In addition to sweat, apocrine glands release substances like fat and proteins that can lead to body odor when sweat mixes with the normal bacteria found on the skin. Apocrine glands are mainly located in the groin, armpits, and around the nipples, so these areas may have an odor.
Here's some news that might surprise you: Body odor does not just come from the underarms; it can originate anywhere there are sebaceous (oil) and sweat glands—which includes the scalp, genitals, feet, and even nipples!
Heat, sweat, and friction in the crevasses under your breasts, (a.k.a., your “under boob area”) not only make you stink, they make your clothing wet. This area is a breeding ground for itchy rashes and unattractive, red bumps.
Apocrine glands tend to create that foul smell because they release substances such as fat and proteins when they release sweat. The apocrine glands then mix with normal bacteria found on the skin, creating the smell we all know as body odor.
Use antiperspirant—yes, under your boobs
While it may seem strange to apply an antiperspirant anywhere other than your underarms, it works, Dr. Hazen says. "Antiperspirant can be used anywhere—on your feet, hands, and even under your bra," she says.
Protein breaks down into amino acids, which the body converts into ammonia. The body then releases this ammonia through urine and sweat, which may produce an odor. Dehydration can also make the sweat smell like ammonia. This is because the body needs water to get rid of ammonia through sweat.
Yes, changes in hormones can cause your body odor to smell. Hot flashes, night sweats and hormonal fluctuations experienced during menopause cause excessive sweating, which leads to changes in body odor. Some people believe their body odor changes when they're pregnant or menstruating.
BODY ODOR: FRUITY BREATH IS A SYMPTOM OF DIABETES
D., chief medical officer at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. People with type 1 diabetes generally experience it more than those with type 2 diabetes do.
Groin sweat contains fatty acids and proteins which feed bacteria. As the bacteria break down the nutrients in groin sweat, foul-smelling acids are left behind.
McQueen told Refinery 29 that stretchy clothes made of polyester, like leggings, are more difficult to clean in the washing machine since the material is non-absorbent. Therefore, leggings may seem to permanently smell of sweat and of all things down there, which is sure to also make your vagina smell worse.
Urine contains uric acid, which smells like ammonia. The smell may be more pronounced when the urine is more concentrated, as it is in people who are dehydrated. Medical conditions such as a urinary tract infection and eating certain foods can also affect the smell of urine.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
Apocrine sweat glands are also present in the nipples and areolar tissue surrounding the nipples.
Keep your breasts and nipples clean by washing them daily with warm water in the shower or bath. Also, avoid using soap on your breasts. Soap can cause dry, cracked, and irritated skin. It can also remove the natural oils produced by the Montgomery glands located on the dark area surrounding your nipples.
Wash the affected area regularly. Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing. You can also use a hairdryer on a cool setting to soothe and dry under your breasts, especially if you are larger- breasted. Avoid sharing towels and flannels to reduce the spread of infection.
Trimethylaminuria is a rare condition that causes a buildup of the chemical trimethylamine in the body. The body releases the excess trimethylamine through sweat, urine, breath, and reproductive fluids, giving off a strong fishy odor.
You've seen it (or felt it) before: Those patches of moisture that gather under your breasts and sometimes soak through your shirt. This phenomenon is what's known, rather aptly, as underboob sweat. And it can strike at any time.
These glands produce a secretion that cleans, moisturizes, and protects the nipple and areola during breastfeeding. It is also believed that the Montgomery glands, or areolar glands, produce a scent that helps the newborn to find the nipple and latch on.
Excess vaginal discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS), also known as olfactory reference disorder, is an underrecognized and often severe condition that has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with ORS think they smell bad, but in reality they don't.
Pubic hair holds on to residual urine, vaginal discharge, blood and semen. Bacteria line up all along the hair shaft just lunching it up and creating odor. (Very appetizing, I know.) Trimming your pubic hair reduces that surface area for bacteria, thus reducing odor.