From bad breath to stinky feet, body odors can act as a powerful looking glass that reflects your health status. Generally, a simple shower or a swig of mouthwash can mitigate the stench. But select cases may require a more systematic approach, attacking the odor at the source. Some conditions and diseases even produce a signature aroma. How do you know if you have a problem?
“You start by identifying whether body odors are physiological,” explains Jennifer McCaskill, M.D., a primary care physician at Henry Ford Health. “For instance, if you’re someone who sweats a lot and your sweat always smells a certain way, that’s normal. But if you notice a change in the smell or you’re sweating more than usual, that’s worth investigating.”
How do you know which funky fumes to pay attention to? Check out five potentially problematic odors and what you can do about them.
5 Common Odors To Pay Attention To
1. Bad breath
When your mouth is dry from certain medications, dehydration or a medical condition such as sleep apnea, bacteria can grow and thrive. The simple solution: Drink more water. That usually resolves standard bad breath. “If your breath has a fruity scent, we worry about diabetes,” says Dr. McCaskill, who explains that when your body can’t create the energy it needs from sugar, it begins breaking down fatty acids for fuel. “The ketones that build up in the blood as a result of this process can leave a fruity smell on your breath.”
Next steps: If you notice a fruity odor on your breath along with fatigue, unexplained weight loss or blurry vision, ask your doctor to test your blood for ketones.
2. Body odor
Some people sweat more than others. Kids going through puberty, for example, may produce a signature odor, as do people who are overweight or obese. Diabetes can also produce “off” scents in terms of body odor. But if you notice a sudden change in the amount or smell of your sweat, it could indicate a health problem. Conditions ranging from overactive thyroid to menopause can cause excessive sweating at night or during the daytime.
Next steps: If the issue isn’t medical, use deodorant more frequently, shower often and wear lightweight clothing. Still troubled by stinky sweat? “Ask your doctor about Botox,” suggests Dr. McCaskill. “People who have significant issues with sweating may experience a noticeable difference with Botox injections in the armpits.”
3. Stinky feet
Fungus thrives in moist environments. “Sweaty shoes and socks are the perfect environment for growing fungus,” says Dr. McCaskill. If you’re growing foot fungus, you’ll probably notice, she added. “Athlete’s foot tends to smell worse than regular smelly feet.” What’s worse, if you ignore athlete’s foot, the skin between your toes can become soft and moist, increasing the risk for bacterial infections like cellulitis. You can also spread the fungus to different parts of your body with just a touch.
Next steps: Since fungus likes moisture, keep your feet clean and dry. Sprinkle talcum powder on your feet or spray them with antiperspirant spray and keep an extra pair of socks on hand so you can change them frequently. When you’re home, keep your socks off so your feet can dry out. If you do get athlete’s feet, try an over-the-counter antifungal spray like Lotrimin.
4. Smelly stool
Conditions ranging from colitis to colon cancer can create foul-smelling stools. "If you have strong-smelling dark or black stool, that’s an indication there might be blood in the stool,” says Dr. McCaskill. Other potential culprits: Stool containing mucus or fat could signal your body is having trouble digesting fats. In that instance, irritable bowel syndrome may be an issue.
Next steps: Don’t ignore foul-smelling bowel movements. Make an appointment with your doctor and get checked out.
5. Foul-smelling urine
Strong-smelling or dark urine can also indicate a problem. Simple dehydration is a common culprit, but smelly urine can also signal a urinary tract infections (UTI). UTIs can produce a pungent, chemical-like aroma.
Next steps: If your pee starts to smell funky, check with your doctor, who will likely take a urine sample. If you do have a UTI, a simple antibiotic prescription should wipe out your problem.
The bottom line: “If you notice your body is producing a new or unusual smell, don’t ignore it. Even though it may seem embarrassing, talk to your doctor to figure out the source of the problem,” says Dr. McCaskill.
Reviewed by Dr. Jennifer McCaskill, a primary care pysician who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Livonia.
