Why does sweat smell?Image Credit source: Getty Images
During heatwaves and humid summers, body odor becomes a problem for many people. But do you know how this bad smell develops? In a video shared on social media platform X, the doctor is seen explaining its entire logic. According to him, sweat has no smell of its own. Then you might be wondering why our underarms smell bad? Experts say that the main reason for this is the bacteria present on our skin.
In fact, not only the underarms of some people but also the socks and shoes smell strong. When he takes off his shoes, it becomes difficult to even sit around him. Let us tell you what are the reasons behind this? What things should be taken special care to avoid this?
What do experts say
In the video, Dr. Abhishek Shukla (Geriatrician) tells that millions of bacteria are naturally present on our skin. He told that the sweat coming out of the body is salt water. These bacteria convert the fat and protein present on the skin as their food. All these create some chemical products during the process and due to this our body starts smelling. How strong this smell will be depends on three things.
- First, which type of sweat gland is active in your body.
- Second, what type of bacteria is present on the skin.
- Third, how is your lifestyle, food and surrounding environment.
There are two types of sweat glands in the body
Eccrine Glands- This type of sweat glands are present on the open parts of our body like face, palms and forehead. They create sweat containing water and salt. Actually, this type of sweat tries to keep the temperature of our body cool even in extreme heat. When this sweat appears on the skin, it evaporates as vapor and takes away the extra heat from the body. In this way the temperature remains under control. That’s why these places don’t stink.
Apocrine Glands- This type of glands are found in areas like our armpits and thighs. These become active when you move from teenage to adulthood. Apart from this, stress and anxiety also play a role in their becoming active. Experts say that sweat is concentrated in these parts and there is more protein and fat here. In such a situation, bacteria are able to get food better and they produce more foul smell. These bacteria produce chemicals that cause bad odor.
Dr. Abhishek Shukla (Geriatrician) explained an important fact about sweat and body odor. Many people think sweat itself smells bad, but this is not true. Sweat, in its pure form, is actually odorless. It has no foul smell at all. This is the first thing everyone should pic.twitter.com/zDGISrX2dK
— Association of International Doctors. (India). (@int_doctors) June 29, 2026
These bacteria become the cause of bad smell
The doctor told that bacteria named Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium break down sweat. Due to this, propionic acid is released and this chemical becomes the cause of pungent smell. If you take too much stress then due to this apocrine glands become active and body odor increases. This smell can be controlled by maintaining proper diet. It is believed that one should avoid eating too much onion, garlic and spicy food.
