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Why do we get sweaty smells?

Sweat glands develop during puberty to help us control our temperature, but this also means that we sweat more than we did when we were children. When sweat hangs around and soaks into clothes it can encourage the normal bacteria on our skin to grow and it is these bacteria that cause the sweaty smells.

How can I prevent or reduce these smells?

• Wash daily with simple soaps.
  
  

• Wear clothes that allow the sweat to evaporate.
  
  

• Change your clothes regularly.
  
  

• Use an anti-perspirant.

 

I am a girl, or woman and I think my genitals might smell, what should I do?

It is quite normal that your vagina should have its own distinctive smell. You can buy vaginal deodorants to keep the genital region sweet smelling but they are not necessary and can cause irritation. Washing the vagina, douching, is not usually recommended because it can sometimes push bacteria up into the womb. It is best to keep the outside genital skin clean by washing daily with a mild soap, avoid heavily perfumed soaps and shower gels in case they irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin you can use an aqueous cream which you can buy over the counter at any chemist.

 

 

 

I am a girl, or woman, which smells can mean I have a problem?

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common infection which can produce a strong, fishy, smell and usually an increase in vaginal discharge. It often smells more strongly after sex but is not caught by having sex. It is just an imbalance in the bugs that live in your vagina. It is not serious and it can be easily treated if it causes you a problem.

 

 

 

I am a boy, or man and think my genitals might smell more than normal.

If you don't wash under your foreskin each day, if you haven't been circumcised, a yellowish-white creamy stuff builds up. This is called smegma and is quite normal but, if it hangs around, it can smell like mouldy cheese. So it is wise to clean under your foreskin daily with unscented soap and water. Don't overwash, especially with scented soaps or shower gels because these can cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you can try an aqueous cream which can be bought over the counter at any chemist.

 

 

If you are worried about any troublesome smells, come along to SHAC (at Clinic 1A) for some advice or to have them 'checked out'.

 

 

 

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