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What Causes Excessive Sweating And Foul Body Odor?

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Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016
Question: why do i smell musty? i am very clean person takes shower twice a day still i smell musty after sweating. it is getting on my nerves ? help ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Musty smell

Detailed Answer:
Than you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

I am sorry that you are bothered by smells after sweating. The usual cause of the smell is from bacteria on the skin. There is very little you can do to change the bacteria on your skin. You can try using a antibiotic soap which may change your bacteria. I would also recommend reducing your baths or showers as this may also impact your bacterial counts but more importantly the oils on your skin. A chlorine bath would dry out your skin and may then add to the problem. If you can't stop taking showers then do the best you can. If sweating is a big problem there are prescription strength antiperspirants that you can get from your doctor. You may also benefit from blood pressure medications that will reduce sweating and help reduce your bacteria counts.

in summary
1. Antibacterial soap
2. Reduce Baths or showers
3. See medical provider for prescription antiperspirant or beta blocker to reduce sweating

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (7 hours later)
Hi

i have tried all but smell does not go away sometimes just after the shower i start smelling musty.

can it be other medical conditions i need to look into . the smell is like a wet towel when u leave it wet and it starts smelling like mildew or musty. i am also on thyroxine 50mg because of hypothyroidism

kind regards .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Smells from medical conditions

Detailed Answer:
There a few disease that will cause body odors. For example people with diabetes that is out of control will have a fruity smell to them and people with Liver failure may have a strong smell. But these are the only two disease entities that I know of that will cause a body odor issue.

Have you thought the problem maybe in your water system. Perhaps your water is hard and needs to be softened. Frequent hard water with lots of metal and lime which can make the water smell and taste weird. I would recommend that you have your water tested.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ronald Schubert

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 2407 Questions

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What Causes Excessive Sweating And Foul Body Odor?

Brief Answer: Musty smell Detailed Answer: Than you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns I am sorry that you are bothered by smells after sweating. The usual cause of the smell is from bacteria on the skin. There is very little you can do to change the bacteria on your skin. You can try using a antibiotic soap which may change your bacteria. I would also recommend reducing your baths or showers as this may also impact your bacterial counts but more importantly the oils on your skin. A chlorine bath would dry out your skin and may then add to the problem. If you can't stop taking showers then do the best you can. If sweating is a big problem there are prescription strength antiperspirants that you can get from your doctor. You may also benefit from blood pressure medications that will reduce sweating and help reduce your bacteria counts. in summary 1. Antibacterial soap 2. Reduce Baths or showers 3. See medical provider for prescription antiperspirant or beta blocker to reduce sweating I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions