In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Why does my sweat smell like vinegar?” provide information on what sweating is, whether there are some diseases that can be associated with vinegar-like sweat, when you should visit a doctor as well as treatments for vinegar-like sweat
Why does my sweat smell like vinegar?
Hormonal changes can cause your sweat to smell like vinegar. This can occur especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Other causes of vinegar-like sweat can be aging and stress.
Consuming excess of certain foods can result in a vinegar-like smell too. Consumption of onions, garlic, curry, cumin, or vinegar can cause your sweat to smell like vinegar.
Apart from this, red meat, cheese, milk, and dairy contain volatile compounds that can change the way our sweat smells.
What is sweating?
Sweating is a body mechanism that can aid in bringing down the temperature of your body. There are two kinds of sweat glands that release sweat.
Apocrine sweat glands are found in areas with hair such as underarms or groin. Eccrine is the sweat gland that is present in other parts of the body. Sweat can contain sugar, salt, ammonia, and urea. Differences in sweat composition can bring about a change in sweat odor.
What are some diseases that can cause sweat to smell like vinegar?
- Some bacterial infections can cause sweat to smell like vinegar. The infections can affect the groin, armpits, and feet.
- Trichomycosis is a bacterial infection that can affect the underarms. This condition is not contagious and can affect the way your skin smells.
- Hyperhidrosis can be a condition that can affect the body and feet. Individuals who sweat excessively in their bodies can develop this condition. It is a medical disorder that can be easily treated.
- Diabetes can be another cause of a vinegar-like smell. In the case of untreated diabetes, glucose remains in the bloodstream and is not metabolized. Instead of glucose, fat is utilized.
However, the metabolism of fat can result in the release of acetone. Acetone can be smelt in the breath and sweat of an untreated diabetic. It can have a sweet and fruity smell.
- People suffering from kidney disease can have a vinegar-like smell in their sweat. A vinegary smell can be observed in individuals who might suffer from cancer or other chronic diseases.
- Trimethylaminuria is a condition in which the body finds it difficult to break down trimethylamine. In order to discard trimethylamine, the body releases it through sweat or urine. This can have a vinegar-like smell.
How can you deal with sweat?
- Bathing regularly can help keep the odor off your body. You can use an antibacterial soap to wash the body. Using fragrant soaps can help as well.
- You can wear either deos or antiperspirants before stepping out of your house. Deodorants can mask foul odors with a more fragrant scent.
On the other hand, antiperspirants can stop the sweat pores from releasing smelly sweat and leave your body with a good fragrance.
- Changing clothes can help in reducing sweaty smell too. If your clothes are too sweaty, you can change into newer clothes. You can keep a set of new clothes handy with you whenever you go on a long trip or if you frequent the gym often.
- Changes in your diet and lifestyle can help to deal with sweat. Drink more water to dilute your sweat. Avoid consuming foods that can trigger a vinegar-like smell in your sweat. Wearing cotton clothes can be beneficial too.
Should you visit the doctor?
In certain cases, if the odor is extremely strong, it might be difficult to go out. Extreme sweat can end up affecting your self-esteem too. In such cases, you can visit a doctor.
Apart from this, if you experience other symptoms along with sweat, it can be another reason to frequent a doctor. For instance, a change in urine smell accompanied by smelly sweat can be a sign of diabetes. Rashes or blisters in the skin can be a sign of skin allergy.
What are some treatments for vinegar-like smell?
- Antibiotics can be recommended to treat the vinegary smell. It can kill bad bacteria that can cause bad odor.
- The application of antiperspirants or creams to sweaty parts of the body can reduce odor.
- Microwave thermolysis is a new form of treatment that targets the sweat glands of the body. A small beam of energy is targeted at the underarms which can reduce the amount of sweating.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Why does my sweat smell like vinegar?” and provided information on what sweating is, whether there are some diseases that can be associated with vinegar-like smell, when you should visit a doctor as well as treatments for vinegar-like sweat.
Reference
https://www.healthline.com/health/sweat-smells-like-vinegar#meat-dairy
