Body odor is a natural part of being human, but excessive, abnormal, or foul-smelling body odor is not. It is a medical condition called "bromhidrosis," and it is a surprisingly common condition.

Types of Bromhidrosis

There are two types of bromhidrosis: apocrine bromhidrosis and eccrine bromhidrosis. Apocrine bromhidrosis is the more common type and will be the focus of this post. Eccrine bromhidrosis is typically a secondary condition caused by diet, medications, and/or health conditions.

Causes of Apocrine Bromhidrosis

The odor associated with apocrine bromhidrosis occurs when sweat from the apocrine glands is broken down by skin bacteria. Several factors can increase the risk of odor:

• hyperhidrosis - though hyperhidrosis is almost always associated with an increase in eccrine (not apocrine) sweat, excess production of sweat creates a moist environment and potentially an imbalance on the skin
• poor hygiene
• tight, synthetic clothing that traps sweat
• bacterial overgrowth or imbalance on the skin
• certain medical conditions such as diabetes or metabolic disorders
• dietary triggers - foods such as red meat, onions, garlic, or spicy foods are common triggers

Diagnosis of Bromhidrosis

There are no formal diagnostic tests or labs for bromhidrosis.  You may have bromhidrosis if:

• You experience a persistent, strong body odor - even when practicing good hygiene
• Odor is concentrated in specific areas such as your underarms, feet, or groin
• Your clothing retains a foul smell, even after being washed
• You suffer from social or emotional distress due to the odor
• Family or friends remark on your body odor

Treatment of Bromhidrosis

Daily showers and use of antibacterial soaps are the first line of defense against bromhidrosis, but if you are reading this article, you are likely past this step.

If you have not tried a dietary supplement containing chlorophyllin, that is a good next step. Undefined Health developed DeoCaps oral deodorant, which has 4 ingredients, 1 of which is chlorophyllin to help with body odor.

The next step before costly and expensive injections or surgeries is a topical antibiotic, which is only available with a prescription. We recommend Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solution, 1%, which is available in a convenient, easy to use pledget.