Why Do My Armpits Smell So Bad? A Doctor Explains

It’s all fun and games until you realize your underarms don’t pass the smell test. While deodorant may serve as your first line of defense against unwanted odors, it’s not always enough to combat smelly armpits. And if you don’t understand why your armpits smell bad in the first place, what once was a one-time occurrence could become an anxiety-inducing pattern.

It sometimes feels embarrassing to talk about body odor with a health care provider. But in some cases — especially if you notice a sudden change — smelly armpits could be indicative of a larger health issue. To give you a better sense of why your armpits smell so bad, we asked a doctor about some of the most common causes — from stress and anxiety, to the types of clothes you’re wearing.

Read on for expert-approved advice on how to navigate underarm odor, including how to remove smell from your underarms, and when to see a doctor.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Suzanne Wylie, GP, MBBS, MRCGP, is the medical director of Wylie Health Clinic and medical adviser for IQ doctor.

Why Do My Armpits Smell So Bad?

There’s a few different reasons you may experience unpleasant odors around your underarms — some you can control, and some you can’t. On a basic level, smelly armpits (also known as “bromhidrosis”) are caused by sweat interacting with bacteria on the skin, explains Suzanne Wylie, GP, MBBS, MRCGP. Although sweat itself is odorless, when bacteria breaks it down, the sweat starts to smell. It’s also not only lifestyle choices; Dr. Wylie notes that certain medical conditions (such as hyperhidrosis, diabetes, and certain infectious diseases) can also affect body odor and make your underarms smell worse. Additionally, research shows that genetics play a role in body odor as well. Other contributors to smelly armpits include:

How to Remove Smell From Underarms

If you want to eliminate the odor from your armpits, personal hygiene is usually the best place to start, Dr. Wylie says. “Washing the armpits regularly with soap and water, using antibacterial soap, and applying an effective deodorant or antiperspirant can help.” Dr. Wylie adds that hair removal (shaving, electrolysis, or laser) may help as well, since hair traps both sweat and bacteria. To get rid of smelly armpits, she also recommends wearing loose, breathable fabrics like cotton, and avoiding foods known to contribute to body odor, such as garlic and onions. You might also want to consider staying away from triggers like caffeine, alcohol, MSG, and spicy foods, all of which can contribute to heavier sweating, per the Cleveland Clinic.

That said, these lifestyle tweaks aren’t always enough. “For some individuals, medical treatments like prescription antiperspirants, Botox injections, or even laser treatments to reduce sweat glands may be recommended,” Dr. Wylie says. You might also want to consider an antiperspirant like Driclor, which contains aluminum chloride to help reduce sweat. “It is an inexpensive, safe and effective treatment,” Dr. Wylie says.

Can You Permanently Remove Smell From Underarms?

“Permanently removing underarm smell can be challenging,” Dr. Wylie says. Procedures like miraDry — which uses thermal energy to target and destroy sweat glands — does exist, and it’s also possible to surgically remove one’s sweat glands. “However, these treatments are typically reserved for those with persistent and severe cases,” Dr. Wylie says (such as in severe cases of hyperhidrosis). These treatments seek to “offer long-term relief by significantly reducing sweat production,” Dr. Wylie adds. But generally speaking, most people should be able to manage their underarm odor by maintaining proper hygiene and making the appropriate lifestyle changes.

When to See a Doctor

Although Dr. Wylie says smelly armpits usually don’t point to a serious health issue, if your armpits continue to smell or cause you distress, it may be time to contact your doctor. “If there is a sudden or significant change in body odor, or if the smell persists despite good hygiene, it may warrant further investigation,” Dr. Wylie says. “Rarely, certain metabolic or endocrine disorders, such as trimethylaminuria or diabetes, can cause unusual body odor. If this is a concern, it would be advisable to consult a doctor for a proper assessment.” In the case of diabetes, high ketone levels could cause your body odor to smell fruity or vinegar-like, while trimethylaminuria produces a fishy body odor. Take note of what you’re smelling, and don’t be afraid to talk to your provider for more personalized medical advice.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.