Why Sweat Smells Like Vinegar - Medical News Today

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeSweat smelling like vinegar: What to know

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Lois Zoppi on April 29, 2021

Health causes
Other causes
Prevention
When to see a doctor
Treatment
Summary

Sweat can smell like vinegar because of diseases such as diabetes, trichomycosis, and kidney disease, or because of hormone changes, certain foods, or skin infections.

Sweat is released by sweat glands that are found throughout the body. These are the eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine glands.

Eccrine glands are found across the whole body and produce the most sweat. Sweat from eccrine glands generally does not smell.

Apocrine glands are found in the breasts, face, scalp, perineum, and the underarms. They produce less sweat than eccrine glands and open onto hair follicles rather than the skin. Sweat from apocrine glands can smell.

Apoeccrine glands are found in the underarms. The glands release sweat in the form of salt water.

Sweat helps the body stay cool by transferring heat from the body to the water in sweat on the skin. Heat then evaporates from the sweat and cools the body. Sweat also naturally moisturizes the skin and protects it against infection.

Sweat is mainly water and sodium chloride, but also contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, ammonia, urea, lactate, and ethanol. When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, it can produce a smell, which may smell like vinegar.

Causes of odor

a person is standing by a fence wearing a gray tank top and wiping sweat with a towel — Zachary Miller/Getty Images

Possible cause of a vinegar odor in sweat may include:

Kidney disease

A change in body odor can be a sign of kidney disease. In kidney disease, the kidneys may not be able to break down urea, which the body excretes through urine or sweat. This can have a vinegar-like smell.

According to The National Kidney Foundation, over 37 million American adults have kidney disease.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar levels.

If a person does not control their diabetes, they can enter diabetic ketoacidosis. This is when the body burns fat too quickly for energy if the cells cannot get enough glucose to use.

When the body burns fat, it produces ketones, which make the blood more acidic. Metabolites such as acetone are also released into the sweat, which can smell like vinegar.

Trichomycosis

Trichomycosis, also called trichobacteriosis or trichomycosis axillaris, is a bacterial infection in underarm hair or other areas caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium.

A 2013 study found that 92% of trichomycosis cases affected the underarm hair. In rarer cases, trichomycosis can affect the pubic hair.

A person may have yellow, black, or red nodules that stick to the hairs under the arms or around the genitals and buttocks.

The 2013 study found that 35.7% of cases included odor as a symptom of trichomycosis. A person’s sweat may smell acidic like vinegar, or be dark in color.

Hyperhidrosis

A person with hyperhidrosis will sweat excessively from the eccrine glands. A 2016 study estimated that almost 5% of Americans have hyperhidrosis.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis, primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis does not start from another health condition or medication. Focal means that the sweating affects multiple areas of the body. This can include the underarms, hands, feet, and forehead.

Secondary hyperhidrosis means that the cause of a person’s excessive sweating is an underlying health condition or is a side effect of medication.

When sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin, a person may notice it smells like vinegar.

Trimethylaminuria

Trimethylaminuria is a rare condition. A person with trimethylaminuria may notice their sweat has an unpleasant smell. This is because the body is unable to break down the chemical trimethylamine, which has a fish-like scent.

This can also cause urine or the breath to smell.

Other causes

Other possible causes for sweat odor may include:

Meat

The body uses energy to digest food. This can increase body temperature, which may trigger sweating.

A 2000 study found that the body uses more energy when digesting animal protein, such as pork, than plant proteins, such as soy. This may suggest that eating meat may make a person sweat more, which may produce body odors.

Additionally, a small 2006 study found that eating red meat had a negative effect on body odor, with participants rating the body odor of meat eaters as less attractive than those who ate a plant-based diet for two weeks.

Dairy

A person may experience body odor after consuming dairy if they have a metabolic disorder. If the body cannot break down trimethylamine, sweat can smell like fish or vinegar.

Spices and seasonings

When a person eats garlic, cumin, or curry, the body produces sulfur-like compounds that can react with sweat and create odor.

Stress

Stress can cause body temperature to rise, which can activate the sweat glands.

According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, the apocrine glands produce the most stress-induced sweat. Sweat from the apocrine glands has a stronger smell than from the eccrine glands, and so a person may notice their sweat smells stronger if they are stressed.

Hormones

As hormones change during puberty, menopause, pregnancy, menstruation, and older age, sweat can smell different.

This is because hormones can make a person sweat more. For instance, decreasing estrogen levels during menopause may increase body temperature, which can cause sweating.

Prevention

People can try the following to prevent sweat odor:

Deodorants and antiperspirants

Deodorants can mask body odors and help cover up sweat that smells like vinegar.

Antiperspirants help keep the skin dry by blocking the sweat glands. By using antiperspirants, a person can reduce the amount that sweat mixes with bacteria on the skin and reduce the risk of odors.

Changing clothes

Changing clothes more frequently can control the amount of moisture that comes in contact with the skin. This can stop sweat from drying on the skin, mixing with bacteria, and producing odors.

Washing

A person can wash with antibacterial soap to reduce the amount of bacteria that may mix with sweat and cause odors. A person may also be able to reduce their risk of fungal skin infections by washing frequently.

Drinking more water

Staying hydrated can dilute sweat and make odors less noticeable.

Diet

A person’s diet can influence the smell of their sweat. If a person notices that eating certain spices, seasonings, or foods makes their sweat smell like vinegar, they can try reducing the amount of those foods they eat, or removing them from their diet completely.

Reducing stress

Stress can cause an increase in sweating. By reducing the stressors in their life, a person may be able to also reduce the amount they sweat and any odors that occur because of sweating.

When to see a doctor

If a person notices their sweat smells like vinegar, they should look out for other symptoms of underlying conditions.

For example, other symptoms of diabetes, along with a change in body odor, include:

fatigue
dry or flushed skin
nausea and vomiting
breathing difficulties
confusion
fruity odor on breath, sweat, or urine

Other symptoms of kidney disease include:

fatigue
sleep problems
dry, itchy skin
frequent urination
foamy urine
blood in urine
puffy eyes

If a person develops a rash, signs of infection, or experiences unexplained weight loss or weight gain, they should contact a doctor for advice.

Treatment

The International Hyperhidrosis Society recommends:

keeping the skin dry
washing regularly with antibacterial soap
using antiperspirant to reduce sweating
using deodorants to cover up odors

However, there are other treatments that can help a person who is concerned about the smell of their sweat. They include:

Microwave thermolysis

Microwave thermolysis uses microwave energy to destroy the sweat glands and stop them from working.

A 2012 study concluded that microwave thermolysis is effective against excessive sweating. Another 2013 study in Asian people found that microwave thermolysis was effective specifically for sweat with bad odors.

Botox

A person can get Botox injections to stop sweating. Botox is the name for botulinum toxin A, which stops the eccrine glands from releasing sweat. Treatment with Botox can last for 6 to 9 months.

Research suggests that Botox injections can reduce sweating by 75%.

Prescription antiperspirants

A person can try prescription antiperspirants if over-the-counter antiperspirants are not working for them.

Prescription antiperspirants can contain higher amounts of active ingredients such as metallic salts, including aluminum chloride hexahydrate.

A person should apply prescription antiperspirants before bed and follow a doctor’s instructions to prevent skin irritation.

Antibiotics

If a person’s sweat smells like vinegar because of an infection such as trichomycosis, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.

A person may also try antifungal skin creams if excessive sweating has caused a fungal skin infection, such as candidiasis.

Summary

A person’s sweat may smell like vinegar because of health conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or skin infections. A person’s diet may also influence the way their sweat smells.

A person can decrease the smell of their sweat by keeping their skin and clothes dry, washing regularly with antibacterial soap, or using medications to treat underlying health conditions.

A person can also change their diet if they notice their sweat smells like vinegar when they eat particular foods.

Dermatology
Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Nutrition / Diet
Urology / Nephrology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

6 ways to control stress sweat. (2017).https://www.sweathelp.org/sweat-help-home/press-releases/391-6-ways-to-control-stress-sweat.html
10 signs you may have kidney disease. (n.d.)https://www.kidney.org/news/ekidney/august14/10_Signs_You_May_Have_Kidney_Disease
Antiperspirant basics. (n.d.).https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/antiperspirants/antiperspirant-basics.html
Baker, L. B. (2019). Physiology of sweat gland function: The roles of sweating and sweat composition in human health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6773238/
Bonifaz, A., et al. (2013). Trichomycosis (trichobacteriosis): Clinical and microbiological experience with 56 cases.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746219/
Champion, D. (2019). 5 foods and drinks that affect body odor.https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/5-foods-and-drinks-that-affect-body-odor
DKA (ketoacidosis) and ketones. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/dka-ketoacidosis-ketones
Doft, M. A., et al. (2012). Treatment of hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin.https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/32/2/238/2801331
Doolittle, J., et al. (2016). Hyperhidrosis: An update on prevalence and severity in the United States.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5099353/
Fungus infections: Preventing recurrence. (n.d.).https://www.aocd.org/page/FungusInfectionsP
Havlicek, J., et al. (2006). The effect of meat consumption on body odor attractiveness.https://academic.oup.com/chemse/article/31/8/747/364338
Heckmann, M., et al. (2001). Botulinum toxin A for axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM200102153440704
Hodge, B. D., et al. (2020). Anatomy, skin sweat glands.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482278/
Hyperhidrosis: Signs and symptoms. (n.d.).https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hyperhidrosis-symptoms
Johnson, J. E., et al. (2011). Microwave thermolysis of sweat glands.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22127730/
Lee, S. J., et al. (2013). The efficacy of a microwave device for treating axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis in Asians: A preliminary study.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23713761/
Mikkelsen, P. B., et al. (2000). Effect of fat-reduced diets on 24-h energy expenditure: Comparisons between animal protein, vegetable protein, and carbohydrate.https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/72/5/1135/4729830?login=true
Sweat and odor. (n.d.).https://www.sweathelp.org/where-do-you-sweat/other-sweating/sweat-and-odor.html
Trimethylaminuria. (2020).https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/trimethylaminuria/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Lois Zoppi on April 29, 2021

Latest news

Lifelong lead exposure may harm brain health in later years
Large breakfast may aid weight loss but should it favor protein or fiber?
Will doctors be able to catch diabetes earlier, years before symptoms start?
Stronger muscles, longer lives? Study highlights benefit for older females
Diet and routine stool tests could help predict IBD flares, large study suggests

Related Coverage

What does it mean when a baby sweats?Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD
Babies sweat to help cool the body. When babies overheat, their risk of health issues, such as sudden infant death syndrome and heat-related illness…
READ MORE
What causes a sweaty back? Diagnosis and remediesMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
It is normal to have a sweaty back when exercising or in hot weather. However, persistent and excessive sweating of the back may indicate an…
READ MORE
How to relieve postpartum night sweatsMedically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH
Postpartum night sweats, or night sweats that happen shortly after childbirth, are common, temporary, and treatable. Women have night sweats due to…
READ MORE
How to perform a skin patch test at homeMedically reviewed by Bukky Aremu, APRN
A person can perform a patch test at home to see if they are allergic to any of the ingredients in skin care or hair care products. Learn more here.
READ MORE
What to know about skin pigmentation disordersMedically reviewed by Sara Perkins, MD
Skin pigmentation disorders may cause lighter or darker patches of skin. The underlying cause and most suitable treatment option vary. Learn more.
READ MORE

Tag » Why Do I Smell Vinegar

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us