Changes in your sweat could signal three serious health problems, doctor warns

Whether it’s a sweaty commute to work or a walk in the blazing sunshine, summer might have you going through clothes more quickly than usual.

While sweating is a completely natural practice that your body uses to regulate body temperature, smelly sweat could sometimes signal serious health problems, ranging from diabetes to liver failure.

Fortunately, Dr Deborah Lee, from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, explained when to seek medical help.

Dr Lee said: “Normal sweat – produced by eccrine glands found at sites across the whole body – doesn’t smell of anything. 

“It is mostly made up of salt water but also contains some ammonia, urea and ethanol (alcohol).

“When this sweat is mixed with bacteria on the skin’s surface, it can smell.”

The doctor explained that it’s crucial to pay attention to any changes in your body odour.

“If your sweat changes smell, or if other people are commenting on this, you should take this seriously,” she said.

Acetone smell

If you have ever used nail polish remover, you must be familiar with the sharp smell of acetone that lingers in the air.

Apart from signalling the presence of nail care products, acetone smell could be pointing to diabetes.

Patients with the blood sugar condition are at risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which occurs when there is not enough insulin to break down carbohydrates for energy.

The body is then forced to burn fat, producing ketones instead. 

Dr Lee said: “As a result, acetone builds up in the bloodstream and is released into the sweat. 

“In DKA, acetone is released in the breath and the sweat, giving off a fruity odour – like pear drops.”

Ammonia sweat

Characterised by a strong smell similar to urine, ammonia sweat could be a sign of kidney failure.

The doctor said: “Most nitrogen excretion from the body takes place in the kidney. 

“When the kidney is failing, there is a buildup of urea and ammonia in the bloodstream, which is released in the breath and the sweat. 

“Acute kidney failure can sometimes [occur] very suddenly.”

Rotten musty sweat

Sweating excessively is nothing uncommon in liver disease, as the condition causes the body to be overheated.

However, severe liver disease could trigger an especially unpleasant smell similar to “rotten eggs and garlic”.

“This is because the liver cannot excrete sulphur and excretes dimethyl sulphide in the sweat,” Dr Lee said.

Because many of these health problems are considered medical emergencies, the doctor recommended phoning 999 for advice if you notice stark changes in your sweat that are accompanied by other symptoms.

How to control your body odour

Dr Lee recommended the following tips for those who are trying to tackle unpleasant smell:

• Bath or shower twice a day
• Use an antibacterial soap, washing well in the groin, genital area and armpits
• Try mixing one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with eight ounces of water (this can be used under the armpits to kill the underarm bacteria)
• Towel dry with a dry clean towel
• Use a strong antiperspirant that contains ammonium chloride under your arms (this should also be a deodorant)
• Shave regularly under your arms
• Wear clean clothes every day, including clean socks and underpants
• Wash any sweaty workout clothes from the gym each time you’ve used them
• Try using deodorant powder in your shoes
• Avoid spicy food and garlic as this is released in sweat.