Why do I have an odor even after I shower?

Author: Dr. Davin Schowalter DDS  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

Everyone has sweat glands, but some people have overactive ones. This means you might sweat more than usual, even after a shower. More sweat equals more food for bacteria, which equals more odor.

Why do I smell so bad even after a shower?

Bacterial overgrowth: Body odor is primarily caused by bacteria on the skin breaking down sweat. If there is an overgrowth of bacteria on your skin, it can lead to persistent body odor even after showering (2).

Why do I smell bad down there even after a shower?

A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.

How do I make myself not smell even after showering?

Making sure you clean yourself really well and use a good scented body wash that works with you body chemistry. When you get out, try to match the scent of your moisturizer + deodorant with your body wash. If you prefer non scented deodorant-like options, glycolic acid is amazing at reducing smell!

How can I remove bad smell from my body?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

STINKING BODY | 5 Reasons why you smell even after a shower - Dr. Nischal K C |Doctors' Circle

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene?

Still, it's possible that things like diet, medical conditions or a bacterial buildup on the skin could be causing odor, Kopelman says. Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excessive sweating, could also contribute, because bacteria thrives in moist environments.

How do I detox my body odor?

How do doctors treat bad body odor?
  1. Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. ...
  2. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. ...
  3. Regularly wash clothing, and wear clean clothes.
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton.

What vitamin deficiency causes body odor?

Vitamin D does more than just give you a sunny glow—it's also super important for keeping your skin and body in check. If you're low on it, your skin could let more bacteria do their thing, which = more body odor.

What kills odor causing bacteria?

Many deodorants and antiperspirants also contain antimicrobials, like propylene glycol, triclosan and benzalkonium chloride, which decrease bacterial abundance and result in an altered skin microbiome in the armpits.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

What does bacterial vaginosis smell like?

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.

Does pubic hair hold odor?

If you sense a little body odor, it's because your pubic hair is doing its job of trapping sweat, oil, and bacteria.

What does organ failure smell like?

Rarely, people can have bad breath because of organ failure. 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.

What does thyroid sweat smell like?

Diabetes - Fruity smell. Kidney disease - Bleach-like smell. Infectious diseases - Varies with location and infection. Overactive thyroid - Sour smell.

What to eat to reduce body odor?

Leafy-green vegetables: Spinach, kale, lettuce, arugula and other leafy greens contain high levels of chlorophyll, which can neutralise odour-inducing components.

What hormone imbalance causes body odor?

Different hormones, different aromas

This shift can also lead to stronger body odor. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall relative to your testosterone, while cortisol tends to increase. Higher levels of both testosterone and cortisol have been linked to stronger body odor.

What does diabetic sweat smell like?

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.

What autoimmune disease causes body odor?

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare disorder in which the body is not able to metabolize the chemical trimethylamine, and this causes body odor.

Why does it smell when I pull my pants down?

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.

What does high estrogen smell like?

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.

How to cure body odor permanently?

You asked, we answered: Can you cure body odor permanently?
  1. Showering daily.
  2. Reducing or removing spicy foods.
  3. Using antibacterial soap or surgical scrub in sweat-prone areas.
  4. Eliminating your use of stimulants, including caffeine.
  5. Reducing stress.

Why do I still smell after showering?

Leftover soap and shampoo can cling to your skin, trapping bacteria and sweat, which leads to that unwanted odor.

What soap is good for body odor?

Use Antibacterial Soap

Washing thoroughly with an antibacterial soap bar will help get rid of some bacteria, which can help with the odor. Look for the word "antibacterial" on the soap's packaging.

How to stop being stinky?

Do
  1. wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly.
  2. shave your armpits regularly.
  3. use antiperspirants and deodorants.
  4. change and wash your clothes regularly.
  5. wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk.
  6. wear antibacterial socks.

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