Is Body Odor a Sign of Illness?

Sweat, perspiration and bacteria on the skin all cause body odor. Exercise, long periods in heat and poor hygiene are often culprits. Sometimes, though, medical conditions are to blame.

Significance

• When people sweat profusely, they may have a condition called hyperhidrosis. They often develop a pungent body odor that is referred to as bromhidrosis.

Considerations

• Some medications can cause body odor, including venlafaxine used for anxiety disorders, bupropion used to treat depression, tamoxifen which blocks estrogen, and pilocarpine prescribed to increase saliva.

Identification

• Several medical conditions cause strong body odor. Liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, yeast infections, intestinal disorders and fungal infections are some examples.

Effects

• Skin conditions that produce sores and ulcers on the skin can cause body odors. Cancer, hemorrhoids and skin ulcers often cause surface body odor.

Prevention

• Avoidance can help. Stimulants such as coffee can increase gland secretion and result in body odor. Smoking, excessive alcohol, garlic, cumin, stress and anxiety all increase the rate of perspiration that can lead to unpleasant body odor.

Warning

• If poor personal hygiene is not a factor in body odor, an underlying condition, lifestyle and/or disease should be considered. A visit to a health-care professional can diagnose, treat and eliminate body odor.