What Causes Foul Body Odor?

Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017

Question: Hi

Over the past 2 years I have become increasingly paranoid about my body odor, freinds have made comments that I smell very musty, my armpits do give off pundgent smell when moist, I have recently been using milk of magnesia which elimates the problem for 24 hours but then I need to re apply, obviously I do not want to carry on like this, I shower and use antibacterial soaps daily this does not seem to help, could you please advise and help as this is ruining my social life :(

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Aluminium chloride hexahydrate lotion at night

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have gone through your complaints and understand your concern.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply aluminium chloride hexahydrate lotion in the underarms at night and take a bath in the morning.
This need to be continued for atleast 4-6 weeks.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (9 hours later)

Aluminum chloride seems to be for people who sweat a lot, I do not excessively sweat I don't sweat much at all but when armpits even get slightly moist with sweat then this smell occurs,

What could be causing this odor?

Where should I get aluminum chloride from if I do need this?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bacteria in sweat are responsible for odour

Detailed Answer:
Odour in sweat is mainly because of bacteria.
You can use aluminium chloride hexahydrate in the night and topical antibiotic like mupirocin cream in the armpits at night.
Both are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad