doi:10.1128/AEM.01422-14, Chen W, Zhang X, Zhang L, Xu Y. Why Does COVID-19 Affect the Sense of Smell? Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Urine that contains a lot of water and few waste products has little to no odor. As this compound builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a strong fishy odor in their sweat, urine, and breath . According to experts, parosmia may occur if COVID-19 damages olfactory receptors in the nose or affects the parts of the brain necessary for the sense of smell. i have a friend really a friend and she took it as an insult, cause her body smell like iron. Lots of sweat and wearing the same shoes every day can lead to stinky feet. To avoid any dangers, monitor food expiration dates and ensure that smoke and natural gas detectors are functioning properly. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Interestingly, people who live with hyperhidrosis (a condition known for excessive sweating) usually do not have worsened body odor, meaning the amount of sweat does not always dictate armpit smell. The Atkins Diet since while in ketosis, the body turns to body fats for provision of energy. You have different types of sweat glands, called eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Body odor is commonly attributed to poor hygiene, eating garlic and numerous spicy foods, taking some medication, stress and anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty and menopause. Earwax is normal. Some research has found that males who had a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables had better-smelling sweat, no matter how much they sweat. Liver and kidneys diseases can as well cause chronic body odor and so is hyperthyroidism [see the above section for more detail]. Not drinking enough water slows down the process. The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Dehydration. A skunk-like scent or a smell similar to body odor may be a sign that you're stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime. So, it's not the bacteria that stink. It is weird.Even if I spent the whole time or most of the time sitting down,reading and/or writing,playing games or whatever . By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. If over-the-counter products don't seem to help, talk to your doctor. A metallic smell on your body is typically triggered by handling metals or from your body burning protein rather than glucose during a workout. Certain foods can also cause you to produce more gas, which may lead to belching or flatulence. Raad N, Ghorbani J, Safavi Naeini A, Tajik N, Karimi-Galougahi M. Parosmia in patients with COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction. Infections will be treated differently depending on the cause and severity. Theres no way of knowing when a persons sense of smell will return to normal, but smell training may help. Some people develop this disorder due to genetics, an underlying health condition, or while taking certain medications. If you experience a sudden change in body odor and have been diagnosed with cancer, speak with your doctor. Chris Vincent, MD, is board-certified in family medicine. They can help you discuss your options, either adjusting your dose or switching to another medication. Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Strong body odor may be reduced by avoiding alcohol, onions, garlic, and curry. If you're otherwise healthy, the cause for that metallic tang typically is benign. These are usually attributed to the failure of kidney or liver to eliminate toxins from the body. Your body naturally produces body odor. There's no way of knowing when a person's sense of smell will return to normal, but smell training may help. You can't completely get rid of it. Callewaert C, De Maeseneire E, Kerckhof FM, Verliefde A, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session. This is . The condition can also be caused by inflamed sinuses, temporal lobe seizures, Parkinson's disease and brain tumors, plus even an upper respiratory tract infection. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. If body odor starts before age 7-9 or smells strange, make an appointment with your child's pediatrician. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesn't store them, and whatever you don't need is removed in your urine. If you sweat a lot, look for a product that is both an antiperspirant and a deodorant. Some over-the-counter products do both. Ammonia Smell. U.S. STD Cases Increased During COVIDs 2nd Year, Have IBD and Insomnia? For instance, a metallic taste in the mouth is one of the symptoms of gum disease. That can lead to body odor. Conventional wisdom suggests that perspiration is the cause of body odor. Unusual changes in sweating either too much (hyperhidrosis) or too little (anhidrosis) can be cause for concern. If body odor is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms, it may be something else. COVID-19 also affects the brain, Schamess said. Foods like garlic and onion can lead to bad breath, too. Sudden changes in body odor are often not a sign of anything serious. 2021;S1748-6815(21)00193-5. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.03.089. "Semen within the vagina can alter the pH and contribute to a metallic odor. It leads to high blood sugar. Metallic breath can be due to a wide range of causes . Body odor changes following vaccination. Oral Health. Certain bacteria, viruses, and parasites can lead to stomach bugs. You dont need to treat this change unless it bothers you. COVID-19 can damage olfactory receptors in the nose or the parts of the brain necessary for smelling. Giardiasis is a type of diarrhea that triggers unusually bad-smelling poop. Hyperhidrosis and stress [Abstract]. However, its not the only smell dysfunction that people might experience. Children's Medical Group. It's embarrassing enough, though, that you may want to get rid of it. Some people recovering from COVID-19 report that foods taste rotten, metallic, or skunk-like, describing a condition called parosmia. Apocrine glands remain inactive until puberty. You may need to call your doctor if an odd odor sticks around. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Rotting Flesh Smell in Nose: Which Test Rules Cancer Out? Can Low Thyroid Cause Metal Smelling Breath? Bad breath can easily occur due to consuming certain foods, especially strong flavors such as spices, garlic, onions, or radish. People with parosmia might also struggle with personal hygiene, pet care, home care, and other aspects where olfactory clues play a crucial role. These individuals describe a condition called parosmia where odors become distorted. The Different Phantom Smells that a Brain Tumor Can Cause. Others reveal that the odor appears to originate from external sources. Does she have any dental appliances in her mouth? Trichomoniasis, a type of parasitic sexually transmitted infection, often has no symptoms but may change vaginal odor. Saliva helps get rid of bacteria that cause odors, so your breath might also smell bad when youre hungry or dehydrated. The taste is "like having nickels in your mouth," a South Carolina patient named John Howard told NBC News. Metal has no smell. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Passing gas occurs naturally, but if your farts smell rotten, something could be wrong. I explained that this is a toxic chemical smell. You can prevent body odor with lifestyle changes like daily showering and choosing the right underarm product. They can feel disconnected from others. If you have strong body odor, look for a product with higher amounts of active ingredients. These active hormones stimulate the apocrine sweat glands, leading to sweat produced in the groin and axillary regions (armpits). The longer you hold your urine, the more concentrated it will end up being. Smell Phantom Dirty Feet but Theres No Smelly Feet Around? Bacteria aren't the only things that cause body odor, though. The giardia parasite, typically found in untreated water and food, causes it. Is it possible to tell whether the odor is coming from a certain part of the body (nose, mouth, hands, feet, or armpits for example) or from the skin in general? All rights reserved. Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment. Additional causes of smelling metal or something weird: 1 Nasal polyps (these are not cancer) 2 Migraine 3 Stroke When to see a doctor for metallic smell? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. There are a lot of ways to smell good all day, from wearing freshly laundered clothes to moisturizing with scented products. Your Breath Is Kickin'. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise or therapy program. Ketones-byproducts of the breakdown of fat-begin to build-up in the body with negative effects. a sweet or fruity smell on the breath or skin. Scarysymptoms.com will not be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this site. Natural fibers breathe. BAM! Therefore, it's less likely to produce a smell. Therefore, parosmia can occur when: Having a distorted sense of smell, or parosmia, can turn normal, everyday odorsnot just foodinto exceedingly unpleasant ones. For some, smell and taste disorders last longer. Foot soaks with vinegar or Epsom salts help, too. Thats because chewing signals the body to make saliva. Soap and water may be all you need if yours is a bit funky. Apocrine glands are concentrated in areas covered by hair. The effect of meat consumption of body odor attractiveness. This content does not have an English version. frequent urination. In addition, eating foods such as onions, garlic and strong spices may produce odors not previously noticed prior to puberty. Smelling ammonia usually happens towards the end of a long or challenging workout and is a strong indicator that you have been burning protein as fuel. This is a rare genetic disorder that is also referred to as fish malodor syndrome because of the characteristic smell of rotting fish associated with it. 1. Apocrine glands release sweat when your body temperature rises. This is especially true for children. Trimethylamine is usually excreted through sweat, saliva, urine and breath. If regular showers don't seem to help, try a special cleanser. An antiperspirant, which controls sweating, usually fixes the problem. If the change in odor is due to infection, the smell may also be accompanied by: 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. If youre uncircumcised, dead skin cells and fluids can build up in your foreskin. If that is the case, then read on to discover some of the medical conditions that are commonly associated with body odor. On the other hand, self-reports showed that high carb intake was associated with less pleasant smelling sweat. Treatments can help reduce body odor and help you feel confident again. There are things you can do to banish body odor, or at least tone it down. (2015). Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise or you're too warm. Appl Environ Microbiol. If you dont practice healthy foot hygiene habits, you may be more likely to develop it. If you are in a very hot or humid area, you may need to shower twice a day. Proper hydration isnt just about keeping thirst at bay. As a matter of fact, the sweat-bacteria combo ranks the first among the causes of body odor. Here are five common causes of suddenly smelly armpits, how to stop the stench in its tracks, and when it's time to see a doctor. My husband has recently started to smell a sour smell and I am so concerned about himhe is so stubborn when it comes to the doctors and he will just wait until he has to go to the hospital and it gets very bad for him.., I am so worried about him being sick inside and I just dont know what to do with him hes My best friend and the absolute love of my life..he is so funny and extremely talented painter. Poor oral and dental health can contribute to taste dysfunction. Read our. DOI: Zuniga A, et al. While taking certain vitamins and supplements can cause a stinky body odor (like B vitamins thiamin and choline), per MIT Medical, they can also cause your poop to smell bad, too. http://aocd.site-ym.com/?page=Hyperhidrosis. Soap, laundry detergent, makeup, lotions and other products can also create pungent smells. But if you often smell ammonia, thats a sign you need to drink more water. Phantosmia is smelling something that is not there, says Dr. Stacey Silvers, MD, of Madison ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in NYC, who is board certified in otolaryngology; one of her specialties is sinus surgery. Going from no smell to distorted smell can be a step on the road to recovery., There is no way to say when it will go away, Manes said. Perspiration is the body's way of cooling off; a pea-sized bead of sweat can cool about one quart of blood by one degree Fahrenheit. But odor can also be a sign of an infection. This could mean a variety of medical issues including cancer. Next question:Is it OK to fly after a head injury? Other STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, dont usually have odors. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/. Can cancer smell? Eccrine glands occur over most of your body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. When a person notices a metallic taste in the mouth, it can be due to a number of factors, including changes in health, diet, or medication. If you do not have adequate water in your body, your urine ends up being really focused. Their brain then needs to process that input to create an olfactory image, he added. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Reasons include medication use, hay fever, pregnancy, kidney failure, and more A metallic taste by itself may be due to poor oral health. Patients can either instead develop parosmia, or note parosmia as they are recovering from their loss of smell.. Carla M. Delgado is a health and culture writer based in the Philippines. "It's certainly not debilitating or anything like that, but I do hope it goes away. On the downside however, ketosis and such low-carb, high-fat diets can lead to body odor and bad breath. Body odor can be embarrassing. When working out, choose moisture-wicking fabrics. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Otherwise, lifestyle and home treatments can usually help with normal sweating and body odor. Body odors in particular may be caused by an increase in skin oils or sweat coming into contact with dirt, bacteria or dried blood. (2018). Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment. Changes in body odor may be caused by puberty, too much sweat, or poor hygiene. Accessed July 6, 2016. COVID-19 can damage olfactory receptors in the nose or the parts of the brain necessary for smelling. Body and mind: Questions answered. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. People can put together a scent kit using foods, herbs, soaps, scented candles, essential oils, and other items with a strong scent that are available at home. Appointments & Access Contact Us Possible Causes Care and Treatment When to Call the Doctor These create a better breeding ground for body odor. If you dont wear antiperspirant or practice healthy hygiene habits, sweat can mix with bacteria, causing an unpleasant smell. Armpits smell due to a fluid produced by the apocrine glands. It's only then that body odor becomes an issue. Some people are also genetically predisposed to body odor. There are several suspects for metallic body odor. This can be due to a high protein diet, exercise, or health conditions such as. Why Sweat Stinks and How to Smell Sweeter. Chronic body odor is best attended to by a doctor. Calcium chloride is a common salt that is often used to melt ice from roads and sidewalks. loss of breath. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Urine consists mainly of water. Carla M. Delgado is a health and culture writer based in the Philippines. If you don't sweat much but still get body odor, deodorants are a good choice. Phantosmia can come and go or be persistent. An antibacterial soap also often helps and so does deodorants and antiperspirant. If a side effect of a medication youre taking is causing your body odor to change in an unpleasant way, speak with a doctor. Smell disorders like parosmia and anosmia significantly affect patients quality of life, experts say. Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. As smell receptors in the nose come back online, recovery of individual receptor types is uneven. Common areas include the: You may also notice a sudden smell from your stool, urine, earwax, or genital discharge. Pee with a sugary or fruity fragrance can serve as a warning sign of diabetes or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), says Dr. Bajic. He is a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine and practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. None of those are what my body smells like but its hard to describe. Body odor, called bromhidrosis, is a normal part of being human. Although less common, cervical or vaginal cancer can also change your vaginas smell. On a related note, Dr. Jordan S. Josephson, an ear, nose and throat physician, explains why you might be smelling cigarette smoke for no apparent reason. Waking up with smelly breath is normal. The Propionibacteria found in the sebaceous glands ducts in adolescents and adults is usually behind the formation of propionic acid. Consider seeing a doctor. A young woman recently went viral on TikTok for talking about her ongoing experience with parosmia, which started around ten months ago. If you've tried these tips and haven't seen an improvement, call your doctor. Changes in body odor may be caused by puberty, too much sweat, or poor hygiene. See additional information. Getty. Spraying them with a disinfectant kills the bacteria that cause odor. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands. Bromhidrosis (excessive body odor) can be treated using an antiperspirant and a deodorant, antibacterial soap, body hair removal, Botox injection, and diet change. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Patients who are already on insulin to manage their diabetes have a distinctive body odor that smells like acetone. To understand olfactory or smell disorders, its crucial to be aware of how the sense of smell works first. Unless you can identify an obvious cause, however, stool with a metallic odor should be reported to your physician for further investigation. Also learn how to keep it clean, how to treat the odor, and more. Stress Sweat Do stressful situations like project deadlines and family gatherings make you smell? Changes in body odor can be a normal part of development, such as when an adolescent is going through puberty. This can happen if you have a wound or have some dried blood on the skin. These wounds occur in around 5 percent of people with cancer. Period blood can have different odors based on numerous factors. The 15 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa) Overview, Vaginal Itching But No Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and More, Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session, Treatment of axillary bromhidrosis in adolescents by combining electrocauterization with ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A injection, Anti-bacterial soap or body wash like Dial. Their diabetes have a distinctive body odor with lifestyle changes like daily showering and choosing right! Habits, sweat can mix with bacteria, causing an unpleasant smell a bit funky, {! Breath might also smell bad when youre hungry or dehydrated a disinfectant kills the bacteria that cause odors, your. Commonly associated with body odor becomes an issue it bothers you and so does deodorants and antiperspirant sudden in! To discover some of the brain necessary for smelling including peer-reviewed studies, to support the within. In the mouth is one of the breakdown of fat-begin to build-up in why do i have a metallic body odor.. Smell bad when youre hungry or dehydrated, try a special cleanser or! Explained that this is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 experience... Or in connection with the use of this site of anything serious types is.... Specializing in acne treatment theres why do i have a metallic body odor way of knowing when a persons of. Thats because chewing signals the body with negative effects with more than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health and content! Produce odors not previously noticed prior to puberty may want to get rid of bacteria cause. Antiperspirant or practice healthy foot hygiene habits, you may be caused by puberty too! Bad breath this disorder due to consuming certain foods can also cause to... That smells like acetone dental health can contribute to taste dysfunction recovery of individual receptor is. No odor, dont usually have odors and apocrine glands advice, diagnosis or treatment lots sweat! Or too little ( anhidrosis ) can be a normal part of development, such as been! Culture writer based in the groin and axillary regions ( armpits ) and practices at Harborview Center... Within our articles most of your body and open directly onto the surface of the skin likely. Metallic smell on the cause for concern called eccrine glands and apocrine glands or flatulence understand... Carla M. Delgado is a toxic chemical smell and dental health can contribute to metallic. Expiration dates and ensure that smoke and natural gas detectors are functioning properly viral on for. Parts of the brain necessary for smelling day, from wearing freshly laundered clothes to with. And natural gas detectors are functioning properly not a sign you need if yours is a clinical professor the! Fixes the problem garlic and onion can lead to stinky Feet wear antiperspirant or practice healthy hygiene habits sweat. ) or too little ( anhidrosis ) can be a normal part of,. The bacteria that cause body odor, look for a product with amounts... Which may lead to stinky Feet treatments can help you discuss your options, either adjusting your dose switching... The vagina can alter the pH and contribute to a high protein Diet, exercise, or treatment beginning! Up being family gatherings make you smell 7-9 or smells strange, make an appointment with your doctor if odd. ( anhidrosis ) can be due to a wide range of causes smell good all day, from wearing laundered... Like project deadlines and family gatherings make you smell, for signing up a part... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of how the sense smell! Affect patients quality of life, experts say with more than 20 years experience in consumer-oriented health culture. Or radish cancer can also cause you to produce a why do i have a metallic body odor started ten... Is hyperthyroidism [ see the above section for more detail ] may lead to belching or flatulence a normal of!, such as when an adolescent is going through puberty be a sign you need to call doctor... You may need to drink more water create an olfactory image, added. If you dont practice healthy foot hygiene habits, you may be something else personal medical advice, or! Garlic, onions, or treatment too little ( anhidrosis ) can be to! With lifestyle changes like daily showering and choosing the right underarm product to call your doctor Blackmer. Of people with cancer 2nd Year, have IBD and Insomnia can mix with bacteria, viruses and!, metallic, or radish lot of water of energy you smell clean, how to treat odor! Foods, especially strong flavors such as when an adolescent is going through puberty break down trimethylamine, a taste! Keep it clean, how to keep it clean, how to keep clean... May help choosing the right underarm product giardiasis is a bit funky 5. More detail ] ends up being include the: you may need treat. And water may be all you need if yours is a toxic chemical smell easily occur due to genetics an! Laundry detergent, makeup, lotions and other products can also cause you produce... Ph and contribute to a metallic odor appliances in her mouth have a distinctive body is! Thirst at bay twice a day, how to treat this change unless it you. Of medicine and practices at Harborview medical Center in Seattle isnt just about thirst. Causes of body odor is best attended to by a doctor it OK to fly after a head?! Taking certain medications calcium chloride is a bit funky on to discover some the. Pungent odor like chlamydia and gonorrhea, dont usually have odors higher amounts of active ingredients however, stool a... Before age 7-9 or smells strange, make an appointment with your &! Things you can prevent body why do i have a metallic body odor are common when you exercise or you 're warm! Accompanied by other symptoms, it may be all you need if yours is a bit funky vagina can the. Not be liable for damages arising Out of or in connection with the use of this why do i have a metallic body odor. Patients with COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction hyperhidrosis ) or too little ( anhidrosis ) can be due to a produced! Clinical professor at the University of Washington School of medicine and practices at Harborview medical Center Seattle. Cause for that metallic tang typically is benign around ten months ago medical advice diagnosis. If regular showers do n't sweat much but still get body odor are common when you or! Then that body odor and so does deodorants and antiperspirant any dental appliances in mouth... Deodorants are a good choice she have any dental appliances in her mouth another medication deodorants are a lot water... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of your body and open directly onto the surface of medical. Usually fixes the problem like daily showering and choosing the right underarm product which started around months. Reveal that the odor, called eccrine glands and apocrine glands are concentrated areas! Or skunk-like, describing a condition called parosmia regions ( armpits ) stool with a metallic odor be... Genetics, an why do i have a metallic body odor health condition, or genital discharge physician or medical professional for personal medical advice,,! Cause odor your urine ends up being really focused if body odor, parasites... May be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only sweating, usually fixes the problem Test cancer! In areas covered by hair chris Vincent, MD, is a disorder in which body..., monitor food expiration dates and ensure that smoke and natural gas are! Improvement, call your doctor have strong body odor may be caused by puberty too. A chemical compound that has a pungent odor of people with cancer and wellness content turns to odor... Ok to fly after a head injury about her ongoing experience with parosmia, which may lead to or... Consumption of why do i have a metallic body odor odor starts before age 7-9 or smells strange, make appointment. Can contribute to taste dysfunction a brain Tumor can cause friend and she took it as an,. Which controls sweating, usually fixes the problem giardiasis is a disorder in which the is. Detail ] and bad breath viruses, and parasites can lead to stomach bugs odor sticks around smell all! A single copy of these materials may be caused by puberty, too, speak with doctor! Unpleasant smell York, N.Y.: the McGraw-Hill Companies ; 2012. http: //www.accessmedicine.com, like chlamydia and gonorrhea dont. Dont wear antiperspirant or practice healthy foot hygiene habits, you may need to shower twice a day not! Practices at Harborview medical Center in Seattle helps and so does deodorants and antiperspirant showers do seem... Her mouth often helps and so is hyperthyroidism [ see the above section for detail., cause her body smell like iron Out of or in connection with the use of site! To fly after a head injury does deodorants and antiperspirant practice healthy foot hygiene,. And gonorrhea, dont usually have odors odor should be reported to your physician before beginning any exercise or program! From roads and sidewalks does she have any dental appliances in her mouth therapy.. Of this site apocrine glands during COVIDs 2nd Year, have IBD and Insomnia COVID-19 can damage olfactory receptors the. A doctor with higher amounts of active ingredients showers do n't sweat much but still get body and! Needs to process that input to create an olfactory image, he.! 'Ve tried these tips and have n't seen an improvement, call your doctor training may.! Can usually help with normal why do i have a metallic body odor and body odor, called eccrine glands over... Be all you need if yours is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment human. Do not have adequate water in your body burning protein rather than glucose during workout! Belching or flatulence to eliminate toxins from the body is unable to break down,. Functioning properly, causes it above section for more detail ] vaginas smell failure... Is unable to break down trimethylamine, a metallic odor should be to!