What should you know about faecal body odour?

Body odour develops when secretions meet microorganisms on the skin. A strong faecal-like smell may be noticed around the armpits, groin, feet, skin folds, or clothing where moisture remains. Heavy sweating, poor ventilation, skin-fold irritation, an infection, leakage, or a change in diet or medicines can alter odour. The smell does not identify one diagnosis on its own.

Notice when it occurs, where it begins, whether washing changes it, and whether anyone else can smell it. This pattern gives a clinician more useful information than trying increasingly harsh soaps.

Wash gently, dry skin folds carefully, change damp clothing, and choose breathable fabrics. Avoid fragranced products on irritated skin. Check for stool leakage, a draining sore, rash, discharge, or a wound; these need medical attention rather than deodorant alone. If sweating is a major contributor, a clinician may discuss prescription antiperspirant or Botox for sweating, depending on the area and your health history.

Arrange a medical review if the odour is new, persistent, worsening, or present despite careful washing. Seek prompt care for fever, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, a deep wound, blood, bowel-control changes, or unexplained weight loss. A clinician may examine the skin and ask about bowel symptoms, medicines, hygiene products, and sweating.

Ask whether the smell could arise from a skin infection, moisture, leakage, or a medication or metabolic change. Discuss whether you need testing, how to protect irritated skin, and whether prescription antiperspirant or Botox for sweating is safe for you.