Sometimes you stink and genuinely have no idea.
Before you get offended, this happens to almost everyone. We get used to our own smell, so our brains stop paying attention to small changes. The same thing happens with a house that needs airing. You might not notice the smell until you spend a few hours somewhere else and come back.
Your breath, feet, scalp, sweat, skin folds and even your belly button can develop an odour without sending you a formal warning.
Here are 10 sneaky body stinks you might want to check before someone else notices them for you.
1. Stinking breath
Bad breath often comes from bacteria on the tongue and between the teeth. Tonsil stones can also cause some seriously offensive breath.
If your breath stays bad despite brushing and cleaning your tongue, it is worth getting your teeth and gums checked.
2. Stinking feet
If your feet sweat a lot, there is a good chance they smell too.
Sweat itself does not have much of a smell. Bacteria breaking down sweat and skin debris are usually responsible for the stink.
Wash your feet properly, dry between your toes and give your shoes time to air out.
3. Stinking sweat
Yes, you can still smell sweaty after taking a shower.
Body odour develops when bacteria on your skin break down substances in sweat. Your armpits, groin and other sweaty areas tend to produce more noticeable odour.
4. Stinking semen
Semen normally has a mild smell, sometimes described as slightly alkaline.
A strong, unusual or foul smell deserves more attention, especially if you also have pain, itching, burning when urinating or unusual discharge. An infection could be involved.
5. A stinky vagina
First, your vagina is supposed to have a natural comfortable smell.
But a strong fishy or unpleasant odour is different. Bacterial vaginosis is one possible cause. Some sexually transmitted infections can also cause unusual odour and discharge.
When you have itching, irritation and thick discharge, its likely a vaginal yeast infection. See a gynae.
6. A stinky scalp
Braids, wigs and other protective styles can make scalp care harder.
Add sweat, oil and several nights of sleeping with your head covered in that ‘marvin’, and your scalp will start smelling funky.
7. Stinky ears
Your ears should not normally smell foul.
An unpleasant smell accompanied by ear discharge, pain, swelling or reduced hearing needs medical attention. Ear infections and other ear conditions can cause stinking discharge.
Also, remember the skin behind your ears. Sweat, oil and dead skin can build up there too.
8. Under-breast stink
The skin underneath your breasts gets warm, sweaty and sometimes damp for long periods.
Sweat, dead skin and friction can create an environment where bacteria or fungi multiply, leading to odour and sometimes a rash.
Wash gently and dry the area properly. If you have persistent redness, itching, soreness, cracking or a rash, get it checked.
9. Stinky genital folds
Yes, those folds need washing too.
Sweat, oils, dead skin and other bodily fluids can collect around skin folds and create an unpleasant smell on the penis or labia.
Clean the external genital area gently and dry properly – every day. You do not need harsh scrubbing or strongly scented soaps.
10. A stinky belly button
Your belly button is a tiny pocket where sweat, skin cells, lint and other debris can collect.
Give it a gentle clean when you shower and dry it well.
If you notice persistent bad odour, discharge, redness, swelling or pain, get it checked .
So, what should you do?
Start with the regular stuff. It works.
- Bathe regularly and wash sweaty areas properly.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and clean your tongue and gargle to dislodge tonsil stones.
- Floss or clean between your teeth regularly.
- Wash and dry your feet, especially between your toes. Wear cotton socks.
- Give shoes and sweaty clothes time to dry properly. 3months with braids or weave is absurd.
- Keep your scalp clean according to your hairstyle.
- Wash skin folds gently and keep them dry.
- Clean your belly button frequently.
- Avoid using scented products and douching inside your vagina.
- If you notice unusual genital odour, discharge, itching or pain, seek medical care.
- If your ear smells foul or has discharge, pain or reduced hearing, see a healthcare professional.
And if you are wondering whether you have one of these smells, ask someone you trust.
Preferably someone who loves you enough to tell you the truth.
Or, just rub behind your ear and smell it…. And lick a silver spoon, let it dry, then smell it…
Ama unadhani juu hujatoka kwa nyumba leo hauta nuka usipo oga?
Good Day!