What a change in body odour can tell you about your health

Body odour is a common occurrence, typically caused by bacteria and fungi breaking down sweat produced by glands in the armpits and groin. While usually harmless and influenced by factors like heat, physical activity, diet, and hygiene, a new or persistent change in body odour may indicate an underlying health issue requiring medical evaluation.

Apocrine glands in the armpits, groin, and scalp contribute more to odour than eccrine glands covering the rest of the body. Stress and hormonal changes can intensify odour, with puberty, menstruation, and menopause often causing temporary alterations in sweating and body odour. Metabolic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or rare conditions such as trimethylaminuria can also produce distinctive smells.

When a change in body odour occurs, doctors first seek an obvious trigger like recent food, drink, medication, or hormonal changes. If the odour persists or recurs without a clear cause, further evaluation may be necessary. Conditions such as erythrasma, fungal infections, or excessive sweating in warm, moist areas can alter odour. In advanced stages of diseases like diabetes or liver and kidney disease, unusual smells may appear, but doctors caution these are clues rather than definitive diagnostic tests.

A sudden increase in sweating, night sweats, or interference with daily activities warrants medical attention. Other red flags include unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst or urination, fatigue, swelling, fever, and skin changes. A fruity odour accompanied by excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, or confusion necessitates urgent assessment. While body odour should not be used for self-diagnosis, it is worth discussing with a doctor if it is new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.