Embarrassing smells that can accompany the rainy season

• Tinea cruris results from fungus breeding in damp conditions and causing a bad odor.
• Vaginal odor is most commonly caused by bacteria. The smell is often accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge and a burning sensation when urinating or during intercourse. Medical attention and an accurate diagnosis should be sought if the smell worsens or other irregularities arise, including pain, burning pain or itching in the vaginal region.

The rainy season brings with it moisture in the air, as well as various germs and bacteria capable of causing illness. While some conditions, such as the flu and pneumonia, are serious enough to warrant a hospital stay, other conditions are more irritating as they can cause a great deal of embarrassment, including fungal infections or unwanted odors throughout various parts of the body. These embarrassing conditions are a direct result of the moisture that accompanies the rains each year, although lifestyle factors, diet, personal hygiene and exposure to germs and bacteria can also play roles in their onset.

Tinea cruris is a fungal infection that usually affects the groin area and can easily spread to the sexual organs. It is more common among adults than children, and males are 3 times more likely to develop the condition than females.

Tinea cruris is caused by the dermatophyte group of fungi and causes inflammation alongside flaky red sores. It can easily spread via touch or shared use of objects, including clothing and towels. It is most prevalent among those who sweat a lot, with athletes, overweight people, diabetics and groups with weakened immune systems most at risk.

The clearest symptom of this disorder is a red rash that might become inflamed and itchy. There may also be clear spots, red lumps or white flaky sores. The disorder usually affects the inside of the groin, the pubis region and other creased areas of skin, and is often exacerbated when scratched, resulting in scabs and swelling. In severe cases, the rash can spread to the bottom and sexual organs.

Fungal infections can be treated with antibacterial drugs, although where the condition keeps coming back, a longer course of medication under the guidance of a medical professional may be required.

• Avoid sharing personal objects with others.
• Wear breathable clothing that is not overly tight and is made of material that can effectively release heat.
• Ensure you dry yourself thoroughly after showering.
• If the moisture is a result of being overweight, try to lose weight to reduce the likelihood of the condition returning.

Odors in intimate areas can affect both males and females and are caused by personal hygiene issues related to moisture, sexual health or bacterial infections. In these cases, there is usually an unwanted smell emanating from an intimate area, which can lead to a number of other problems including anxiety among women as it can be associated with other vaginal disorders.

1. An infection
   • The most common bacterial infections are those that lead to a foul-smelling discharge alongside a burning sensation when urinating or during sex.
   • Infections can be caused by protozoa trichomoniasis, a foul-smelling, foamy discharge that may be yellow or white in color.
   • Fungal infections can result in a smell similar to damp jeans, and are often accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge as well as itchiness and stinging during urination or intercourse. This occurs as a result of irregular growth of fungus that usually resides inside the vagina and often develops shortly after a course of antibiotics has been completed.
2. Hormonal changes
   Vaginal secretions present during menstruation and ovulation may lead to an unwanted smell more than at other times of the month. Other potential causes of odor include the hormonal transformations that take place throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. Reduced levels of estrogen cause a thinning of the cervical tissue and a slight increase in acidity, with many women noticing the presence of a distinct odor and discharge during menstruation. If this smell leads to worry and anxiety, medical attention may be sought in order to receive a prescription of localized estrogen cream, which can effectively eradicate the smell within just 2-3 weeks. The estrogen found in such creams is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, a doctor should always be consulted prior to the use of these products.
3. Apocrine glands
   Bad odor from private areas can be caused by apocrine glands (also found in the armpits, nipples, ears, eyes and nostrils) secreting an oily liquid. These secretions are then digested by bacteria living on the skin, which leads to the production of pungent aroma. Wearing tight clothing or being overweight can lead to friction that exacerbates this issue.
4. Diet
   Research has shown that foods with strong odors, such as chili, pepper, garlic, onion, fish and broccoli can all cause odors coming from the vagina and other parts of the body, including the armpits, scalp, mouth and feet.
5. Tampons
   The accumulation of blood caused by menstruation can result in bacteria that lead to irritation, itching and unwanted smells.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing and breathable underwear, and take care not to allow a build-up of moisture.
• Change clothes after exercising.
• Lose weight, if being overweight is the issue.
• There is no need to clean the inside of the vagina, as this could destroy healthy bacteria which prevent infection.
• Avoid using perfume or sprays in the pubic region because these could lead to irritation or an allergic reaction.

If you experience unusually pungent odors in the vaginal region or any other irregularities, such as pain, a burning sensation or itching, be sure to consult a doctor to receive the proper treatment for your condition.

Pitted keratolysis (smelly feet) occurs due to heavy perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or moisture on the feet, which then leads to a bacterial infection. The feet naturally have a suitable number of bacteria, but they can be prone to abnormal growth when exposed to moisture. In addition to destroying the outer layer of skin, this bacteria produces a sulfur compound that is the cause of the pungent odor.
Characteristics of pitted keratolysis are small (although sometimes larger) shallow indentations located on the balls of the feet, especially in areas that carry the most weight. While people suffering from this condition will have an extremely bad smell coming from their feet, they tend not to itch like they usually would from a fungal infection or athlete’s foot.
 
Factors behind smelly feet

• Heat and moisture
• Wearing damp shoes that are not made from a breathable material, such as leather boots
• Hyperhidrosis
• Keratoderma
• Diabetes
• Aging
• Immunodeficiencies
• Increased perspiration resulting from a diet that includes high-fat foods, overly spicy dishes, pungent foods, and caffeine, which can lead to smelly feet.
• The use of some forms of medication, such as naproxen and acyclovir.
• Greater-than normal perspiration resulting from a zinc deficiency or stress, which leads to foot odor.

People with this condition should consult a medical specialist who will undertake a thorough diagnosis prior to prescribing treatment. Doctors will need to rule out a fungal infection before prescribing antibiotics such as erythromycin gel, clindamycin gel or mupirocin, as well as benzoyl peroxide that can stimulate the production of new skin cells while destroying bacteria. In some cases, drugs designed to reduce perspiration may also be considered.

Preventing foot odor 

• Select breathable shoes, and avoid those that are confining such as boots. When boots must be worn, try to find a pair that does not go up too high. Shoes that are too restrictive or socks made from manmade materials such as polyester or nylon will cause increased perspiration.
• Wear socks made from absorbent materials like cotton or wool.
• Choose open-toe shoes whenever possible.
• Maintain foot hygiene by washing them with soap and water twice a day.
• Apply nourishing creams to your feet at least twice a week.
• Avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row; give each pair a chance to dry out before wearing them again.
• Do not share shoes or towels with others.

It is not the rain itself which causes bacteria to spread each monsoon season. Instead, it is the moisture and other factors, including hormones and our diet, that stimulate the onset of unwanted odors. Taking good care of your health by maintaining your personal hygiene and immune system can ensure you stay free from ill health during any season.