What causes bromhidrosis?

Sweat itself is usually not strongly scented. Odour develops when bacteria on the skin process substances in sweat, especially in warm, enclosed areas such as the armpits, feet and groin. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can keep these areas damp and make odour harder to control.

Hormonal changes, stress, heat, exercise, tight synthetic clothing and infrequent washing can intensify the smell. Foot odour may be encouraged by shoes that do not dry between uses. Certain foods, medicines or an underlying illness can sometimes change body smell, so a new or unusual change deserves attention rather than assumptions.

Wash odour-prone areas gently, dry them carefully and change clothes and socks after sweating. Choose breathable fabrics, rotate shoes and allow them to dry. An antiperspirant applied to dry skin can reduce moisture; deodorant mainly masks odour. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can irritate skin and make the problem harder to manage.

If these measures do not help, a clinician can check for excessive sweating, infection, skin inflammation or a medication-related cause. Treatment may involve stronger antiperspirant, treatment for sweating, or care for an underlying skin condition.

Arrange medical advice if odour begins suddenly, persists despite careful washing, or comes with rash, pain, itching, sores, fever or a marked change in sweating. Seek urgent help for confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty or feeling severely unwell alongside a sudden unusual body smell.

Ask whether excessive sweating is contributing, whether your medicines or skin products could play a part, and which antiperspirant or treatment is suitable for the affected area.