Why does sweat smell?

Answer

“Fresh” sweat is almost odorless, although there are specialized sweat glands under the armpit and in the pubic area that release odorous substances from puberty onwards, which may play a signaling role, for example in sexual attraction. One research group even measured changes in cortisol hormone levels in women after they smoked male sweat. However, these scents are quite subtle. The more prevalent typical sweat smell is indeed caused by bacteria. It has been shown experimentally that bacteria normally present on the skin produce malodorous volatiles with complicated names (such as 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, 3-Hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid and 3-sulfanyl alkane-1) from sweat. -ols 2-5 [Chem Biodivers, December 1, 2004; 1(12): 2042-50]). By keeping the concentration of bacteria low or limiting sweating, the odor can be mitigated. Washing the smelly spot regularly with soap, possibly depilating, will help. Topically applied deodorants that spread a more pleasant scent and antiperspirants that reduce sweat production do the rest.

prof. dr. Bruno Verhasselt