Why do I smell sour?
John Thompson
Updated on January 22, 2026
Body odor is what you smell when your sweat comes in contact with the bacteria on your skin. Sweat itself doesn't smell, but when the bacteria on your skin mix with your sweat, it causes an odor. Body odor can smell sweet, sour, tangy or like onions. The amount you sweat doesn't necessarily impact your body odor.
What does it mean when your body odor smells sour?
Sweat itself does not smell. But, when bacteria is present, it breaks down acids contained in the sweat produced by apocrine glands and produces the sour, vinegar-like smell in the armpits, breasts, and genital-anal area. If your sweat smells like ammonia, check your diet.How do you get rid of sour smell on skin?
6 Tips for Reducing Body Odor
- Keep Yourself Squeaky Clean.
- Use Antibacterial Soap.
- Towel Off Well.
- Use 'Industrial Strength' Antiperspirants.
- Keep Your Clothes Clean.
- Cut Out or Cut Back On Certain Foods or Drinks.
What does diabetic sweat smell like?
A person living with a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease may also have sweat that smells like ammonia. A person can try antiperspirants to reduce the amount they sweat, and deodorants to cover up any odors. A doctor can treat any underlying health conditions to help reduce the ammonia smell in sweat.Can gut bacteria cause body odor?
Origins of Body Odor Associated with Bacterial MetabolitesThe major odorants are small, volatile compounds that may either be produced in situ (skin, oral cavity) or be carried by blood from the gut, which is a major site of bacterial metabolism.
What causes body odor? - Mel Rosenberg
How do you treat Trimethylaminuria?
There's currently no cure for trimethylaminuria, but some things might help with the smell.
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It can help to avoid certain foods that make the smell worse, such as:
- cows' milk.
- seafood and shellfish – freshwater fish is fine.
- eggs.
- beans.
- peanuts.
- liver and kidney.
- supplements containing lecithin.
Can a hormone imbalance cause body odor?
"Women experiencing hormonal fluctuations can certainly experience changes in their body odor," says Dr. Dietz. "When estrogen levels drop during menopause, for example, the body often mistakes this as a sign that it's overheating. This hormonal change then leads to excess sweating, which can contribute to body odor.Why do I smell like vinegar?
Corynebacteria. A bacterial skin infection caused by corynebacteria can cause sweat to smell like vinegar or other strong scents.What causes sour smelling night sweats?
Sweat can smell like vinegar because of diseases such as diabetes, trichomycosis, and kidney disease, or because of hormone changes, certain foods, or skin infections. Sweat is released by sweat glands that are found throughout the body. These are the eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine glands.Why did my body odor suddenly changed?
Your environment, the things you eat, medications you take, shifts in hormone levels, or underlying disorders may all be behind a sudden change in body odor. Changes in body odor can be a normal part of development, such as when an adolescent is going through puberty.How do I know if I have trimethylaminuria?
A urine test can show whether a person has high levels of trimethylamine in their urine. People may also undergo genetic testing, which can show whether there is a mutation in the FMO3 gene that causes trimethylaminuria.Can you get rid of trimethylaminuria?
TMAU can't be cured. But making changes in your diet, using certain soaps and lotions and managing stress can help reduce its symptoms.Where can I get tested for trimethylaminuria?
What laboratories offer testing for trimethylaminuria?
- Children's Hospital Colorado. Biochemical Genetics Lab. Phone: 720-777-6711. Contact: Lab Client Services. Email: [email protected]
- Monell Chemical Senses Center. University of Pennsylvania. Phone: 215-898-4713. Contact: George Preti, Ph. D.