Body Odor as Clinical Indicator: Specialist Links Unusual Scents to Liver, Kidney, and Diabetes Disorders

Dr. Yelena Aleksentseva, an internal medicine specialist, states that natural sweat is nearly odorless. The scent perceived by humans arises only when sweat secretions interact with bacteria residing on the skin’s surface.

How bacterial metabolism shapes body odor

This interaction produces volatile compounds responsible for each individual’s distinctive body odor. The process occurs most actively in the axillary and inguinal regions.

Odor changes as potential diagnostic clues

Aleksentseva emphasizes that altered body odor does not always reflect inadequate personal hygiene. It may instead indicate latent medical disorders. Unusual odor patterns can point to hepatic or renal disease. Specifically, diabetes may produce an acetone-like smell; kidney dysfunction may yield an ammonia-like odor; and liver disease may manifest as a rotten-egg scent.

Factors influencing odor intensity

She notes that odor strength depends on multiple variables: sweat volume, skin condition, microbiome composition, genetic factors, diet, and lifestyle. Increased sweating fosters a bacteria-rich environment. Hair in certain anatomical areas retains moisture, thereby intensifying odor. Regular bathing alone may not suffice, as hormonal shifts, stress, or consumption of garlic, onions, spicy seasonings, and alcohol can significantly alter body odor—some of their components being excreted through the skin.

When to seek clinical evaluation

Aleksentseva advises consulting a specialist if no clear cause for the odor change is identifiable—particularly when the alteration persists over time. Certain medical conditions generate characteristic odors that clinicians may use during initial diagnostic assessment.

Preventive and management strategies

She recommends maintaining consistent personal hygiene, selecting appropriate skincare products, and wearing breathable clothing. Deodorants mask odor, whereas antiperspirants reduce sweat production itself.

Aleksentseva concludes that body odor results from a complex interplay among skin physiology, bacterial activity, dietary intake, and overall health status—and that any noticeable, sustained change warrants medical follow-up.