A person's sweat may smell like ammonia due to a high protein diet, exercise, or health conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes. The purpose of sweat is to help the body cool down. Sweat droplets transfer body heat onto the surface of the skin, where they evaporate.
Sometimes, an ammonia scent in your sweat can be a message from your body about an underlying health issues. Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes or hyperhidrosis can affect how your body processes waste, leading to an intense ammonia smell.
Sweat is a combination of water, salt, and other chemicals. When it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it produces an odor. fungal infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the groin area and inner thighs. They can cause a red, itchy rash and produce an unpleasant odor.
"The vagina has sweat glands and hair follicles, which can attract bacteria and contribute to strong odor," Dr. Ross said. Also, the vagina's location near the anus makes it crucial that you keep the area clean to avoid bacteria buildup that can lead to foul odors, Dr. Ross said.
A vagina that smells like ammonia may be a sign that there's urine residue on your genitals (vulva) or that you're dehydrated. A skunk-like scent or a smell similar to body odor may be a sign that you're stressed and your sweat glands are working overtime.
A person with kidney failure may have breath that smells like ammonia or urine. Serious liver disease can make breath smell musty or like garlic and rotten eggs. Compounds that are transported through the blood can also be released through your sweat glands. That can make your armpits and skin smell bad.
Vaginal odor can change from day to day during the menstrual cycle. An odor might be especially noticeable right after having sex. Sweating also can cause a vaginal odor. Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina.
Many people find that they suffer from urge incontinence or stress incontinence, particularly as they age or after having children. This incontinence means that urine leaks onto your pants, causing an ammonia smell.
The acidity and antioxidants in cranberries, as well as citrus fruits, can help reduce vaginal odor by discouraging bacterial growth. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you think your vaginal scent or discharge is abnormal.
Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating from the eccrine glands. If someone sweats a lot, sweat may buildup on the skin and interact with bacteria. This may cause an odor, which may smell of ammonia. Kidney disease: The kidneys remove urea from the body.
People with uncontrolled diabetes can experience a fruity or acetone-like smell (think nail polish remover) on their breath or skin. This is due to the buildup of ketones in your bloodstream, which is a byproduct of fat breakdown.
The truth is that when everything's normal, no one else smells any odors from a girl's vagina. If a girl has an infection like bacterial vaginosis, she may notice a fishy smell. But even then, it's unlikely that people around her will notice it.
Our skin is naturally covered with bacteria. When we sweat, the water, salt and fat mix with this bacteria and can cause odor. The odor can be bad, good or have no smell at all. Factors like the foods you eat, hormones or medications can affect body odor.
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections. These infections are the result of bacteria entering the urinary tract. Many bacteria that cause UITs break down urea into ammonia, giving the urine a strong smell.
Prevent Dehydration
If your urine smells like ammonia and is a dark yellow or honey color the most probable cause is dehydration. Try cutting down on coffee, sugary drinks & alcohol, and drink 2-3 liters of water per day to stop your pee from smelling like ammonia in the future.
This can happen as a result of a blockage in the urinary tract, or from weak bladder muscles that prevent the bladder from fully emptying or from signaling that it is full. Some conditions that can cause overflow incontinence are: Bladder stones or tumors.
The odor suggests that bacteria may be swimming around in your urinary system, most likely in your urethra, kidneys or bladder. Urine showing signs of a UTI may also be cloudy or even a bit bloody. Peeing may become painful, too — a symptom made even worse by the fact that you may feel the need to urinate more often.
Does estrogen have a smell? Estrogen doesn't have a scent, but hormonal changes during menopause can alter body odor. As estrogen drops and testosterone becomes more dominant, sweat may attract more bacteria, leading to stronger smells, particularly during hot flashes.
It's normal to smell “down there,” even after bathing. Your vagina resides in a warm, dark place loaded with lymph nodes and glands. It has its own delicately balanced ecosystem with unique, odor-producing bacterial flora.
Our vaginas are home to billions of bacteria and the balance of this bacteria changes constantly, creating different aromas varying from musty and fermented to coppery or sweet smelling. These smell variations are likely a result of your menstrual cycle, your hygiene habits, or just you.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you're experiencing a persistent or foul-smelling vaginal odor, don't hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare provider or an ob-gyn. They can help identify any underlying conditions, from a simple yeast infection to more severe issues, that could be causing the odor.