What should you know about constant body odour?

Fresh sweat is usually not strongly scented. Odour develops when skin bacteria break down substances in sweat, especially in warm, moist areas such as the underarms, feet, and groin. Damp clothing, synthetic fabrics, skin folds, and heavy sweating can keep the smell noticeable. Food, medicines, hormonal changes, and some health conditions can alter body scent, so a new odour is worth describing rather than masking indefinitely.

Body odour is a symptom, not a diagnosis. A clinician may ask where the smell occurs, whether sweating has increased, what products are used, and whether there are rashes, discharge, fever, weight change, or other symptoms.

Wash odour-prone areas gently, dry them thoroughly, change clothing and socks regularly, and let shoes dry between uses. Choose breathable fabrics and avoid applying fragranced products to irritated or broken skin. An antiperspirant reduces sweat reaching the skin; deodorant mainly masks or modifies odour. Apply products as directed, often to dry skin, and stop if burning or a rash develops.

If routine measures do not help, a clinician can check for excess sweating, infection, irritation, or another cause. Prescription antiperspirant may be considered for troublesome sweating. Botulinum toxin for sweating is another clinician-delivered option for selected areas when other measures are insufficient.

Book an assessment for a sudden or persistent change that does not improve with sensible hygiene, especially with excessive sweating, a rash, sores, pain, discharge, or skin breakdown. Seek prompt care for odour with fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe swelling, confusion, or feeling acutely unwell. A fruity, chemical, or unusually strong new smell with other systemic symptoms also warrants medical advice.

Could this be excess sweating, an infection, irritation, or a medicine effect? Which cleanser, antiperspirant, or treatment fits my skin? Should the area be examined or tested? How should I use prescription antiperspirant safely, and when would another treatment be appropriate?