odor Archives - MiraDry Miami

6 Body Odor Diseases Your Smell Might Be Telling You

Nick Masri MD — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 20:17:47 +0000

Foul body odor is usually linked to poor hygiene. It might also be due to a diet rich in smell-inducing food like onions, garlic, and alcohol. But when the stench gets out of control, it is possible that body odor diseases are already causing that unwanted odor.

Solving foul body odor caused by stress, bacteria, diet, and excessive sweating is easy. You can use a deodorant, practice good hygiene, or improve your food intake. But if strong odor persists after these usual remedies, then it might be a symptom of body odor diseases.
Here are some medical conditions that can cause stench to reek from your body:

Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is a rare genetic and metabolic disorder that causes a strong unpleasant smell in the body.

If you have this, your cells are unable to produce a protein called flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). This results in an inability to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds like trimethylamine–the same compound that gives fish its foul odor. Trimethylamine accumulates and gets released in your sweat, breath, and body fluids.

You’ll find trimethylamine in foods like eggs, liver, legumes, and fish.
Thus, eating these foods can trigger trimethylaminuria.

So when somebody says something smells fishy, it might be due to trimethylaminuria.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for this condition. But you can curb the odor by avoiding those protein-rich foods and taking supplements and antibiotics.

Diabetes

Diabetes and other related complications may also be a body odor disorder. Diabetics usually suffer from a gum disease that gives them a sweet, fruity breath.

Another reason for the unpleasant smell is diabetic ketoacidosis. It is a diabetes complication where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to burn sugar. It then switches to burning fat for fuel.

This then results to a byproduct called ketones, which build up in the blood and urine. It gives off a smell similar to acetone or nail polish remover.

Hyperthyroidism

In hyperthyroidism or Grave’s disease, your thyroid glands overproduce the thyroid hormone. It increases your metabolism, which causes problems like insomnia and fast heartbeat.

It also causes sweat overproduction, increasing the likelihood of a foul body odor. Having sweaty armpits can make you smell more.

Kidney and Liver Dysfunction

Musty body odor causes in adults are sometimes linked to the kidneys and liver. These organs remove toxins from the body and convert them into waste products.

But as crucial as toxin removal is, it can be disrupted when dysfunctions occur in these organs. Several conditions can cause these, including autoimmune diseases and prescription medications.

When the kidneys and liver fail to flush out toxins, the toxins settle in the blood and digestive tract. They produce a smell in the urine or sweat, which in turn signals that something is wrong with the organs.

Whether it is a body odor kidney disease or a liver dysfunction, you need urgent medical intervention.

Cancer

The early detection of cancer through a person’s scent has yet to become reliable. But some studies reveal that certain scents can indicate ovarian and prostate cancer.

To detect these scents, researchers use electronic noses and the acute olfactory system of canines, as human noses seldom smell them. Humans, however, can recognize some distinguishable scents linked to symptoms of cancer.

For example, the bodies of cancer patients usually have necrotic lesions or dead tissues. They produce a strong rotting stench that humans can easily recognize.

Typhoid Fever

Like cancer, typhoid fever is a serious illness killing millions of people per year. It occurs when the intestines get infected by Salmonella Typhi.

You can contract this by ingesting food or water contaminated by the bacteria. It is usually accompanied by sustained fever, rashes, stomach pains, and headaches.

But as deadly as typhoid fever is, the smell it causes an affected person to emit is somewhat pleasant. Many liken it to freshly baked bread.
But remember that typhoid fever is dangerous and contagious, so don’t let the smell fool you.

The human body naturally emits an odor that may be pleasant or unpleasant. It depends on the body’s metabolic conditions, hygiene, and medical conditions. While an unpleasant odor may be embarrassing, it is also your body’s way of alerting you about body odor diseases that need urgent attention.

Do any of these remove disease-associated odors smell familiar? If so, get yourself checked for possible underlying medical conditions and early intervention. But if you think that your armpit smell isn’t caused by any of these body odor diseases, then you might want to check out miraDry.
It is a non-invasive way to destroy the sweat, odor, and hair glands in your underarms. As a result, you experience permanent sweat and odor reduction.

If you’re interested in getting miraDry treatments for your sweaty armpits, schedule a Free Consultation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon here in Face+Body Cosmetic Surgery.

The post 6 Body Odor Diseases Your Smell Might Be Telling You appeared first on MiraDry Miami.

Underarm Odor Treatments: 8 Tips for Better-Smelling Pits

Nick Masri MD — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 12:58:04 +0000

Sweating in your underarms is an unavoidable part of daily life. Unfortunately, this might also mean that smelly armpits are bound to follow, which you can solve using different underarm odor treatments.

Everyone knows how irritating the feeling can be. You feel the moisture start to form in your pits, and next thing you know, you’re itching to get your hands on a deodorant just so other people won’t smell the odor brewing in that area.

Armpit odor doesn’t have to be the end of your social life. Check out the following underarm odor treatments that can help you solve your odor problems.

Practice proper hygiene.

When it comes to your body, nothing beats practicing good hygiene. These are the basic things your mother taught you back when you were just a kid.

Regularly washing your body is absolutely a must if you’re prone to sweaty pits. Hop under the shower and make an effort to take a bath at least once a day.

Afterward, dry your body and towel off to make sure you won’t be leaving any moisture that might invite bacteria.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but wearing clean clothes is still the number one solution when it comes to body odor. If you wear that t-shirt for four consecutive days, then don’t be surprised if you start smelling yourself.

Wash your clothes after using them, especially if you used them for working out. Avoid wearing the same article of clothing for two days in a row.

Use antiperspirants and deodorants as underarm odor treatments.

A common solution for body odor is to use a deodorant before heading out for the day. Though they can’t stop your underarms from sweating, they can certainly block the smell.

Another option is to use antiperspirants, as they contain aluminum chloride that reduces sweating. Find a brand that you think best suits your lifestyle.

If all else fails and even the strongest commercial deodorant or antiperspirant still leaves you a sweaty and smelly mess, it might be best to consult your doctor for clinical-grade antiperspirants.

Try natural remedies.

Believe it or not, smelly underarms can be solved right inside your home with just a few supplies and ingredients from your kitchen.

Apple Cider Vinegar

With its acidic nature and antimicrobial properties, apple cider vinegar can help neutralize your underarm’s environment, helping eliminate odor-causing germs.

To use this natural remedy, dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to your underarm area. Do this twice daily to see results.

Aloe Vera

If apple cider vinegar seems too harsh for your skin, you may opt for aloe vera. It is also filled with antioxidants and can be used in two ways.

You can drink aloe vera juice to detox your body and reduce body odor. Topical application at least once daily can also help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

Lemon Juice

Like apple cider vinegar, lemons are also highly acidic, contributing to their bactericidal properties and becoming one of the effective underarm odor treatments.

Lemons make your underarms uninhabitable for odor-causing bacteria as they reduce the pH of your skin.

Just take half a lemon and rub it directly to your underarm area. Leave the juice until it dries, then wash it off afterward.

For those who have sensitive skin, mix the juice with a half cup of water before applying it to the skin. Do this once daily to achieve best results.

Wear clothes with breathable fabrics to curb sweating and odor.

Natural fiber clothing can help with your armpit problem.
When shopping for clothes, pick up ones made of cotton, wool, or silk.

These fabrics help with air circulation, keeping moisture away. Plus, cotton fabrics are also comfortable to wear.

As for workout clothes, a breathable synthetic material is ideal. They help control moisture as it spreads across the fabric and evaporates quickly, preventing bad underarm smell.

Shave your underarms.

Sweat can get trapped in the hair between your pits. By shaving it off or waxing regularly, you prevent these bacteria from finding a place to settle in.

Watch your diet.

Tracking your food intake isn’t for weight loss purposes only. You can also use it as one of your underarm odor treatments

If you’re starting to notice the unpleasant smell that’s emitting from your underarms, it might be best to consider the food you’re consuming.

As much as possible, avoid pungent food. Garlic, onions, hot peppers, and spicy food are some of the things you might want to steer clear from, or at least decrease the intake.

Don’t stress yourself out.

Stress takes a toll on you, mentally and emotionally. You remember those times when you sweat out of nervousness? It can easily progress to body odor, thereby increasing your stress levels.

As much as possible, avoid stressful situations. If it’s not possible, then make sure to use relaxation techniques to calm yourself. From starting the morning with meditation to journaling before settling in for the night, find ways to rejuvenate both your body and mind.

Try cosmetic procedures.

In case you have hyperhidrosis —a condition where you sweat excessively without any triggers—then you might want to visit your doctor and look for procedures that can help solve your sweating woes.

Some of the most popular underarm odor treatments that you can ask your doctor are as follows:

Botox

Often used to reduce facial wrinkles, Botox injections can also be used to temporarily block the secretion of the chemical that activates the sweat glands.

The process includes injecting around 50 units of Botox in each underarm. The effects wane after three to six months, but you can go for another session if you want to continue enjoying its results.

Iontophoresis

Also known as electrotherapy for sweat, iontophoresis is a kind of electrical stimulation that helps treat excessive sweating.

The procedure involves placing water-soaked pads to your pits. A mild electrical current passes through the water to the skin. The minerals and current help thicken the outer skin, thus blocking sweat. Sweat ducts are also prevented from functioning properly because of disruption of nerve transmission. A single iontophoresis session lasts for 20 to 30 minutes.

miraDry

miraDry is one of the newer treatments for hyperhidrosis. It targets sweat and odor glands using a handheld device that utilizes electromagnetic energy.

Underarm sweat glands are destroyed through heat while also cooling and protecting the topmost layer of your skin.

Remember that while sweating is a part of daily life, there are ways to avoid armpit odor. If you’re ready to try a novel approach like miraDry as one of your options for underarm odor treatments, schedule a Free Consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon here in Face+Body Cosmetic Surgery.

The post Underarm Odor Treatments:
8 Tips for Better-Smelling Pits appeared first on MiraDry Miami.