Body odour

Body smells are caused by a number of factors working in combination, including, Chemicals in sweat, wastes excreted through the skin, such as metabolised alcohol,the actions of bacteria that live on the skin and feed on dead skin cells and sweat, and, unwashed clothes, such as underwear and socks.

One of the most effective ways we have to protect ourselves and others from illness is good personal hygiene. This means washing your hands, especially, but also your body. Personal hygiene, such as bathing, is very much dependent on the culture in which you live. In some cultures, it is expected that you will wash your body at least every day and use deodorants to stop body smells. Other cultures have different expectations.