Why does pubic sweat smell different

Bacteria aren't the only things that cause body odor, though. Body odor also depends on the type of sweat gland.

You have different types of sweat glands, called eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are found over your entire skin.

These coiled glands are located in the lower layer of the skin called the dermis. Eccrine glands squeeze sweat directly to the surface of the skin through a duct. As the sweat evaporates, it helps cool your skin and regulate your body temperature. The sweat produced by eccrine glands is mainly salt and other electrolytes. Eccrine gland sweat lacks the fats and other compounds that can smell when broken down by bacteria. Therefore, it's less likely to produce a smell. Apocrine glands don't help cool you off like eccrine glands do.

These glands empty into a hair follicle instead of a duct. A hair follicle is a bulb-shaped cavity in your skin that hair grows from. Apocrine glands release sweat when your body temperature rises.

They also release sweat when you're under stress. Apocrine glands are found in select areas of the body, including:. This explains why body odor mostly develops in your armpits and groin area, but not on your forehead. It also explains why small children don't get body odor even when they sweat. Apocrine glands remain inactive until puberty. During puberty, they start to produce sweat.

It's only then that body odor becomes an issue. The sweat produced by apocrine glands is responsible for most cases of body odor. This sweat is high in fats and other compounds that smell when broken down by bacteria. Certain factors can make you more likely to develop body odor:. Certain factors may make you more prone to getting body odor. This includes being overweight, some medical conditions, genetics, stress, or even the things you eat.

Body odor can be embarrassing. Fortunately, in most cases, it doesn't signal a serious problem. There are things you can do to banish body odor, or at least tone it down. Shower at least once a day.

Use soap or shower gel and lather up thoroughly. Pay special attention to the areas prone to body odor. If you are in a very hot or humid area, you may need to shower twice a day. You can also use a washcloth to wash just your armpits, groin, and skin folds. Be sure to shower immediately after you exercise or sweat. If regular showers don't seem to help, try a special cleanser. Proper vaginal hygiene is essential for preventing vaginal infections.

The vagina is self-cleaning, so people should focus on keeping the vulva clean and dry. Another critical part of good vaginal hygiene is not disturbing the bacterial ecosystem, or microbiome. The vaginal microbiome plays a vital role in defending the body from invading germs. However, this system is very delicate, and any disruption can affect the natural balance of the bacteria, which may lead to unpleasant odors, itching, and even infection.

The same type of sweat gland is present in both the armpits and the groin. However, a person should not treat these two areas in the same way.

Antiperspirants can eliminate odor and reduce sweat production in the underarms, but a person should not use these products to prevent sweating around the vagina. While antiperspirant products can kill unwanted odor-producing bacteria, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in and around the vagina.

This disruption may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Excessive genital sweating can lead to yeast or bacterial infections. An individual should see a doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms:. Excessive sweating that is limited to one or two areas of the body may be a sign of hyperhidrosis. Without treatment, hyperhidrosis can cause skin problems, warts , and fungal and bacterial infections.

Genital sweating is completely normal. However, excessive sweating may cause discomfort and irritation. A person can reduce vaginal sweating by wearing breathable underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothing.

Practicing good vaginal hygiene can help prevent bacterial and yeast infections. Avoiding douches, antiperspirants, and scented pads and panty liners can help maintain a healthy vagina. A person should speak to a doctor or gynecologist if they experience symptoms of bacterial or yeast infections.

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the vulva and vagina. There are many potential causes, including yeast and bacterial…. This can cause an unusual, acidic smell.

Cancers of the cervix or vagina do not usually cause symptoms until their later stages. However, some people may notice:.

Treatments depend upon the cancer type and if it has spread. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. People with penises are also vulnerable to infections and other conditions that may cause unusual and strong-smelling odors.

These include the following examples. Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating. Men are especially vulnerable to this in the groin area due to testicles that can rub against their skin, creating friction, and increasing sweating. The extra sweat can attract fungus and bacteria, which leads to bad smells. If the sweating continues, a doctor may be able to prescribe medications to treat excessive sweating.

Smegma can occur in uncircumcised males, causing dead skin cells, fluids, and oils to build up. As a result, smegma that is thick, whitish, and has a strong odor can build up underneath the foreskin. Excess buildup can cause swelling, redness, and discomfort. If left untreated, smegma can lead to balanitis see below. Removing smegma involves pulling back the foreskin and cleaning gently with soap and warm water.

Balanitis is a condition that usually affects uncircumcised men, causing an infection and irritation in the foreskin. Symptoms include:. Treatments for balanitis include topical creams to reduce inflammation and itching as well as oral antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection. Non-gonococcal urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra tube where urine flows through before exiting the penis.

Common causes include chlamydia infections as well as injuries to the urethra, such as from catheter trauma. The extra presence of bacteria can cause an unpleasant smell.

Treatments include antibiotics to treat the infection and surgical removal of dead tissues. If left untreated, it can prove deadly. Some people may need reconstructive surgery to treat the condition. Some underlying causes of groin smells affect both people with penises and people with vaginas.

See a doctor if:. Sweating and body odor are caused by sweat glands in your body. The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands occur over most of your body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. When your body temperature rises, these glands release fluids that cool your body as they evaporate. Apocrine glands are found in areas where you have hair, such as your armpits and groin.

These glands release a milky fluid when you're stressed. This fluid is odorless until it combines with bacteria on your skin. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.