Why does body odor occur?
Why do people smell? A brief explanation
The human body is a complex machine that is constantly working. A byproduct of this work is sweat, which helps us regulate our body temperature. But why does this sweat sometimes smell unpleasant?
The role of bacteria
The real reason for body odor is not the sweat itself, but the bacteria that live on our skin. These tiny microorganisms feed on the components of our sweat. This digestive process creates various chemical compounds that are responsible for the typical body odor.
Types of sweat glands
To better understand the topic, it is helpful to know the different types of sweat glands:
- Eccrine sweat glands: These glands are found almost everywhere on the skin and produce a thin sweat that mainly serves to regulate temperature.
- Apocrine sweat glands: These glands are mainly concentrated in the armpits, genital area and scalp. Their secretion is thicker and richer in protein.
Bromhidrosis - When body odor becomes excessive
In some cases, body odor can become so strong that it is perceived as disturbing. This phenomenon is called bromhidrosis. It occurs when the bacteria on the skin are particularly active and produce more unpleasant substances.
Possible causes of bromhidrosis:
- Genetic factors: Some people naturally have more bacteria on their skin or produce sweat with a composition that is particularly susceptible to bacterial decomposition.
- Hormonal changes: During puberty, pregnancy or menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to increased sweat production and therefore to stronger body odor.
- Medications: Certain medications can increase sweat production or change the composition of sweat.
- Diet: A diet rich in certain substances, such as garlic or onions, can affect body odor.
- Diseases: Some diseases, such as diabetes or liver disease, can lead to a change in body odor.