Armpit › Body odour: why armpits smell and what helps
Body odour: why armpits smell and what helps
Fresh sweat has little smell. The odour comes when bacteria on your skin break sweat down. That means you can do a lot to reduce it.
Not medical advice. General information based on the NHS; see a GP about persistent or unusual symptoms.
What causes underarm odour
The NHS says body odour can be worse with exercise, hot weather, hormonal changes, being overweight, some conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease) and some medicines, including antidepressants. Often no clear cause is found, but it may be linked to excessive sweating. Sweat itself is largely odourless; most underarm smell is generally explained as bacteria on the skin breaking it down, which is why keeping skin clean and dry matters.
What affects how much you smell
- How much you sweat, including in hot weather and during exercise
- Hormonal changes
- Clothing: the NHS suggests breathable natural fabrics rather than tight or synthetic ones
- Strong or spicy food and alcohol, which the NHS suggests limiting
- Medicines and health conditions listed above
What helps
- Keep your underarms clean and dry. Wash daily, and after sweating, then dry thoroughly.
- Use an antiperspirant or deodorant. The NHS says a pharmacist can suggest stronger antiperspirants. See antiperspirant versus deodorant.
- Change and wash clothes regularly, and choose natural, breathable fabrics.
- Limit strong or spicy food and alcohol if you notice they make a difference.
- Consider hair: some people find removing or trimming underarm hair helps, though the NHS does not say so. See shaving advice.
Clothes that smell even after washing
Bacteria and residue can stay in fabric. Washing at the temperature on the label, not overloading the machine, and drying clothes fully may help. Do not use too much fabric softener, and avoid leaving damp clothes in the machine.
When odour is a sign of something else
The NHS advises seeing a GP if body odour has not improved after treating it yourself and:
- It affects your self-esteem
- The smell changes from its usual pattern
- You suddenly sweat much more than normal
If you also have a sore rash or recurring lumps, see skin conditions. Heavy sweating may be hyperhidrosis, which is treatable.
Talking about it
People often feel embarrassed about body odour. Pharmacists can advise on products and GPs can help if self-care does not work.
Teenagers and puberty
Body odour often becomes noticeable around puberty. Young people may need to start washing daily and using a deodorant. A calm, practical conversation helps. A GP or pharmacist can advise if it seems excessive.
Laundry and wardrobe tips
Follow the care label, and wash sweaty tops soon after wearing rather than leaving them in a basket. Turn tops inside out so the underarm area gets full contact with water and detergent. Dry clothes fully, since damp fabric smells quickly. If you sweat heavily, keep spare tops at work or in your bag, and consider wearing a thin cotton vest under shirts so it takes up the sweat instead of the outer layer. These steps do not treat any underlying cause, but they make everyday life easier while you try the NHS suggestions above.
Things to ask a pharmacist
The NHS says a pharmacist can suggest stronger antiperspirants, sweat shields and gentler soap substitutes. Tell them what you have tried, whether your skin is sensitive, and any medicines you take, because some medicines can affect body odour.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my armpits smell even after showering?
Dry thoroughly, use antiperspirant or deodorant and wear freshly washed clothes. The NHS says a pharmacist can suggest stronger antiperspirants.
Does diet affect body odour?
The NHS suggests limiting strong or spicy food and alcohol.
When should I see a GP?
The NHS says if self-care has not helped and it affects your self-esteem, the smell changes, or you suddenly sweat much more than normal.