body odor; osmidrosis; bromhidrosis

Etiology

• perspiration

Pathology

• perspiration is generally odorless, but can cause an unpleasant odor with in contact with bacteria on the skin
• apocrine glands in scalp, axilla & groin
  • secrete a fatty sweat directly into tubules of the gland
  • stress causes the walls of the tubules to contract pushing sweat to the surface of the skin where bacteria break it down releasing an unpleasant odor

Management

• antiperspirant deodorant

More general terms

• odor
• sign/symptom