Introduction
When breath, sweat or skin smell of garlic , the causes are not only to be found in the consumption of garlic itself, and therefore by the action of allicin which enters the bloodstream and is expelled as sweat or breath, but also in psychophysical conditions, diseases or medications that cause this reaction. Unpleasant body odor generally occurs when sweat and body oils interact with bacteria or sulfur compounds.on the skin. Talk to your doctor if you sweat excessively or suddenly develop an intense form of body odor. Some tests can determine the cause of the problem and the indication of a suitable deodorant can help solve the problem.
Body odors: causes
- Garlic and onions in food
- Consumption of some spices such as curry and cumin
- Taking medications such as dimethyl sulfoxide (used to treat some bladder conditions )
- Selenium -based supplements
- Liver disorders
Garlic and body odors
Foods of the onion (allium) family, including onion , leek , garlic , and chives , contain pungent sulfur compounds that permeate through skin pores. The most common side effects of eating garlic, or taking garlic supplements, are primarily bad breath and body odor , which usually becomes more noticeable when raw garlic is eaten. Handling raw garlic, whether to peel it or simply transfer it to a saucepan, can transfer the garlic odor to your hands and fingers. The smell can be felt and persist on the skin for up to two days, despite thehand washing .
If the garlic smell is caused by eating these foods, it should go away on its own in a few days. If it’s from a supplement , however, it will clear up a few days after you stop.
Because the breath tastes like garlic
Consumption of spices
Curry and cumin are both causes of garlic odor on skin and breath. The compounds of these spices, combined with the perspiration of the skin, are capable of secreting the smell of garlic, a pungent and sour sensation, felt even for a few days after consumption, before the smell disappears completely in three or four days.
Medications and supplements that cause skin and breath odor
Some sulfur-based medications and supplements, including dimethyl sulfoxide (used to treat some bladder conditions), can cause garlic-like body odor and bad breath . This side effect can last up to 72 hours.
Too much selenium can also make your breath or body smell like garlic. It’s one of the symptoms of chronic selenosis, which can occur when you get more than 1,000 micrograms of a nutrient a day (possibly through supplements). Other symptoms include muscle weakness , fatigue, irritability, and red, itchy skin.
Emotional stress
Sweat caused by stress or emotional situations that cause apprehension, anxiety and discomfort is different from sweat produced in hot conditions or during exercise. Anxiety or emotional stress causes the body to produce an oily sweat, which combined with the sulfur-producing bacteria on the skin, can cause the smell of garlic to the skin.
In this case it is essential to cleanse the armpits with an antibacterial soap, shave frequently in the most prone areas such as the armpits. Use a deodorant and antiperspirant to reduce sweating (apply it at night to make it more effective), prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist.
Liver disorders
Rarely, having garlic breath when you haven’t eaten garlic could be a sign of serious liver disease , but if associated with other symptoms, such as: yellowish skin and eyes ; abdominal pain ; swelling in the abdomen, legs or ankles ;
itchy skin ; dark colored urine and/or light colored stools ; nausea or vomiting ; loss of appetite , may be a reaction of this pathology.
Bad breath: medical causes
Common causes
- Hypertrophic adenoids
- Gum abscess
- Lung abscess
- Bronchiectasis
- Alcoholic ketoacidosis
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Esophageal diverticula
- Gingivitis
- Indigestion
- Kidney failure
- Periodontitis
- Pulpitis
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
How to get rid of garlic smell on hands
- Salt and lemon . Mix salt and lemon juice and rub it on wet hands. The citric acid contained in the citrus fruit and the exfoliating power of the salt help eliminate odor from the skin.
- Sodium Bicarbonate . Pour a teaspoon of baking soda into a bowl of warm water and dip your hands in it . Baking soda has excellent absorbency.