While sweat itself doesn't smell, you may develop body odor when there is the presence of bacteria on your skin. This is particularly why sweaty breasts smell sour or musky. Body odor comes from bacteria on the skin, which breaks down sweat produced by the apocrine glands.
The sweat under breasts is secreted by the apocrine glands, while sweat from the rest of the body is produced by eccrine glands. Apocrine glands in the skin are scent glands, and the sweat they produce is thicker and typically has odor.
Apocrine glands tend to create that foul smell because they release substances such as fat and proteins when they release sweat.
Simple antiperspirants can prevent your underboob area from sweating, and dermatologists find it a safe way to handle the problem. You can also change your bras and shirts, opting for breathable bras and cotton tops so that moisture doesn't get trapped inside.
Sweat smelling like vinegar: What to know. Sweat can smell like vinegar because of diseases such as diabetes, trichomycosis, and kidney disease, or because of hormone changes, certain foods, or skin infections. Sweat is released by sweat glands that are found throughout the body.
Use antiperspirant—yes, under your boobs
While it may seem strange to apply an antiperspirant anywhere other than your underarms, it works, Dr. Hazen says. "Antiperspirant can be used anywhere—on your feet, hands, and even under your bra," she says.
Trimethylaminuria is a rare condition. Increased levels of the compound trimethylamine (TMA) in the body cause trimethylaminuria. TMA has a fish-like smell. The body releases TMA through the urine, sweat, or breath.
Perspiration and bacteria
Bacteria generally cause sour-smelling sweat. Everyone has bacteria on their skin, and when the bacteria start to break down the sweat, it creates an odor.
Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Prescription-strength antiperspirants or medications may help.
Laundry is the worst, so it's tempting to wear the same bra for a week straight. But keep in mind your bra is basically wedged in your pits all day long, so it collects sweat and bacteria — and that can cause a stink and break down the fabric.
Yeast infections under your breasts are common. You can typically treat them with antifungal medications. But yeast infections under your breasts can take time and patience to get rid of.
Baby Powder Effectiveness
Sure, it can absorb and help lower sweat, but it can also clump when exposed to moisture, leave messy white streaks on your body and clothes, and simply isn't as effective as antiperspirants.
These dark spots are usually caused by the underwire of bras and shoulder straps that apply too much pressure on the skin, resulting in what we also call a bra burn.
That's right, antiperspirants are not just for your underarms – you can use them on your hands, feet, face, back, chest, and even groin. The most widely used ingredients in antiperspirants are metallic salts. Preparations containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate are among the most effective.
Foods such as garlic, onions, cumin, and curry can also cause changes in body odor. The sulfur-like compounds that the body releases as it breaks down these foods can react with the sweat on the skin, producing body odor that may be different than a person's natural scent.
High Lipase levels in breast milk
Some moms notice that their breast milk smells soapy, sour, or even vomit-like. Some even describe their breast milk smelling like parmesan cheese. When this happens it's possible the enzyme lipase is to blame. All breast milk naturally has lipase in it.
It is normal for a certain amount of ammonia to be present in your sweat. This is because it is a byproduct of amino acid production from protein in your diet. However, ammonia can have a pungent odor that may concern you. This is especially if it's only recently that you have noticed the smell.
Applying body powder can help soothe the friction and absorb any sweat. You can purchase a powder specifically designed for boob sweat, or keep it simple with baby powder. If possible, try a body powder with cornstarch, as it's known for being highly effective.
Use a mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day. Take baths or showers with lukewarm water, not hot water.
Common causes of bra chafing
Wearing a bra with an improper fit and a bra that is too tight or too loose can cause bra chafing. Wearing a bra made up of cheap fabric will cause chafing. Because the fabric is not skin-friendly and it can irritate the skin.