SWEAT GAME TOO STRONG? UNDERSTANDING BROMHIDROSIS

What Is Bromhidrosis?

Bromhidrosis isn't just strong body odor. It’s a diagnosable medical condition where you deal with stubborn, unusually intense odor that’s significant enough to affect your daily life.¹ It tends to show up more in men than in women² and can also run in families.³ There are two main types:

Apocrine bromhidrosis

Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common type in adults.² Apocrine glands are found mainly in the underarms and groin and produce a thick, oily sweat. Here's the thing, though: this sweat is odorless. It's only when bacteria get involved and break down substances in this sweat that odor kicks in.

Causes: In people with apocrine bromhidrosis, this process leads to an unusually strong body odor. Studies have also found that people with apocrine bromhidrosis tend to have more and larger apocrine glands than average.¹ That's why the condition isn't something you can fix by showering more often.

Eccrine bromhidrosis

Eccrine bromhidrosis is less common.¹ Eccrine glands are found across almost the whole body and produce a watery, odorless sweat. In people with eccrine bromhidrosis, this sweat also becomes very smelly.

Causes: Bacteria, certain foods, toxins, medications, or underlying medical conditions can all contribute to eccrine bromhidrosis.¹

Bromhidrosis Symptoms and Where It Shows Up

Bromhidrosis doesn't respond the way it should to regular cleansing and deodorant. Here are a few signs and symptoms worth knowing: ³

• Common smelly areas are the armpits and groin, where apocrine glands are concentrated.
• Feet can also be affected. Eccrine sweat trapped in shoes all day creates the warm, damp conditions bacteria thrive in.
• Odor is much stronger than typical sweat. It can be ammonia-like or sweet.
• Strong odor comes back soon after cleansing
• Deodorant and antiperspirant don’t help
• Odor gets worse during stress and after exercise
• Clothes stay smelly even after washing

If this sounds familiar, it's worth speaking to a dermatologist. If it's just strong B.O., the next section has you covered.

Taking Control of Strong Body Odor

One thing worth clearing up: B.O. isn’t necessarily a hygiene failure. Plenty of guys with solid grooming routines still deal with it because the underlying cause is biology, not laziness.

Sweat smell can also change even if you sweat the same amount, says Unilever R&D Manager David Waters. “That’s because odor depends on bacteria and sweat composition, not volume. Different skin bacteria break down sweat into different smelly compounds, and shifts in hormones, diet, stress, or hygiene can change which bacteria thrive or what’s in the sweat itself.”

Here’s a routine to set you up for success:

1. Start your day with an odor-fighting body wash

Shower daily and give extra attention to the underarms, groin, and feet; the areas where odor-causing bacteria are most active. Use an antibacterial or fragranced body wash to clear away sweat, oil, and bacteria before they get a chance to build up. Some products can keep you fresh for 12 hours.

2. Dry thoroughly before dressing

Bacteria thrive in warm, damp conditions. After showering, dry your underarms, groin, feet, and between your toes properly before applying deodorant and getting dressed. Less moisture means less fuel for odor-causing bacteria.

3. Choose the right protection

To get ahead of odor and sweat, reach for an antiperspirant. Active ingredients in these products temporarily reduce the amount of sweat reaching the skin's surface. Less sweat means less bacterial activity and less odor.

If odor is the bigger concern, an aluminum-free deodorant may be enough. It won't reduce sweat, but it’ll help keep odor under control. 

Pro tip: For maximum sweat protection, apply antiperspirant to clean, dry underarms before bed. This gives the active ingredients time to work while you sleep and when sweat production is at its lowest.

4. Layer your fragrance

Use products from the same scent family for longer-lasting freshness. Pair your body wash with a matching antiperspirant or deodorant and finish with a body spray. Layering complementary fragrances will keep you smelling great for longer. Workouts, long commutes, and stressful situations included.

5. Avoid food and drink triggers

Big presentation? First date? Long travel day? Garlic, onions, alcohol, red meat, and heavily spiced food can all make body odor more noticeable. Cutting back for a few days before something important may help.

When to See a Doctor

Most guys see real improvement with the right hygiene habits and products. But if body odor suddenly changes, becomes unusually intense, or doesn't improve with consistent self-care, it's worth speaking to a dermatologist.

Another sign to get professional advice is when strong body odor starts affecting your confidence or daily life. If it’s causing anxiety or you’ve started avoiding social situations, that’s worth taking seriously. Getting a proper diagnosis and medical support can really turn things around.

 

References

1. Medscape. Bromhidrosis. 2025
2. DermNet. Bromhidrosis. 2021.
3. Disease Directory. Bromhidrosis. 2026