Everyone has an occasional case of bad body odor or foul-smelling breath.
But what does it mean if the odor persists even though you’re on top of your personal hygiene?
Many body odors are normal, but some body odors signal a health problem or change in the body.
Those chemicals can trigger changes in the scent of breath, urine, and other body fluids.
Heres what several different odors mean, how to identify them, and what to do about them.
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The first step is simply checking for and removing the tampon.
Then follow up with a doctor.
If its been there a long time, bacteria may have grown and caused an infection.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
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Yeast infections can also become painful.
She recommends trying an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal remedy for three days.
If symptoms worsen or dont improve, see your doctor.
She suggests that you may need a stronger prescription cream or even an oral antifungal medicine, such asfluconazole.
Dr. Johnson says the odor may also have another cause, such as a bacterial infection.
When they have a discharge, most of my patients assume its a yeast infection, she says.
Often, thats not the case, so I prefer to see them to confirm the diagnosis.
She explains that this causes the bacteria to release amines, which are organic compounds that cause foul smells.
She advises that if you take vitamins or medications daily, the effects can last longer.
Diabetes
This one is not a bad body odor, but it does spell bad news.
Sometimes, urine may have a sweet, fruity smell.
This can be a sign of diabetes.
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Diabetes may cause extremely mild symptoms until a later stage.
People with diabetes experience excessive thirst and frequent urges to pee.
These might suggest a severe infection.
Surgery may be necessary to removenasal polypsor treat fungal infections.
The odor is a metabolic by-product of the bacteria and fungi living on your feet.
Other signs are redness and flaking or scaling skin.
Dr. Kosinski suggests treating the condition with OTC products.
To stop the sweat, use a deodorizing foot powder or even a regular underarm spray antiperspirant.
Stay away from cornstarch, though, Kosinski advises.
Cornstarch actually provides food for the bacteria and fungi on your feet.
Many of the causes have direct treatments or medications that manage the underlying health issue.
She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
She is currently working on her PhD in medical sociology.
As a hearing aid user and hearing loss advocate, Adam greatly values content that illuminates invisible disabilities.
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