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What Causes Foul Smelling Body Odour?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2015
Question: Hello Doctor,
I am sensing a different and unusual odor coming from my body.
May be from Ears or Navel I do not know (Not from Anus). I don't see any inflammation / fluid /pus on any of my body.
earlier it was very rare. Once in a day or two I used to sense & thought it may be from socks / cloths / seat etc and neglected. Now, I am sure that it is not from any external source. and from inside me.
Now I am sensing it more often in a day and not on any fixed times.
Pls help how can I identify - From where this bad smell is coming ? & how to get rid of this ?

Thanks,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Odours usually come from sweaty areas

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your query.

Odours usually come from germs in the sweaty areas. You have ruled out any pus or infection-filled pockets.

It may also be inside or near your nasal area.

Anyways since you are not able to find it your self you can take assistance of a doctor.

If you do not have any other symptoms like fever, discharge from any orifice, etc, you can safely ignore these symptoms.
In future, it may resolve by itself, when you take antibiotics for some other reason. But you do not need any medicine for this specifically.

Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (13 hours later)
Much thanks for your support Dr Vaishalee.

If it is from sweaty areas would it not come continuously ? till I take next bath ?
why I am sensing now and then ? Furthermore, I am in IT industry and my work place has quality AC. Every day I take bath and I don't feel sweaty on any parts of my body. My nasal area also very much clean and I don't see any problems around.

I can't live with it. Please let me know what else I can do ?

Thanks again for your time and support.

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Firstly we have to check your blood tests

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Bacteria can thrive in creases.

The odor may actually be from a lesion in nose or on another body part or it may just be a false perception of smell in your brain (called as phantosmia). Most common cause is an infection in nose or throat. Blood test including complete blood count and other basic tests will rule out infection. This type of odor gets better with a short course of antibiotic like amoxicillin for 3-5 days. Other medical conditions like low thyroid and diabetes can also cause it. Thus you should go for the basic blood tests.

We also have to check with people around you if they can also smell the odor. If they can also smell it then its probably from a lesion. If not then an ear, nose ad throat specialist and neurologist will come into picture.

Hope it helps

DR Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 3262 Questions

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What Causes Foul Smelling Body Odour?

Brief Answer: Odours usually come from sweaty areas Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for your query. Odours usually come from germs in the sweaty areas. You have ruled out any pus or infection-filled pockets. It may also be inside or near your nasal area. Anyways since you are not able to find it your self you can take assistance of a doctor. If you do not have any other symptoms like fever, discharge from any orifice, etc, you can safely ignore these symptoms. In future, it may resolve by itself, when you take antibiotics for some other reason. But you do not need any medicine for this specifically. Dr Vaishalee