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Body odor is usually the result of the normal functioning of the apocrine glands, one of the two types of glands that produce sweat. Apocrine glands are located under the arms, around the nipples and navel, and in the anal-genital area. They are also located in the ear, where they produce part of the substance called cerumen (ear wax).

When sweat from the apocrine glands interacts with bacteria on the skin, the result is a sharp, earthy odor. Daily washing of the underarms and groin area, along with use of a topical antibacterial preparation or a deodorant, is usually sufficient to control body odor. In hot environments or when engaging in strenuous physical activity, more frequent bathing and more liberal use of deodorant may be necessary. People who have an inborn tendency to sweat excessively are more prone to body odor than those who rarely perspire.

In a few cases, a distinctive body odor signifies the presence of an illness that requires a doctor's care.

Causes of body odor

Anaerobic infection
Anaerobic bacteria, which multiply in the absence of oxygen, normally inhabit the body, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, the mouth, and the vagina. These bacteria can invade almost any body tissue, causing abscess formation or widespread infection. As they grow, anaerobic bacteria produce acids that have a foul odor like that of rotten eggs.

Fungal foot infections
Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, often produces an unpleasant odor. Antifungal ointments or powder can eradicate the infection. Keeping the feet clean and dry usually helps.

Intestinal obstruction
If the small or large intestine is blocked by a growth or a constricted area, waste material backs up in the digestive tract, causing intense pain, vomiting,

and other symptoms. The vomit may resemble feces in color and smell, and the body may exude a fecal odor.

Kidney failure
When the kidneys malfunction or fail, the result is a toxic state known as uremia, which is caused by retention of waste material in the bloodstream. The breath smells of urine, and urea frost (a powder produced by the sweat glands) causes the body to smell of urine.

Metabolic disorders
A number of disorders in which the body lacks certain enzymes needed for metabolism of particular proteins cause body odor. In addition, there are likely to be other symptoms, which typically include weakness and slowed growth and development in children. For example, PKU (phenyl­ketonuria), a disorder in which the body is unable to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, causes a musty odor in affected infants and children; in fact, this odor is what often prompts parents to seek medical help. Tyrosinemia, an inability to metabolize the amino acid tyrosine, causes a fishy body odor.

Overactive thyroid
This condition may cause excessive sweating, resulting in body odor. Other signs and symptoms include hyperactivity, an overheated feeling, a rapid and irregular heartbeat, weight loss despite overeating, restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, protruding eyes, and tremors. These problems are sometimes accompanied by diarrhea, hair

loss, and the formation of a goiter or swelling on the front of the neck due to enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Pneumonia
Body odor is sometimes noted in cases of pneumonia, along with the more characteristic symptoms of chills and fever, pain in the chest, and a painful cough that produces brown or blood-streaked sputum. Pneumonia is usually preceded by an upper-respiratory infection.