FOr, for most of us, sweating is a part of our daily lives. It's normal to smell bad after a hard workout or on a particularly hot day. The interesting thing is that sweat itself is not the cause of bad odor. A sudden increase in body odor is actually caused by sweat mixing with bacteria on the skin.
But why do my armpits sometimes smell? onion? Now that's a pretty extreme smell that anyone would find worrying (and realistically, possibly even embarrassing).
Here, a dermatologist shares four reasons why your body odor smells like onions and how you can get rid of it so you can return to feeling refreshed and clean.
1. Hormones may fluctuate.
Hormonal fluctuations can affect body odor, says Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare. Yes, different “times of the month” may smell different. According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that body odor changes slightly during ovulation to attract a mate. (Mother Nature works in mysterious ways!) This may also explain why you smell like onions during pregnancy. This is especially true during the first trimester as your body increases hormones to support pregnancy.
You may also notice changes in your body odor during menopause or other stressful times, says Dr. Shirazi. “As estrogen decreases during menopause, testosterone levels increase, which can lead to more bacteria entering your sweat and making it smell stronger. “Higher cortisol levels associated with stress may have similar effects,” she adds.
2. If you have an underlying disease
If your BO suddenly smells like onions, especially if it causes excessive sweating, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires attention and treatment. The medical term for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and it can be a side effect of other conditions, such as diabetes, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver problems.
Hyperhidrosis may be disconcerting, but it is a very common condition. Remember: Sweat itself has no odor. more When you sweat, bacteria on your skin are more likely to mix with the sweat and create odor.
According to Dr. Shirazi, there is also a condition called bromhidrosis. This is a condition in which bacteria on the skin breaks down sweat, causing a sulfur or onion smell. “This smell is stronger than regular sweat,” she adds.
3. It's your diet
We have all heard the famous saying, “You are what you eat.” And in this case, the food you eat to the letter Let it smell like onions. “A diet rich in spices or ingredients such as garlic and onions can change and affect body odor,” adds Dr. Shirazi. According to the Cleveland Clinic, other foods that can cause body odor include:
- red meat
- Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage)
- asparagus
- fish
- alcohol
Additionally, foods contain certain chemicals that can increase bacteria. These bacteria then produce a chemical called trimethylamine. This is the same substance responsible for the foul odors emitted by fish and other aquatic animals, according to the American Chemical Society.
“Trimethylamine in your digestive system can also cause a more pungent odor in your armpits,” says Dr. Shirazi. “This is especially seen in liver or kidney disease.”
“A diet rich in ingredients like spices and garlic can change and affect body odor.” —Azadeh Shirazi, MD, dermatologist
4. Getting older
Why is that so? everything Do you think things change as you get older? From the color of your hair to the way your body moves, aging brings all kinds of new experiences, including smell. If you smell like onions in the morning or any other time when you don't have to sweat, it may simply be a result of getting older.
Dr. Shirazi says body odor may change as you age due to increased levels of 2-nonenal. This is another compound that causes a musty smell. These chemicals naturally increase in our bodies as we age, and are often considered the classic “older person smell” even though they are completely natural and can be alleviated through hygiene practices such as showering daily and using odor-neutralizing products.
How to get rid of onion-smelling armpits
If you've ever worried about cleaning your room with bad odors, there are ways to help reduce those odds. Here are some top tips to keep your armpits smelling fresh and clean.
Apply deodorant
Your first line of defense (and probably the most obvious) is finding a good deodorant. However, keep in mind that there are important differences between deodorants and antiperspirants.
“There are notable differences between deodorants and antiperspirants, even though they serve the same purpose of reducing body odor,” says Dr. Shirazi. “Deodorants typically use perfume to mask the odor of body odor, while antiperspirants use aluminum salts that dissolve and block sweat from forming.”
Try home remedies or lifestyle changes.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several home remedies that can help stop body odor. A few include:
- Baking Soda: Applying a paste of baking soda and water can help balance the acidity of your skin and reduce odor.
- Green tea bag: Placing a soaked green tea bag under your armpits for a few minutes each day can help unclog pores and reduce odor.
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water and sprayed in a spray bottle can help kill bacteria on your skin (make sure you don't have any sores or recently shaved – the acidity can burn a bit!).
There are also several lifestyle habits that can help keep your pits dry, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Here's what follows:
- Keeping Your Armpit Hair Shaved (or Trimmed)
- Wear loose-fitting or cotton clothes
- Eliminate smelly foods from your diet
- reduce stress levels
Ask your dermatologist about recommended products
Your dermatologist can also recommend proven products that they know will get you results. “I have my patients use products containing glycolic acid, such as AziMD Skincare Clarify pads, three times a week. This product minimizes odor by reducing odor-causing bacteria and exfoliating the skin. “It’s gentle enough to be used even on sensitive armpit skin.”
When treating hyperhidrosis, your dermatologist may also give you a strong antiperspirant prescribed to be applied once or twice daily.
Consider Botox
If prescription products don't work, Botox is also available. Yes, you read that right. Botox is not only used to reduce facial wrinkles. It may also help manage other conditions, including excessive sweating. According to the Cleveland Clinic, armpit sweating should become lighter after several injections into the armpits.
Keep in mind: Not all insurance companies cover Botox treatment in full. If you're not sure if you're covered, call your insurance company or ask your doctor about alternative options.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, smelly BO is nothing to worry about. It happens to all of us, and can be easily neutralized with proper hygiene and the use of odor-reducing products.
That said, if you can't control onion body odor and excessive sweating with over-the-counter medications, it's best to see a doctor, says Dr. Shirazi. A comprehensive check-up can help you determine whether body odor is connected to your health at all and where exactly the odor is coming from.
frequently asked questions
Why do my armpits smell even after I shower?
A standalone shower alone isn't always enough to eliminate body odor. This is especially true if you sweat a lot. When showering, wash your armpits thoroughly with antibacterial soap and lather for at least 30 seconds. If you still smell, try applying deodorant or antiperspirant after showering to reduce body odor throughout the day.
Why do my armpits smell even when I apply deodorant?
If your armpits still smell like onions despite wearing deodorant, it might be time to rethink the products you're using and pick up a new one. Remember, deodorant masks body odor, but antiperspirant reduces sweating overall. Depending on how much you sweat, you may need one or both. If over-the-counter medications don't work, you may want to contact your doctor to rule out underlying health problems.
Can thyroid problems cause odorous armpits?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, thyroid problems can have an indirect effect on body odor. For example, when the thyroid gland is overactive, it secretes too much thyroid hormone, causing changes in body odor. If you suspect a thyroid problem, consult your doctor. They may do some blood tests to help find the best course of treatment.
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