In addition, it is also suggested that you trim any hair in the area as it can trap sweat and bacteria. Learn how to add this skincare trend to your beauty regimen. Hormonal imbalances (such as an increase in estrogen) can also cause body odor. Wear a fresh shirt every time you go out or exercise, and wash your clothes immediately after a heavy sweat session. Foods high in sulfur include garlic, onions, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and eggs. Developmental delay. Fight back against armpit odor by dousing a cotton ball with witch hazel and rubbing it on your underarms after showering or bathing for an easy-to-apply home remedy for body odor. Using apple cider vinegar regularly can help prevent bacteria from accumulating in your armpits. Additionally, the amount you sweat doesnt equate to the power of your body odor. If prescription strength antiperspirants do not stop the excessive sweating, doctors might suggest the treatments below. Pro-tip: Be careful when applying strong acidic home remedies like lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and witch hazel . Bacteria break down sweat to produce thioalcohols, "which have scents comparable to sulfur, onions, or meat." This leaves a pungent smell that sticks to your kilikili when it evaporates. It turns out there's a scientific reason why "onion" pops up as a descriptor. Fear not. Lanzalaco A, Vanoosthuyze K, Stark C, Swaile D, Rocchetta H, Spruell R. A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men. Others may need to shave or wax their armpits to reduce underarm odor. A small 2016 study found that people who wore antiperspirant or deodorant had fewer Staphylococci microbes than people who didnt use any antiperspirant or deodorant. When the sweat from your glands meets the bacteria on your skin, it breaks down into products called thioalcohols. Thats a lot of places for bacteria to grow and cause body odor. An armpit detox cant prevent this irritation. Slowly lower the water temperature before you finish your shower. They're not too pricey either, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Eating Healthy: How a Balanced Diet can Help Prevent Stinky Armpits. Did you know that the average person has roughly 1.6 to 5 million sweat glands in their body? Its a greatalternative to standard deodorant options that contain The GOP has introduced more than 20 bills targeting drag shows this year alone. If you don't wear antiperspirant or practice. Underarm bacteria can cause onion-scented armpits. Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which people sweat excessively, especially on their hands, feet, and armpits. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain sulfur, which your body absorbs and secretes through your sweat. It is thought that apocrine glands are primarily responsible for stress-related sweat, explains Dr. Zeichner. Typically, steam and water vapor from taking a shower result in a more humid bathroom. We sweat to help maintain our core body temperature, he explains. By eating high levels of certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, the odor of sweat may be altered, says Dr. Zeichner. This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. When the people in the study who typically used deodorant without sweat-blocking ingredients, or who went without any product, applied an antiperspirant, the Staphylococci bacteria on their skin decreased. Actress Zazie Beetz studied abroad in Paris when she was 20 and was back to see the knits at the Chlo show. Sweat glands are stimulated by our nerves in response to hot weather, emotional stress, or strenuous activity.. I now own 3", Sign up for exclusive offers, discounts, tips and tricks. This imbalance in bacteria can be one reason why transitioning from an antiperspirant to a natural deodorant can make you feel extra smelly. Body odor smells like wax. It helps to understand how sweating works. Causes of body odour. antimicrobial properties. People sometimes use these two terms interchangeably, but there are differences in using antiperspirant vs. deodorant. Eccrine glands release a clear liquid that does not smell. Repeat once daily until you notice an improvement in your armpit odor. Maybe, as the interview revealed, it's because he. People usually refer to botulinum toxin injections as Botox. By the end of the study, researchers concluded that men who removed their armpit hair by waxing it off or shaving it with a razor had the least body odor. Onion-y body odor is caused by the bacteria eating up a sweat. "If I wear a fragrance, I find it quite overbearing.". Save your tears for the cutting board. Whether you switch to a different brand or a natural product, give your body and your bacteria time to adjust. These fluctuations largely influence how much you sweat and, therefore, how wet, moist, and optimal your armpits are for odor-causing bacteria to flourish. Sweat is responsible for smelly armpits. Being that he's the face of the fragrance Dior Homme, fans would expect him to smell like that particular concoction, but it's not the case. If more than one person has remarked that sniffing you feels like sticking their nose in a Crayola box, it is probably safe to say their assessment is accurate, as crayons have a very distinctive odor. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sweat: A systematic review. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Stress and anxiety can make people sweat more than usual. Fight back against thioalcohols and onion smell with antiperspirant or deodorant. This is just a breast cancer myth. Regular deodorant comes with a fragrance that will help mask the smell. Apocrine glands release a thick fluid that smells when it mixes with the bacteria on the skin. The amino acids in red meat leave a residue in your intestines. The Odor Shield technology is designed for daily use and stays put for at least 70 wash cycles. These simple measures might not work for people with hyperhidrosis. Just like onions, some people have a more pungent smell than others. The oil is sometimes sticky when mixed with deodorant; it is hard to totally wash away the stickiness during a quick shower. Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Overall, this is another detox youre probably better off skipping. This will help to reduce the amount of onion-smelling sweat that is produced. They get it from beef fat, which is what gives crayons their signature waxy consistency. The third possible cause of onion-smelling armpits is an ineffective deodorant. All of these clay products and things that are trying to pull out toxins are really just a myth, says dermatologist Shilpi Khetarpal. Some of the more conspicuous triggers of bad body odor are caffeine, alcohol and red meat. Hyperhidrosis affects about 3% of the population. While its unlikely that an armpit detox will harm you, theres no evidence that an armpit detox is going to offer any benefits. Many people who switch from traditional to natural deodorants have noted going through a period of time when they say they sweat and stink more. It takes time for the bacteria on your skin to balance out, and any product applied including natural deodorant, soap, or a detox mask can alter the types and amounts of bacteria. Shower at least once a day (or every morning and night) and scrub your extra-sweaty areas with a scent-free, antibacterial bath soap. by wearing deodorant and washing up. If over-the-counter deodorants arent working, consult your doctor about prescription-strength deodorant or Botox injections. ", "I love not being self-conscious about wet armpits! Hydration is important for keeping the skin healthy and free of bacteria. You may smell of onions after working out because your sweat breaks down and produces thioalcohol. Anyone who finds that smelly armpits are affecting their quality of life should speak with a doctor. potentially harmful chemicals. It might be time to take a good, hard look at your personal care routine. Meanwhile, Givenchy and Chlo fell short. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Deodorant cream moisturizers can also help reduce sweating in this area. Plus, armpit hair often gets thin and sparse after menopause when a woman no longer ovulates, according to a 2020 review in the journal Nature. It reduces the pH of your skin and makes it Sulfur is a naturally occurring element that gives some foods their characteristic odor and taste. That natural aroma, it turns out, is akin to waxy crayons. Try our And why doesn't he just cover that up with Dior Homme? How to Efficiently Get Skunk Smell Off Dog Proven Methods, Why Does My Armpit Smell Like Cat Pee? If you're looking for something long lasting, miraDry could be worth exploring. Possible causes of secondary hyperhidrosis include: Excessive sweating is not necessarily the cause of all sudden changes in armpit odor. detox youre probably better off skipping, cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00403-014-1487-1, breastcancer.org/research-news/using-antiperspirants-during-radiation, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, A 2023 Review of Biossance: Reputation, Products, and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, 2023s Best Eye Creams for Dark Circles, According to Dermatologists, The 17 Best Face Moisturizers for Your Skin Type in 2023, Turn Down the Temp on Your Skin Care Routine with These DIY Cryotherapy Tips. The smell from armpits is caused by bacteria that thrive in warm, moist places. The molecular basis of thioalcohol production in human body odour. Only Owens has the power to demolish our notions of dress. Reasons and How to Fix it, Why Does My Towel Smell Like Onions, Garlic, Or Ginger? Although it might be embarrassing. There are many claimed benefits of an armpit detox. Similarly, people going through menopause experience hormonal change, causing night sweats and hot flashes that can cause onion-smelling sweat, per the Cleveland Clinic. Many people experience smelly armpits from time to time. Things that can make body odour worse include: exercise. Now, it may be possible that one of your underarms sweat more than the other. Not all these bacteria are bad. But deodorant and antiperspirants change the types and amounts of bacteria in the armpit. Sweating is a normal and necessary bodily function that stops people from overheating. They can help you identify any underlying medical conditions and recommend treatment options. People have lots of both types of sweat gland in the armpits. This is because these kinds of sulfurous foods (garlic is another one) contain compounds your body cant entirely break down. When the liquid dries, it can smell. Your skin contains eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. Lingering sweat mingled with dead skin cells can lead to inflammation and eventually itchy armpits. Armpit detoxes are believed to speed this phase up by unclogging pores and releasing impurities. Shave or trim your pits frequently to keep the armpit odor under control. The reasons for sweating more can include being overweight or obese, being in a hot environment, and stress. Women also tend to prefer the body odors of men with the highest testosterone levels, a finding published by PLoS One in 2020. If you have sensitive skin, mix the juice of half a lemon with half a cup of water to dilute it. The Best Street Style From Paris Fashion Week. But can you actually remove toxins through the skin? Dermatol Surg. A dermatologist weighs in on at-home devices. Douse your hair in cold water at the start of your shower to jumpstart the process of cooling down. Sometimes that smell is less-than-desirable. PLoS ONE. Menopause can also lead to a change in an individuals typical scent. Theres no evidence that toxins can be physically pulled out of the skin or deeper layers of tissue. Meat is harder to digest than other foods, so your body has to work harder to process it. "These contain an ingredient that actually decreases the amount of sweat, rather than just preventing it from reaching the surface of the skin," says Dr. Zeichner. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0077144, Thornhill R, Chapman JF, Gangestad SW. Womens preferences for mens scents associated with testosterone and cortisol levels: Patterns across the ovulatory cycle. What Causes Random Dark, Coarse Hair To Grow on the Body? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Stop using a product immediately if you develop burning, itching, redness, or a rash. If your odor has suddenly changed and nothing has changed in your stress levels or diet, you may be dealing with an undiagnosed medical condition, says Dr. Zeichner. There are a few things you can do to help reduce body odor, including washing your armpits with antibacterial soap, using an antiperspirant or deodorant, wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and shaving your armpits. The researchers also concluded that different body odors emit different social signals and that those signals can be "actively changed by the sender," i.e. Free Domestic Shipping Over $50, Free Returns. To avoid any burning or irritation, only apply to clean, dry skin. Kristen Stewart Called the Tabloid Attention on Her Relationship with Robert Pattinson "Gross", The 12 Best Fragrances for Your Zodiac Sign, According to an Astrologer, Shopping for a New Fragrance? When you have sticky hairs under your arms, sweat is also trapped and mixed into the hairs. Epsom salt can help you relax, de-stress, or avoid constipation, but it's not effective for weight loss. Your time may be better spent applying a soothing face mask or doing a hair treatment instead. Researchers have found that an individual's body odor reflects aspects of their personality to others. Prevention may be easier than an actual cure. If you've been working out, excessive sweat may be the culprit. But its more likely that rinsing the mask off with water when youre done will do the trick. Here, learn what might be responsible and what to do next. In the simplest sense, stink happens when sweat encounters bacteria on the skin. Use antiperspirants to reduce sweating and prevent onion body odor. Night sweats happen for a range of reasons, including infections and hormone imbalances. However, unlike antiperspirant, deodorant does not block sweat. Theres also no research showing that toxins in deodorants or antiperspirants result in breast cancer. Abnormal muscle movements, spasms that cause a backward arching of the head, neck and spine. Hyperhidrosis is mostly genetic, but sometimes, medication or hormone changes (such as those that happen during menopause) can cause hyperhidrosis to show up when youre older. When trying to avoid body odor, the type of clothing you wear can make a big difference. The best face moisturizer is one that fits with your skin type. Armpits smell due to a fluid produced by the apocrine glands. The latter open into hair follicles and can be found in the armpits. Lots of people tell me I smell like a crayon, the could-be ballerina noted, when asked how he would describe his scent. Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which can temporarily block the sweat glands and reduce sweating. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Additionally, avoiding strong-smelling foods like onions and garlic can help. Letting sweat sit on your shirts creates a breeding ground for sweat-causing bacteria. Genetics plays a role in how many thioalcohols your body produces. Good hygiene can help prevent smelly armpits by getting rid of the bacteria that cause the odor. Its armpits. From removing cancer-causing toxins to draining lymph nodes, some armpit detox articles make bold, unproven claims. Simultaneously, you might wonder: OK, but why in the world do my armpits smell like onions?, Do not be alarmed. If you have ever had a period, then you know how much your body can change over the course of one month. In recent years, the pinnacle of motorsports has gained an unlikely audience of new enthusiasts. } Cleansers can help remove onion body odor. Vegetables are a culprit here, especially onions, cabbage and cauliflower. The first thing that a doctor will recommend is usually a prescription strength antiperspirant. Turns out, theres actually something to this claim. If you are concerned about your armpits smelling bad, you may want to try one of these methods. Thoroughly cleanse your armpits with soap and water, use a deodorant you like, and see a dermatologist if you have any other concerns. Stay away from strongly scented soaps, which can make your armpits smell worse. An armpit is a place that can hold sweat and help give off . The study aimed to find out if armpit hair affects body odor, and if so, to what extent. These glands essentially enter into the hair follicle, and then release the sweat out of the body. Most of them stem from traditional practices in complementary and alternative medicine. Body odour may also be linked to excessive sweating and smelly feet. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This can result in a body odor that smells like onions or garlic. Stinky armpits. If you are concerned about why your armpits smell like onions, using an over-the-counter deodorant or antiperspirant may help to reduce the amount of sweat and odor you produce. No matter your gender, hormonal changes and fluctuations in levels throughout a given day, month, or year can affect how much you sweat and the aromas you give off. Sears ME, et al. Yes, there are home remedies to get rid of onion-smelling armpits. 2013;8(10):e77144. Theres no need for it, it hasnt shown to be useful, and its going to do nothing or just give you some problems.. I hardly ever wear fragrances, he said. If you work in an onion or garlic factory, there is a high chance that your might be producing this onion smell in your underarms. The most common reasons why your armpits itch include: Sweat: Your armpits contain a large concentration of sweat glands, which makes it a place where you'll experience sweating. Sweating is a way to regulate body temperature. Other factors that can cause onion-scented armpits include smoking and deodorant use. Apocrine bromhidrosis is more pungent and persistent than eccrine bromhidrosis. Armpit hair is a collecting site to help bacteria grow. Infrequent showering can cause bacteria to build up on your skin. Aside from dietary considerations, try taking these steps to help limit armpit odor: Now that you know some of the factors that play a role in why your armpits might smell bad, you can take steps to address body odor! Eccrine and apocrine sweat glands differ in their location, production method, and purpose. People who experience armpit odor after eating seafood may have a metabolic disorder called Some people might find the injections painful. If you have sensitive skin, mix the juice of half a lemon with half a cup of water to dilute it. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. The bacteria themselves remain, so if you have no armpit hair but don't wash your armpits, you're still going to have odor. This is because sweat feeds bacteria and garlic is known to produce sulfuric acid. Here are the best and easiest methods for getting rid of armpit odor fast. Try using it to wash your pits, but do it before shaving so your skin doesn't sting. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-018-0588-z, Dalton P, Maut C, Jan C, Wilson T. Chemosignals of stress influence social judgments. Parties with Guerlain, Margiela, and more. 2013;34(3):216-221. doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2013.01.003, Croijmans I, Beetsma D, Aarts H, Gortemaker I, Smeets M. The role of fragrance and self-esteem in perception of body odors and impressions of others. Armpit rashes can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, and chronic conditions. They get it from beef fat, which is what gives crayons their signature waxy consistency. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. Before the study began, researchers theorized that removing armpit hair would be the best way to minimize armpit odor. For example, during menopause, your estrogen levels decrease, which can trigger symptoms like hot flashes and heavy sweating, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). "We have clients who don't even wear deodorant anymore," Sloan added. Sometimes, this can lead to a sudden change in the way the armpits smell. When preteens begin puberty, their hormones fluctuate, which can cause their body odor to smell. As hormones change during life phases such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy or the postpartum period, sweat glands may become more active, Dr. Kuchnir says. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/, https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-treatment, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20526549/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7215946/, https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2013/may/hyperhidrosis-and-bromhidrosis/, https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/ask-the-doctor-what-can-i-do-about-excessive-sweating, https://www.jneurology.com/articles/hyperhidrosis--an-unknown-widespread-silent-disorder.html, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/stages-of-puberty-what-happens-to-boys-and-girls/, https://www.sweathelp.org/home/understanding-hyperhidrosis.html. Learn more about the causes of body odor and how to prevent and treat it here. But what can lead to stinky underarms, and how might you go about combatting unwelcome body odors? Thioalcohols are a type of molecule that can give off a strong, onion-like scent. After talking with Dr. Francis, it's clear that armpit hair does, in fact, serve a purposeand it's one you might not expect. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. The first is to mix baking soda with water and apply it to the armpits. An armpit is a place that can hold sweat and help give off this odor. During Paris Fashion Week, Anrealage used technology to make colors appear. Consuming certain foods and drinks may, therefore, lead to a sudden change in body odor around the armpits. (2012). If excessive sweating affects the whole body, doctors might suggest using anticholinergic medicines. Wear the The scent can hit you after a grueling workout or in the middle of a nerve-wracking presentation. If you want to be sure all traces of fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants are removed, follow the water rinse with a soap and water scrub with a washcloth to remove the antiperspirant. Apocrine sweat glands, on the other hand, are only located in certain parts of your body, such as your armpits, and they produce a thicker type of sweat that contains more fat and protein. According to the reference, there are two home remedies that may help to reduce onion-smelling armpits. ARM & HAMMER Ultramax Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant, Unscented: ARM & HAMMER Ultramax Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant, Active Sport: ARM & HAMMER EssentialsSolid Deodorant, Rosemary Lavender: Tips for Exercising Outdoors, All Year Long. This excess sweating can. Sometimes, doctors inject tiny amounts of Botox into the armpits to treat excessive sweating. 2023 Thompson Tee. Plus OxiClean Dirt Fighters Carpet Odor Eliminator, Pet Fresh, have millions of sweat glands on your skin, work with the immune system to fight microbes, differences in using antiperspirant vs. deodorant, ULTRAMAX Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant, Fresh Scent. Robb-Nicholson, C. (2014). .how-to-content-section.photo-style.text-style .content-section .right-sec { Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The injections are even FDA-approved to treat underarm sweating. The study found that men tend to find women more attractive when they are at the "peak-fertility stage" of their ovulatory cycle. Fish like tuna and salmon contain choline, a type of B-vitamin that produces a pungent fishy smell. Anyway, Pattinson also mentioned that, despite his gig with Dior, he does not really wear cologne. Home remedies for getting rid of onion-smelling armpits may include using deodorant and showering regularly, as well as reducing onion consumption. Urban J, et al. The apocrine sweat glands are found in areas with a high concentration of hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. Armpit hair by itself doesn't smell. If sweating is excessive, it can cause smelly armpits even if a person washes regularly and uses deodorant or antiperspirant. He covers all things entertainment, celebrity, and culture. Underarms tend to have more nasty compounds, including thiols, which smell like skunk, says Joe Schwarcz, PhD, director of McGill University's Office for . I would caution people against [an armpit detox], Khetarpal says. If you are concerned about your body odor, talk to your healthcare provider. Drinking plenty of water and wearing loose-fitting clothing can help reduce body odor. At Paris Fashion Week, Different Takes on Glamour. Apple cider vinegar is antibacterial and can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Many people choose to shave their armpits in order to avoid body odor. Still, its unlikely you feel comfortable walking around with noticeably smelly armpits. How Fashion Designer and Mom to a 2-Year-Old Mary Furtas Gets It Done, Im just much more adult, calmer, and more diplomatic with people. Thus, the potential mingling of sweat and bacteria might lead to unexpected odors even after deodorant has been applied. Feeling like youre still sweaty or stinky after cleaning up not as much. You grow., Im Sick of Being the Bad Guy in Relationships. Anyone who's familiar with the smell of crayons can probably pick up the notes immediately. Botox may be a good option for you to reduce sweating and eliminate the onion smell. Jonathan Anderson gets one of the first qualities of great fashion that it has to feel a bit strange. Search warrants reveal that police discovered a knife and a gun while investigating Bryan Kohbergers car and his family home. Your intestinal enzymes break down the residue during digestion, which mixes with bacteria on your skin and trimethylaminuria. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0258773, Rudden M, Herman R, Rose M, et al. Alcohol can also have this effect. Some people find that using an antiperspirant or deodorant is also helpful in preventing body odor. Whether it's your favorite meal or last week's trash, a smell can be intoxicatingly good and equally as bad, if not worse. Whats the best way to guarantee your friends, family and colleagues never know youre battling armpit odor? Try some of these ARM & HAMMER deodorants and antiperspirants to fight odors and feel like your most comfortable self. Read our. Armpit hair is a collecting site to help bacteria grow. The Row and Balmain showed individual gestures on luxury. Evolution and Human Behavior. Privacy Policy and If that's something you're considering, there are plenty of different options available, starting with manual hair-removal options. In this article, we'll cover all the best ways to get rid of armpit odor. Repeat once daily until you notice an improvement in your armpit odor. 2017;43(4):558-565. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000001004. Some people just smell like onions naturally. Armpit odor occurs when your sweat interacts with the bacteria on your skin, producing that unmistakable armpit smell also known as B.O. But it's not just men who have a hound-like sense of smell. Avoiding alcohol and certain foods, such as onions and garlic, will also help prevent smelly armpits in some cases. Huh! But sometimes, no matter how much you shower, douse yourself in perfume or slather on deodorant, the underarm odor just wont let up. Things you buy through our links may earn Vox Media a commission. All rights reserved. @media (min-width: 1025px){ Assessing Vaginal Health: 5 Clues From Your Vagina, A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men, Understanding the microbial basis of body odor in pre-pubescent children and teenagers, Chemosignals of stress influence social judgments, Womens preferences for mens scents associated with testosterone and cortisol levels: Patterns across the ovulatory cycle, The role of fragrance and self-esteem in perception of body odors and impressions of others, The molecular basis of thioalcohol production in human body odour, A prospective study of axillary hair reduction in patients treated with microwave technology, Group 1 trimmed their armpit hair with scissors, Group 2 shaved their armpit hair with a razor in the shower. A cheese or meat-like smell coming from your armpits or groin; A garlic or onion-like smell coming from your breasts, armpits, or groin; Social anxiety due to strong odor; How To Treat Excess Armpit Odor (Bromhidrosis) Thankfully, there are a host of things you can do to stop smelling like onions: 1- Use antibacterial or germicidal soap Different people make different odors, and odor is an attraction to the opposite sex. But your unique microbiome can manifest bacteria that, when engaged with sweat, results in smelly underarms. But before you cover your pits in green sludge, lets take a look at whether these detoxes really work. These products work by either masking odors or by keeping sweat from forming in the first place. uninhabitable for bacteria. Eccrine sweat glands are located all over your body and they produce sweat that is mostly water. Theyre usually the result of abnormal tissue growth.