Bad skin odor

Skin odor is common and most often results from bacteria acting on sweat, sebum and dead skin. It is usually related to hygiene, clothing choices or the level of sweating; less commonly it signals an underlying medical condition.

Maintain regular bathing, change out of sweaty clothing promptly, choose breathable fabrics, dry shoes and clothes thoroughly, stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. If there are wounds, persistent redness, discharge or other concerning signs, see a clinician.

The smell itself is not contagious. However, some infections that produce odor—such as fungal or bacterial skin infections—may be transmissible through direct contact or shared personal items, so good hygiene and not sharing towels or footwear are important.

If the odor is accompanied by high fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, widespread swelling, or profuse discharge, seek urgent medical attention at the nearest emergency service.