Causes of ammonia stench. Deodorant or antiperspirant – which is better?

Sweating is a natural function of the body. Droplets of moisture provide thermoregulation of the body, remove toxic substances. If there is a strong unpleasant odor of sweat in the armpits, it is considered to be untidiness. However, the expert opinion of endocrinologist, specialist in preventive medicine, Katya Young, a sharp change in the aroma coming from the body during sweating is associated with a number of diseases, and not only - it can also be stress, age-related changes, fluctuations in sexual activity, features in nutrition and much more.

The development of bacterial flora in areas of sweating provokes the appearance unpleasant odor from the body.

Why does it stink afterwards?

Increased sweating, manifestation strong odor appears in everyone, even with constant showering. The causes of odor are different, but they are united by one problem. Provokes the process of sweating:

  • completeness;
  • spices;
  • excitement.

Sweat secretion in a healthy person

U healthy people Two types of glands are responsible for sweating: apocrine and eccrine. Sweat glands are closely connected to nerve endings. Load, emotional experiences, temperature contribute to their irritation. The first are located in the groin, under the armpits and react to the emotional state with viscous sweat.

A healthy person does not smell his own aroma. Only after 30-50 minutes an unpleasantly pungent odor of sweat is felt - the result of bacteria attaching to the armpits. The eccrine glands react with colorless, watery, odorless sweat. It is secreted on the skin of the entire body, moisturizes it and acts as a thermostat.

Each person's scent is different

A person's scent is as individual as fingerprints.

The smell is individual, just like fingerprints. For example, a baby and milk are two inseparable concepts; there is not even a hint of foreign odor. In adults, the apocrine glands actively work, and the individuality of the aroma is determined specific features metabolism. The microflora of a man and a woman is significantly different, and accordingly, the released aroma will be different. The aroma of women is distinguished by a sour smell (smells of dampness), while in men it is heavier, sharper and more unpleasant. Representatives of the stronger sex sweat more, the chemical composition of the perspiration varies, which means the body odor will be bitter and distinct.

Possible causes of unpleasant odor

The appearance of armpit odor is a delicate problem. It brings not only inconvenience, but also indicates ongoing changes in the body. An unpleasant reaction can be after taking medications (for example, the body saturated with penicillin gives a “horse” aroma), a symptom of an illness, or the result of stress.

The pungent odor of sweat is a companion to disease

Different smells of sweat indicate different diseases.

If your armpits sweat, you feel bitter, smelly sweat, this may be a consequence of the disease. Disruption of the metabolic process as a result of illness leads to deviations in the chemical composition of the fluid secreted by the body. With the advent of new microflora, the body aroma changes. It is important to determine what diseases are indicated by increased sweating with a changed aroma:

  • The skin smells of chlorine, a strange sour aroma has appeared, giving off acetone - the situation indicates problems with the liver.
  • Diseases genitourinary system(kidneys) is accompanied by a pungent odor of sweat, similar to cat spirit, sometimes the body smells of bleach.
  • Tuberculosis is accompanied by a strange vinegar smell.
  • Diabetes adds a sweet tang to the flavor. A sweet smell is also present in diphtheria.
  • If there is a metabolic disorder, the body smells bad: sulfur or mice. ABOUT congenital disease metabolism also says mousey aroma (phenylketonuria).
  • The development of a fungal infection gives a mouse stench. The fungus often settles on the feet. If you do not pay attention in time to the fact that they smell strongly of mice or sulfur, the problem can last for a long time.
  • Stomach diseases are accompanied by a specific smell of sulfur.
  • It smells like rot and earwax - this could indicate oncology.
  • The body carries urine - a symptom of kidney disease. A disease with an unpleasant odor is called uridrosis. Uridrosis is accompanied by thick sweat. Due to the excessive release of urea through perspiration, it not only smells, but also becomes the cause of various dermatological complications. You can get rid of the smell from uridrosis only by eliminating the main problem.

This is not the entire list of unpleasant odors. The patient's sweat smells like old age, mice, rubber, yeast. It's hard to believe that such odors come from the body.

Microflora disorders and disruption of the hormonal system

Hormonal system may provoke a change in the smell of sweat.

If you feel excessive sweating - it's worth checking hormonal background. Most often, adults are subject to such deviations, but also children, especially in adolescence, hormonal changes are not left aside. Climax, sexual development, violation in endocrine system- situations that adversely affect the chemical composition of evaporation. People with this problem begin to sweat not only their armpits, but their entire body.

Everyone knows that the human body contains large number microorganisms. Each organ (intestines, vagina, skin) has its own microflora. Any deviations from the norm in the microflora lead not only to disturbances in the functioning of the body, but also make severe pungent odor sweat. For example, a vaginal disease provokes the sensation of a yeast aroma in groin area, and during menstruation it may smell like fish.

The development of pathogenic microflora leads to an imbalance of fungi and bacteria. When the balance is disturbed, you feel the aroma of fish, sour milk or a room washed with bleach under your arms. Sweating has increased, the number of bacteria on the skin is greatly increasing, it can smell like chlorine, mice, and sometimes rubber.

Stress sweating

A person sweats not only under the influence of temperature, physical stress, but also stressful situations. Stress occurs at every step and takes over suddenly. The body instantly reacts to excitement, joy, fear - perspiration is released. The process of stress sweating involves the eccrine and apocrine glands together.

An instant burst of cold sweat is fertile ground for an increase in the number of bacteria; as a result, the aroma has changed and an unpleasant odor of sweat appears. This reaction is not affected by air temperature and is extremely difficult to control. Fluid appears throughout the body, but the main concentration of moisture is on the palms, soles and armpits.

What to do to treat unpleasant odor of sweat?

Elimination of unpleasant odor is possible only with complex treatment.

Eliminating a strong aroma or making it less noticeable is only possible with comprehensive solution problems. It is important to determine the cause, and based on the result, connect to treatment special drugs, review the food consumed and monitor hygiene procedures.

Diet adjustments

The sweat stinks, but you are confident in your health - you must radically change your diet. The main products that influence the smell are spices, hot foods, and sometimes overuse coffee. Excluding dishes from the menu that include the ingredients described above will improve the situation.

Sometimes not enough carbohydrates in the menu changes the aroma of perspiration. Through the oxidation of carbohydrates, the body receives the necessary energy. With them insufficient quantities Fat is burned, but the smell has changed. He became strange, heavy and very strong. Fat oxidation causes perspiration to stink. ammonia, rot, sometimes burnt rubber.

Adjusting food without consequences will eliminate symptoms unpleasant problem. Only with uridrosis, it will not be possible to correct the situation with products.

Personal hygiene

Complex treatment will not help without simple hygiene procedures.

None of the remedies complex treatment hyperhidrosis is ineffective without normal hygiene procedures. In many cases, a simple bath in the shower can solve the problem of an unpleasant odor when you sweat (even with uridrosis). Regular use of the shower twice a day (morning and evening) using aromatic products is a mandatory procedure for all people.

During the hot season, the body should be carefully cared for. It is necessary to change clothes after physical activity. If your feet stink, use special creams and aerosols. If you are far from home (train, bus) and do not have access to water, use wet wipes.

Modern youth began to carefully monitor the hair areas of the body. Sweat is retained in the hairs, which acts as a basis for the proliferation of microbes, as a result of which the bad aroma increases. The surest solution, approved by dermatologists, is to shave them.

Deodorants

Deodorants and antiperspirants help eliminate odor and reduce sweating.

Use of deodorants, antiperspirants, etc. disinfectants takes the leading second position in the fight against unpleasant aroma. Deodorants contain substances that have disinfectant and bactericidal properties. Blocking the growth of bacteria and eliminating the smelly aroma is the task of the product, which it does an excellent job of. Effective time ranges from several hours to days. It all depends on the composition and form of release: spray, pencil, ointment.

Deodorant does not affect the process of sweat secretion, which cannot be said about antiperspirant. The zinc, aluminum, and triclosan included in the composition directly affect the apocrine glands and reduce the secretion of perspiration. The disadvantage of such means is oppression beneficial microflora, clogged pores and aggressive effects on the skin. Abuse can lead to the onset of various endocrine complications.

A useful alternative to antiperspirants are natural substances, chitosan, allaton, which are part of products that temporarily block the proliferation of microbes. They create a protective film, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and do an excellent job of eliminating stinky aroma.

Sweating is natural physiological process healthy body. Most of the sweat produced is 99% water and normally has almost no odor. Should I worry and do anything if my sweat starts to smell strong?

Sweating of a healthy person

Sweating is regulated by salt and water exchange in the body, provides its protection from overheating. Therefore, any violations in this natural process should not be ignored. Especially when the intensity of sweating changes and a specific unpleasant odor appears.

During physical activity, anxiety, fever, and eating hot and spicy food, irritation of the sweat glands and the nerve endings that go to them occurs. Two types of sweat glands are involved in this process - eccrine and apocrine.

The first type produces sweat that is 99% water, colorless and odorless. It appears over the entire surface of the skin, moisturizes it and, when evaporated, performs the function of thermoregulation.

Apocrine glands respond strongly to change emotional state person. They are located on the hair surface of the body, mainly in the armpits and in the groin area. The sweat released is smelly, viscous, and contains proteins. If the liquid itself initially has almost no odor, then within 30–60 minutes after release it begins to smell unpleasant. The reasons are the interaction of sweat with bacteria, which are found in large numbers on the scalp of the skin.

Why do people smell different?

In the human body there are individual metabolic processes, which determine the chemical composition of the sweat they secrete. If you look at the types and number of bacteria on the skin, you will also encounter a lot of diversity in this. That's why everyone smells completely different.

The smell of sweat is unique to each person, just like fingerprints.

Causes of unpleasant odor

Sweating on sports training or benefits from treatment. If it is abundant and in ordinary life is accompanied by sweaty, fragrant circles on clothes, then these are the real reasons for a person’s physical and psychological discomfort. It should be remembered that this is also unpleasant for others.

Insufficient personal hygiene

An unpleasant odor will persist throughout the day if personal hygiene products are chosen incorrectly. People who sweat should use special gels for daily showers. antibacterial agents and soap.

The smell of sweat intensifies if a person constantly experiences increased anxiety. Severe stress, psychosis, mood swings cannot but affect sweating. Will appear in the armpits and chest area increased sweating with a pungent unpleasant odor.

Hormonal changes

For the first time, profuse, unpleasant-smelling sweat appears in adolescents when hormonal levels begin to change. In middle age from similar problem suffer from women who have a malfunction of the thyroid gland or other hormonal disorders.

Effect of drugs

You should not be concerned about a change in the smell of sweat if at this time a course of treatment is being carried out using certain medications. Unpleasant sweating caused by penicillin, some types of antidepressants, glaucoma and cancer medications.

Eating certain foods

Eating onions or garlic every day, as well as drinking alcohol, can change the smell of sweat. But the beer smell of sweat can indicate the presence of a fungal disease.

What can a change in the smell of sweat tell you?

If your sweat begins to smell unpleasant, then there may be health problems. That's why you should see a doctor and get tested. These characteristic changes appear if problems appear in the body:

  1. Sweat smells unpleasant of ammonia or urine if the body has: liver problems; urinary system disease; stomach bacteria has become infected and is developing peptic ulcer, there is an excess of proteins in the diet.
  2. The causes of the vinegar smell are infectious and inflammatory processes in the lungs or bronchi, and possibly tuberculosis. A person also smells strongly when there is a failure in the endocrine system.
  3. A person who is sick smells unpleasantly of acetone diabetes mellitus, able high content blood sugar.
  4. The reasons for the appearance of the smell of hydrogen sulfide may be a violation of the body's digestive functions.
  5. If a person has sweat with an unpleasant smell of cat urine, then it is possible that a protein metabolism disorder has occurred in his body. Sometimes the reason may be hormonal imbalances.
  6. A honey-sweet aroma appears with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the body and diphtheria.
  7. Rotten meat smell may be a symptom cancer arising in the bladder area.

Don't forget what to put correct diagnosis just by smell and pick it up correct treatment it is forbidden.

What to do

The problem of unpleasant sweat odor cannot always be dealt with on your own without the help of specialist doctors. Doctors of narrow specialties can rule out the presence of a serious disease in the body or prescribe treatment. For example, why a problem arose can be found out by contacting a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, urologist, proctologist, or gynecologist.

If the cause is determined, then unpleasant sensations Deodorizing products will help cope.

The effectiveness of deodorizing agents varies and depends on the concentration of the additives included in their composition. Use in the form of lotion, cream, pencil, aerosol or powder.

Deodorants, by disinfecting the armpit, destroy bacteria - the cause of the pungent odor.

Antiperspirants do not destroy bacteria, but reduce sweat production by up to 40% due to narrowing of the ducts.

Any changes in the natural process of sweating cannot be ignored. Whatever the reasons for this, there will always be ways to eliminate the problem.

Sweating is normal physiological function the body of every person, which has great value to cool the body during elevated temperature, stress, physical activity and emotional tension.

Moreover, sweating regulates metabolic processes in the body, and also maintains optimal water-salt balance, participates in thermoregulation and removes dangerous toxins and substances from the body. It is worth noting that in hot weather and strong physical stress, sweat is the only means that protects the body from overheating.

Types and structure of sweat glands

The glands are located in the middle layer of the skin, called the dermis. The ducts of the sweat glands come to the surface of the body and secrete a secretion - sweat. It is water based, but also contains a lot of salt and various products metabolism. Many may think that the sweat glands have the same structure and are absolutely identical, but this is far from the case.

Approximately 75% of sweat glands regulate body temperature, that is, when water evaporates, the upper layers of the skin cool, which is why they say that sweat protects the body from overheating. The activity of such glands is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and it works even in an unconscious state, while controlling vital important functions body.

The other 25% of the glands, along with sweat, secrete special substances - pheromones. They are responsible for the sexuality of women and men, and arouse sympathy and attraction in each other. The activity of the glands is controlled by hormones.

It must be said that the location of sweat glands throughout the body is uneven. They are found in abundance in the armpits, forehead, palms, and feet. But those that secrete pheromones are located between the buttocks, around the mammary glands, a little around the eyes and behind the ears.

Causes of sweating

High emotionality. If a person is nervous, angry or experiencing strong fear he begins to sweat profusely. In this case, the cause can be determined without conducting an examination. However, such emotional sweating is limited to the feet, palms and face; sweating is less common in the armpits and chest area. If the whole body is covered with sweat, then physical reasons need to be considered.

Temperature is enough common cause profuse sweating. It is worth noting that whatever the cause of fever - pneumonia, cancer, influenza or various other infections, people sweat throughout the day and regardless of the environment.

Hormonal imbalance is also the cause of profuse sweating. It is worth noting that in people who suffer from this disease, the body can instantly turn from dry to wet. Quite often, such fluctuations can be observed in women in menopause, since during the day they can feel repeatedly approaching waves of sweating.

What medications and foods can cause excessive sweating?

First of all, you need to note such a drink as coffee. Many people today abuse this drink, not realizing how dangerous and harmful it is to the body. Among the medications, it is worth highlighting morphine, analgin with diphenhydramine and other antispasmodics.

Causes of unpleasant sweat odor

Sweat is odorless only if a person does not abuse garlic, coffee, alcohol and spices. The smell appears only after sweat comes into contact with the surface of the skin. This happens because sweat softens the keratin that is present in the top layer of skin. In this state, it serves as an excellent breeding ground for reproduction. various bacteria. An unpleasant odor is a consequence of the decomposition of waste products of microorganisms.

Only specialists found the cause of sweat and unpleasant odor, many cosmetic companies began to look for all possible ways to neutralize it. Initially, deodorants appeared that had a strong odor that interrupted the “aroma” of sweat. Subsequently, antibacterial components began to be used in cosmetics.

Modern cosmetics can cope with the smell of sweat

But when using such products, the protective layer of the skin suffers, and bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor become resistant. Today there is only one effective remedy, which can fight unpleasant odors is an antiperspirant.

How to get rid of the unpleasant smell of sweat?

Of course, there are no medications that can rid a person of the unpleasant odor of sweat once and for all. However, you can independently support the body and organism in healthy condition, which will undoubtedly affect the amount of sweat produced and its smell. So, a few tips:

    It is necessary to limit the use of hot seasonings, for example, garlic, pepper. These products can overload the body, causing substances to be released in sweat and create an unpleasant odor.

    It should be noted that those bacteria that live on the surface of the body can be sources of a very faint odor. But some of them, altered by antibiotics, can cause a strong unpleasant odor. Also, the formation of a strong odor is influenced by humidity and a large amount of sugar in the human body, that is, the higher the humidity in the room, the stronger the odor.

    Some hormones promote the growth of bacteria, which in turn increases the unpleasant “aroma.”

    It is necessary to strictly observe the rules of hygiene, take a shower often and change things in a timely manner.

Following good personal hygiene will help get rid of sweat odor

    At the time of adoption water procedures You need to use soaps and various other body cleansers without medicinal additives.

    Observe whether the formation of odor is associated with eating certain foods, for example, garlic, onions.

    If a person has problems with the intestines, then mandatory the disease needs to be cured. Because the bacteria that live in the intestines produce toxins, which are subsequently excreted in sweat. As a preventive measure, you need to consume lactic acid bacteria on an empty stomach.

    When choosing clothes, give preference to things made from natural fabrics. They tend to absorb moisture well.

    During the day you need to drink a certain amount of water, at least 200 g for every 30 cm of height.

Folk remedies against profuse sweating

There are many ways that can combat sweating:

    If your feet sweat a lot, you need to sprinkle them with starch.

    You can also sprinkle your feet in areas of excessive sweating with a mixture of talc and starch.

    To prepare the hand solution, you need to take 1 teaspoon of salt and one glass hot water, mix everything thoroughly and wash your hands 2 times a day.

    1 tablespoon of sage leaves is poured into a glass of boiling water. After preparing the solution, you need to let it sit for 20 minutes, then strain. Take 30 milliliters 3 times a day an hour after meals. This recipe recommended for women during menopause.

    For your hands, you can make a tincture of 4 tablespoons of chopped oats and 1 liter of boiling water. Leave the resulting solution for an hour and make baths.

    Oak bark must be ground into powder and sifted through a sieve. The resulting powder should be poured into socks and worn at night. Change the powder daily.

    To prepare the tincture you need to take 200 g of straw and 50 g of oak bark. Pour everything into 1 bucket of water and bring to a boil. Afterwards, leave for 30 minutes. Use the prepared solution for foot baths; the procedure should continue for 1 month for 20 minutes.

Teymurov's paste for the smell of sweat

In the event that you do not want or do not have time to prepare recipes from traditional medicine, then you can buy Teymurov’s paste at the pharmacy. It has been the most popular and effective means, which helps to get rid of unpleasant sweating in the shortest possible time.

The paste should be used no more than 1-2 times a week; moreover, the product should be applied only after taking water procedures. It is worth noting that Teymurov’s paste can be used for the armpits and feet. Almost immediately after applying it, a slight smell of sweat appears, but after 30 minutes it all evaporates and will not bother you for 4-7 days.

The paste should be applied in a thick layer and left on the surface of the skin for about 30 minutes. After which, rinse thoroughly with water without using detergents. The armpits can be lubricated with ordinary baby cream to avoid irritation.

Medical problem solving

If you can’t get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat on your own, then the best solution There will be an appeal to a cosmetologist. Today there are several very effective methods:

Medications

Today there are a number of medications that can significantly reduce sweating and neutralize unpleasant odors. However, the data medicines should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist; moreover, they can only be used under the supervision of a physician.

- Botox injections. If sweating is profuse and has a strong and unpleasant odor, the cosmetologist may suggest using Botox injections as treatment, which block the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the armpits.

Deodorant or antiperspirant – which is better?

Today modern cosmetology offers a huge number various means, which in one way or another block the unpleasant odor of sweat. On store shelves and pharmacies you can see a wide variety of similar products - these are roll-on deodorants, gels, antiperspirants and aerosols various types etc. But how to choose the right cosmetic product so that it not only has pleasant aroma, but also helped combat the problem of unpleasant odor.

Many people think that antiperspirant and deodorant are two different things. identical means, which are identical in their properties. This is wrong.

First of all, deodorant has a disinfecting effect on armpits, that is, it destroys harmful bacteria which contribute to the formation of an unpleasant odor. However, you need to be very careful in choosing and using, since the alcohol included in such products can cause irritation.

What to choose is up to you. However, it must be remembered that excessive blockage of the sweat ducts and strong decline sweating, especially on a hot day, can lead to heatstroke. However, achieving such an effect is, of course, very difficult, since an antiperspirant can only reduce sweating, and not completely neutralize it by closing all the ducts. If you do not wish to use cosmetics, then use folk medicines to reduce the unpleasant odor of sweat.

What's in the article:

Sweat odor is a problem not only for people around you, but also for the owner of the “aroma.” Sweat in in good condition has a characteristic, almost imperceptible natural smell. If your sweat smells like ammonia, fish, vinegar, or sourness, then this is a sign of problems in the body.

Features of sweating

The secretion secreted from the sweat glands performs a number of functions: excretion harmful substances, maintaining optimal body temperature and water-salt balance, regulating metabolism.

Per day human body up to a liter of sweat fluid is produced. The volume of sweat increases during exercise, stress, and being in hot conditions.

The secretion of the sweat glands consists of several components. The basis of sweat is water (about 90%). Other elements:

  • ammonia;
  • acids (citric, lactic, ascorbic);
  • salts (sodium chloride),
  • urea.

Ammonia is present in sweat fluid, which is considered normal. If there are no malfunctions in the body, then the smell of sweat is practically absent. Whenever various pathologies, disturbances in the functioning of organs and systems, then the secretion of the sweat glands acquires the smell of ammonia. In addition to the ammonia “aroma,” sweat can emit sour, putrefactive, garlicky, chlorine and other odors.

Sweat smells like ammonia - what is the reason?

The smell of ammonia occurs for many reasons, which only a doctor can identify. They may be relatively harmless, but in most cases the sweat becomes odorous due to serious illness. Why does sweat smell like ammonia?

The leading place among the factors causing ammonia “aroma” is occupied by pathologies of the urinary system, especially the kidneys. A decrease in the excretory function of this organ leads to the entry of small amounts of toxic substances into the bloodstream. As these toxins spread throughout the body, they find another way to be eliminated – the sweat glands. This is what gives sweat the smell of ammonia or urea.

Other causes of odor include:

If the cause of odor is a disease, then it may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • fever;
  • cough, breathing problems;
  • discoloration skin;
  • increased fatigue, lethargy, apathy.

Both women and men are susceptible to ammonia sweat. In any case, this symptom requires diagnosis and treatment.

Why does sweat smell like ammonia during exercise?

Hard, intense workouts require increased amounts of nutrients. Men, and to a lesser extent women, strive to increase muscle mass. To do this, they begin to gradually increase the protein content in the diet. Following such a diet leads to the fact that your sweat smells like ammonia after a workout.

The appearance of an unpleasant “aroma” is observed not only due to the protein diet. When performing exercises during training, metabolic processes in the muscles are accelerated. When there is a deficiency of carbohydrate foods, the muscles take energy from other sources - their own tissues. Ammonia does not have time to be processed in the kidneys and liver, so it is excreted through the skin with sweat and mucous membranes. This explains why sweat smells like ammonia after exercise in both women and men.

The cause of sweat with ammonia is sports nutrition, which athletes use for various purposes: recovery, building muscle tissue, fat burning. Some supplements contain amino acids, which cause an ammonia-like odor in sweat.

You can get rid of the smell of ammonia during training by following these recommendations:

  1. Consultation with a doctor. The specialist will give directions for tests (urine, blood) and the necessary examinations.
  2. Adjusting your diet. It consists in bringing the content of carbohydrates and proteins to a balance. The first ones need to be increased, especially before training, the second ones need to be lowered a little. If consumed regularly increased amount protein foods, there is a high risk of developing poisoning.
  3. Drinking regime. Increasing the volume of water consumed will do a great job of eliminating the ammonia smell. It is not recommended to replace it with coffee, tea and soda. This will only make the problem worse.

More often sports nutrition, protein diets are abused by athletes, which is why the sweat of most men smells like ammonia after training.

Ammonia odor of sweat secretion in men

The reason for the appearance of an unpleasant “aroma” of sweat in men can be not only physical activity And protein nutrition. Everything could be much simpler.

Why does a man's sweat smell like ammonia? This is often due to failure to comply with basic personal hygiene rules: shaving, regular showering, and the use of antiperspirants and deodorants. Then the armpits, legs, and groin area begin to smell of ammonia.

Sweat can develop an odor when poor nutrition. Food containing preservatives, flavorings, dyes and others food additives changes the composition of sweat. These changes will lead to a change in smell with a predominance of ammonia.

Women are also susceptible to these reasons, but not on such a scale, since in most cases they observe hygiene and nutritional rules.

How to deal with odor

If an ammonia “aroma” of sweat secretion is detected, then it is imperative to consult a doctor who will find out the cause of this symptom. Only after it is clarified, treatment tactics are determined, aimed at eliminating the factor that caused the unpleasant odor. You can reduce odor yourself by maintaining personal hygiene:

  1. Daily shower.
  2. Using deodorants and antiperspirants to reduce sweating and mask unpleasant odors.
  3. Regular change of clothes. If stains or a sweaty “aroma” are detected, it is recommended to change and wash the linen.
  4. Preference for natural fabrics, since odorous substances stick to synthetics faster.
  5. Wearing open shoes. If you constantly wear sneakers in the heat, sweating will increase significantly, and substances from the shoe material will be absorbed into the skin of your feet. This will cause foot odor.
  6. Limiting spicy foods, canned food, fast food, and strong-smelling spices (onions, garlic, curry) in your diet.
  7. Compliance drinking regime(the water norm is at least 1 liter for women, 1.5–2 for men).
  8. Taking vitamin-mineral complexes.
  9. Taking a shower after exercising
  10. Weight loss if there are problems with this.
  11. From folk remedies Decoctions of sage, pine, baths with oak bark or eucalyptus oil are excellent for getting rid of odor. Regular treatments will relieve muscle tension and soothe the skin.

If, after applying the above measures, the ammonia “aroma” does not disappear, then it can be assumed that a serious disease has developed in the body, which requires urgent contact with a specialist.

What to do if your shoes smell of sweat

The odor of shoes is associated with increased sweat secretion. To get rid of it, you need to take the following measures:

  • purchasing several pairs of shoes for regular changes;
  • wearing socks made from natural materials, change them constantly;
  • daily foot washing, especially after wearing shoes for a long time;

If the above measures do not help, then it is likely that a disease such as hyperhidrosis will develop - excessive sweating. To treat it, you need to consult a dermatologist. To return normal smell It is recommended to use hydrogen peroxide to wipe the inside of shoes, baking soda as a bedtime filler, special means to get rid of sweat odor.

The appearance of an ammonia odor from the skin and mucous membranes is a sign of dangerous disturbances in the functioning of the body. Only a doctor should deal with its elimination, since self-medication will lead to aggravation of the problem.

Not only people with pathologies encounter odorous sweating, but also athletes who observe protein diet. Anyway timely treatment will help avoid a number of complications.

In fact, sweat in most cases does not smell. The body needs it for cooling, consists mainly of water and is odorless. Don't believe me? Then just sniff the little children frolicking in the heat!

In adults, the situation is somewhat more complicated: during puberty, the so-called apocrine sweat glands are activated, which Lifehacker has already discussed. They are concentrated mainly on parts of the body covered with hair: under the arms, in the groin area, on the head. But some of them are also present on the feet and palms. Their feature is more “oily” sweat.

In addition to water and a small amount of electrolyte salts, apocrine sweat contains variety of products protein metabolism, volatile fatty acids and other connections. This mixture already has a smell. But it cannot be called unpleasant. Apocrine sweat determines the individual sexual aroma of each person. It is barely noticeable, but it can intoxicate, dizzy - in general, attract representatives of the opposite sex.

Unfortunately, in addition to representatives of the opposite sex, apocrine sweat also attracts bacteria. Still: like this nutritional composition! Microbes living on the skin, on which an increased dose of this suddenly splashed out life-giving moisture, begin to multiply at a tenfold speed. And where there are a lot of bacteria, there is also waste from their vital activity: chemical compounds with an unpleasant, sweaty odor.

What affects the smell of sweat and why some people don’t smell?

As a rule, it is not difficult to deal with the smell of sweat. After you sweat, it takes several hours for bacteria to multiply and begin to smell. If during this time you have time to take a shower, use wet wipes, and change wet clothes, then you will not be in danger of the appearance of an intoxicating aroma in every sense.

In theory. In practice, as always, there are nuances.

Every human body individual. Some people are lucky. Even after sweating seriously and without taking any hygienic measures after that, they remain fresh (we put dust, dirt, etc. out of the equation in this case). According to Four Facts About Sweat According to the American Chemical Society, these people lack the protein compounds needed for bacteria to grow on the skin. The microbes in their sweat have nothing to profit from, they reproduce weakly, and an unpleasant odor does not arise.

The smell of sweat is unfamiliar to approximately 2% of Europeans and most Asians.

Others are much less lucky. They start to smell not even after a few hours, but almost immediately after sweat appears. And the matter here is not always about bacteria. Often - in the characteristics of the body, inattention, the habit of a particular lifestyle, and even hidden health problems.

Why the smell of sweat can be unpleasant and strong

1. You wear sports or closed shoes without socks

Socks are usually made from breathable fabrics. Their main task is to remove moisture from the feet. When you neglect socks, moisture removal does not occur and your feet are literally bathed in sweat and bacteria rapidly multiplying in it.

Moreover, the bacteria in this area are special: microbes of the species Bacillus subtilis like to settle on the soles. They give Foot odor due to microbial metabolism and its control sweaty skin and shoes have that very specific and very strong smell.

2. You wear clothes made from non-breathable fabrics.

Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, even wool have breathable and moisture-wicking properties. This means that, firstly, they provide free access of air to the skin, preventing it from overheating and sweating excessively. And secondly, they absorb the sweat that appears and remove it out. In this case, the bacteria simply do not have a nutrient medium left for reproduction and an unpleasant odor does not arise.

Synthetics are a completely different matter. Stinky T-Shirt? Bacteria Love Polyester In A Special Way: polyester, nylon, viscose. Such fabrics look light and beautiful, but do not wick away moisture. As a result, the sweat is trapped, and the microbes get a real nutrient pool. Their concentration increases at an accelerated pace, and the unpleasant odor appears earlier and is felt stronger than in clothes made from natural fabrics.

3. You eat a lot of spices

Garlic, curry, and others release sulfur-containing gases when digested. According to 6 Sneaky Reasons You Smell Worse Than Usual American dermatologist Marie Jhin, these gases are removed from the body, including through the pores, giving the skin an unpleasant aroma. To intensify the smell, you just need to sweat.

4. You had too much at a party

The body perceives alcohol as poison and strives to break it down into its components and remove it as quickly as possible. Most of the alcohol is processed in the liver and excreted in the urine.

It’s worse if you drank more than the liver can quickly process, or this organ malfunctions for some reason. In this case, the products of ethanol processing begin to be released with breathing (this is how it occurs) and through the pores of the skin.

Some breakdown products, e.g. acetic acid, have a very specific scent. When you sweat, they begin to evaporate quickly from the skin and the unpleasant odor of sweat becomes obvious.

5. You take certain medications

Some medical supplies, for example, antipyretics or morphine-based drugs, sharply increase sweating and/or, breaking down into components in the body, change body odor. With all the consequences that evaporate when you sweat.

6. You have some hormonal imbalances

The number and composition of bacteria living on the skin largely depend Hormonal Imbalance That Causes Body Odor from hormonal balance body. That is why - due to the different ratio of androgens, progesterone and estrogen - the smell of sweat in men is usually stronger and more pungent than in women.

Menopause and other hormonal imbalances can also speed up or slow down the proliferation of certain bacteria on the skin. By the way, they often increase sweating, which makes the unpleasant odor even more pronounced.

7. You have poor nutrition

It has been proven that magnesium deficiency Book: Magnesium, The Nutrient That Could Change Your Life or with high content squirrel Body Odor to the detriment of others nutrients can give the body a sharp, unpleasant odor, which intensifies with sweating.

How to get rid of sweat odor

Considering the information presented above, the solutions are obvious.

  1. Review your diet to remove foods that increase sweating and unpleasant odor.
  2. Wear clothes made from breathable fabrics.
  3. Use: when correct use They not only mask the odor, but also reduce the amount of sweat produced.
  4. Do not wear closed shoes without socks and try to air them regularly.
  5. Check out side effects the medications you are taking. If medications increase sweating or cause an unpleasant odor, consult your doctor about the possibility of changing them.
  6. Visit an endocrinologist to make sure there is no hormonal imbalances. This is especially true if you notice a sudden change in the odor of your sweat.
  7. After sweating, try to take a shower or use wet wipes no later than an hour and a half later.