not every patient will exhibit these classic symptoms.
I recommend visiting a family medicine clinic where a physician can arrange for tests based on your personal situation.
A simple blood test can determine if you have diabetes or elevated fasting blood glucose levels.
I hope this information is helpful to you.

Dr.
Chen Po-Chang, Department of Family Medicine, Keelung Hospital

Reply Date: 2010/11/13

More Info

Body odor can be a complex issue influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, hygiene, and underlying medical conditions. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing multiple types of body odor, including severe body odor, foot odor, and bad breath, alongside other health concerns such as obesity, fatty liver, and a history of gastrointestinal issues. Let's break down the potential causes and solutions for your situation.

Causes of Body Odor
1. Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to stronger body odor due to the composition of their sweat and skin microbiome. Conditions like axillary osmidrosis (commonly known as "sweaty armpits") can lead to excessive sweating and odor.

2. Diet: Certain foods can contribute to body odor. For example, garlic, onions, and spices can lead to a more pungent smell. Additionally, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can affect your metabolism and lead to an imbalance in your body’s natural odor.

3. Hygiene: While you mentioned washing regularly, it’s important to ensure that you are using antibacterial soap and thoroughly drying areas prone to sweating. Areas like the armpits, feet, and groin are particularly susceptible to odor due to the presence of sweat glands and bacteria.

4. Medical Conditions:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers can lead to bad breath and unusual body odors. The smell you described, resembling "stale food," could be related to digestive issues.

- Metabolic Disorders: Some metabolic disorders can cause unusual body odors. For instance, trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome) is a condition where the body cannot break down trimethylamine, leading to a fishy smell.

- Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a sweet or fruity odor due to the presence of ketones in the breath.

5. Obesity: Excess weight can lead to increased sweating and friction in skin folds, which can contribute to body odor. Additionally, obesity is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which can further complicate health issues.

Recommendations for Management
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be beneficial to consult a primary care physician or an endocrinologist. They can evaluate your metabolic health, check for diabetes, and assess your liver function.

2. Dermatologist Consultation: A dermatologist can help address skin-related issues, including excessive sweating and body odor. They may recommend treatments such as prescription-strength antiperspirants or other topical solutions.

3. Dental Check-Up: Since you mentioned bleeding gums and bad breath, visiting a dentist is crucial. Gum disease can contribute to bad breath, and addressing dental health can significantly improve oral odor.

4. Dietary Changes: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing the intake of processed foods, sugars, and strong-smelling foods may help reduce body odor. Staying hydrated is also essential.

5. Regular Exercise: While you mentioned not relying on exercise for weight loss, incorporating physical activity can help regulate body weight and improve overall health. Exercise can also help reduce stress, which may indirectly help with body odor.

6. Hygiene Practices: Ensure you are using antibacterial soap and consider using body powders or antiperspirants to manage sweat. Regularly changing clothes, especially after sweating, can also help.

7. Stress Management: Since you have a history of anxiety and stress, consider practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or therapy to help manage stress levels, which can also impact body odor.

Conclusion
Body odor can be a multifaceted issue, often requiring a comprehensive approach to management. By addressing underlying health conditions, improving hygiene practices, and making dietary changes, you may find significant relief from your symptoms. It’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to identify and treat any underlying issues contributing to your body odor.

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