What Causes Body Odor?

Bromhidrosis (another word for body odor) is the byproduct of bacteria acting on sweat. The popular notion that body odor is the smell of sweat is sort of true. We actually produce two kinds of sweat: eccrine, a clear, odorless sweat that appears all over our bodies, performing the vital role of regulating body temperature, and apocrine, a thicker substance that is produced by glands in the underarm and groin areas. Apocrine sweat is a vestige of our prehistoric days and serves no apparent purpose. It, too, is odorless—until bacteria on the skin's surface act upon it. The by-product of this unholy union is what we call B.O.

The body odor effect really kicks in at puberty because of increasing hormones called androgens. These hormones are not active until puberty, which is why body odor wasn’t a problem when you were a kid.

The intensity of some body odor may lead people to think that they have a serious medical problem, when in most cases they are merely the victims of bad genes or inadequate hygiene, studies have shown that most B.O. sufferers were simply born with larger, more active apocrine glands, or else they aren't doing as good a job as they should keeping the odor-producing bacteria off their skin.

Gastrointestinal abnormalities can also give the skin a very unusual smell. Diabetics and people with urinary infections will sometimes develop a sweet-smelling or fruity body odor. Some diseases like the vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy and typhoid fever have been associated with strange smells.

Aging and metabolic changes can also bring on increased apocrine activity. The smell of certain pungent foods (like garlic) can ultimately work its way through the pores and into the nostrils of others.

Tips on being odor free;

The secret to combating most body odors is to inhibit the body's production of apocrine sweat, decrease the number of bacteria acting upon that sweat or remove the offender. Give these tips a try, and soon you, and those around you, will be enjoying the sweet smell of your successful war against B.O.

• After washing with soap and completely drying, immediately apply an underarm antiperspirant. Remember, deodorants do not prevent sweating. They mainly mask the smell of the bacteria on your sweaty skin. Antiperspirants are chemical agents that reduce sweating. Many antiperspirant preparations also contain a deodorant, which helps to mask the smell. Check the product you use to make sure it contains an antiperspirant. The deodorant should contain antibacterial metallic salts (aluminum or zinc) to kill odor-causing bacteria. Roll-ons and sticks will provide better coverage and longer-lasting protection than sprays
• Keep your underarms dry. Bacteria have a hard time breeding in dry areas of the body. Also freshen up during the day, if you can, do a quick wash of your armpits with a wet washcloth or paper towel, you can take care of some of that odorous material that has been produced as well as many of those bacteria that will produce odor in the future
• Try a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water to fight body odor. Use one teaspoon of peroxide (3%) to one cup (8 ounces) of water. Wipe this on affected areas (underarm, feet, and groin) with a washcloth. This may help destroy some of the bacteria that creates odor. 
•  If sweat from working out is your No. 1 cause of body odor, wash your workout clothes often. Get the odor out of your clothes. Wash your clothes with an odor-fighting detergent. If necessary, take a change of clothes or underwear with you to work or school.  Sweaty gym clothes are a bacteria-breeding ground.
• Change your diet. Sometimes, fatty foods, oils, or strong-smelling foods like garlic, curry, and onions, can seep through your pores and cause body odor. (Always see a doctor or dietician before making drastic dietary changes.)
• If you have excessive sweating (called hyperhidrosis), talk to your doctor. There are many treatment options for those with more severe sweating who desire more permanent treatments. Also, certain medical problems can lead to excessive sweating. Your doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
• Shaving your underarm regularly will help prevent the accumulation of bacteria and can reduce sweat and odor. Since men are the biggest offenders, they should follow the example of women and shave their armpits, the hairs trap a lot of the sweat and odor and provide hiding places for bacteria.
•   If antibacterial soaps aren't producing results, a suggestion is to wash the affected areas with an acne cleanser such as those that contain benzoyl peroxide, which has strong antibacterial properties. But be aware: Excessive use could cause drying and irritation. If these cleansers don't work, you can also try dabbing on some Neosporin or an antibacterial ointment.
• While body odor is usually associated with the armpits, bacteria can also produce odor in the groin, anus area, upper thighs, and feet, among other places. Thoroughly washing your skin with a wet washcloth and soap -- especially those areas prone to sweating -- can help prevent body odor.