Health encyclopaedia

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Body odour

Body odour is the smell caused by bacteria feeding on sweat on the skin, especially in the armpit and groin area.  It is often called ‘BO’.

Sweat itself doesn’t smell.  The smell is made by the bacteria that feed on this sweat, which comes from the apocrine glands in the armpits and groin area.  The sweat from these glands contains proteins and fats, which bacteria can feed on.

Sweat produced from the rest of the body is made by different glands called eccrine glands. It is saltier, and does not encourage the growth of bacteria and therefore doesn’t smell.

Sweaty feet may smell unpleasant because we wear shoes and socks. The warm, enclosed environment is ideal for bacteria and fungi to grow.

Sweating helps the body to control its temperature. On average we lose over a litre of sweat a day.

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