Body Odour: What You need To Know
sometimes the way we smell can signal an
underlying health problem
We all smell, thanks to millions of helpful and harmless bacteria around our bodies. However, unpleasant odours can indicate that something’s amiss – although we sometimes get it wrong (see tips box, right).
Halitosis
Bad breath is common. Food particles, dead cells and bacteria can lurk amongst tongue taste buds, between teeth, and in diseased gums. Mouthbreathing and lack of saliva make it worse. Drinking more water, regular tooth/ tongue-brushing, flossing, and mouthwashes will help.
Other causes include crash diets (known as ketosis), infected nose/ throat catarrh, debris lodged in tonsils, smoking, alcohol, garlic/spicy foods, acid reflux (heartburn) and, rarely, medical conditions such as diabetes or liver disease. So if mouth hygiene doesn’t work, see your GP.
Perspiration
Armpit and groin sweat glands produce chemicals that smell when broken down by bacteria. Daily washing, hair removal, fresh clothes in loose natural fibres, avoiding spicy foods/ some antidepressants, and losing weight if necessary can help. Use a deodorant/ antiperspirant, too (aluminium chloride preparations work best). An overactive thyroid and the menopause increase sweating; blood tests and hormone replacement therapy can help. Abnormal sweating (hyperhidrosis) can be treated with Botox injections, or surgery to remove sweat glands or the nerves that control them.
Vaginal discharge
Thrush (candida) produces a ‘cottage cheese’ itchy, yeasty discharge. Bacterial vaginosis triggers a fishy/ ammonia-smelling watery grey discharge, especially after lovemaking. This bacterial imbalance can be made worse by perfumed soaps, and usually clears with prescription tablets/ cream. An offensive, greenish-yellow discharge may be a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection or retained tampon. You may also have urinary symptoms, pain or bleeding. See your GP as you’ll need tests, including a swab (cotton-wool-bud sample) and treatment.
Smelly urine
Concentrated urine often smells strong. Asparagus and some medicines produce a temporary smell. But if urine smells unpleasant, hurts and/or you’re weeing more often, this could indicate infection or a medical condition such as diabetes. Catch a sample mid-stream in a clean container and consult your GP. You may need antibiotics or more tests – essential if you see blood or have recurrent problems.
Stinky feet
These are more common in young people and people with hyperhidrosis. Bacteria break down the sweat (including in damp shoes after taking them off ) and can lead to athlete’s foot. Wear cotton or wool socks and leather or canvas footwear, sandals or flip-flops at home, and alternate pairs of outdoor shoes so they can dry. Wash and dry feet daily. Pharmacy antibacterial washes, or foot deodorants and antiperspirants, can help.
Wind
Fizzy drinks, chewing gum, gulping air as we swallow and some foods, including beans, onions, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower and spices, can increase production, cause bloating or make wind smell worse. You may have a food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome or constipation, so keep a food and symptom diary and seek advice from your GP before permanently eliminating any nutrients.