A mothball-like scent emanating from a person can stem from various underlying causes, which may be external or internal. This information is for general understanding and does not constitute medical advice.
Environmental Exposure
Exposure to specific volatile chemicals can cause a mothball-like scent to cling to a person. Mothballs commonly consist of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are volatile organic compounds. These substances evaporate into gases at room temperature, releasing their distinct odor.
The body can absorb these chemicals through inhalation or direct skin contact. For instance, wearing clothing or handling items that have been stored with mothballs can transfer these compounds to the skin and fabrics, leading to the characteristic smell. Spending time in enclosed spaces heavily treated with mothballs or similar industrial chemicals, like certain pesticides, can also result in absorption. The absorbed chemicals can then be emitted through the skin and breath, producing the noticeable odor. This type of odor is generally temporary and typically resolves once the source of exposure is removed and the individual has had time to air out or wash.
Underlying Health Conditions
Beyond external factors, certain medical conditions can cause the body to produce unusual odors, sometimes perceived as chemical or mothball-like. These internal physiological causes often involve the body’s inability to properly process or eliminate certain compounds.
One such condition is trimethylaminuria (TMAU), a rare metabolic disorder sometimes known as “fish odor syndrome.” Individuals with TMAU cannot properly break down trimethylamine (TMA), a compound produced in the gut during the digestion of certain foods. When the liver enzyme flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is deficient or not functioning correctly, TMA accumulates in the body instead of being converted into an odorless molecule. This excess TMA is then released through sweat, urine, and breath, resulting in a strong and often unpleasant odor. While frequently described as fishy, the odor can vary and may be perceived by some as chemical, rotten, or even similar to mothballs.
Conditions affecting the kidneys and liver can also lead to distinct body odors. The kidneys filter waste products from the blood. When kidney function is impaired, as in chronic kidney disease, waste products like urea can build up in the bloodstream, a condition known as uremia. This accumulation of toxins can be excreted through the skin and breath, causing an ammonia-like or urine-like smell. Similarly, the liver plays a central role in detoxifying the body. Liver disease can hinder its ability to process various substances, leading to a buildup of compounds that are then released through breath and sweat. This can result in a sweet, musty, or sometimes sulfur-like odor. These medical conditions require accurate diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.
Dietary and Medication Influences
The substances a person consumes, whether through diet or medication, can influence body odor. When certain compounds from foods or drugs are metabolized in the body, they can break down into volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are subsequently released through sweat and breath. This process can sometimes result in a distinct scent.
Some foods contain sulfur compounds or other strong-smelling components that, after digestion, can be excreted through the skin. For example, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, as well as garlic and onions, contain sulfur compounds that can contribute to body odor. While these odors are not typically described as mothball-like, they illustrate how dietary choices can affect a person’s scent due to metabolic byproducts. Red meat can also be harder for the body to digest, potentially leading to an increased body odor as the system works to break it down.
Certain medications can also alter body chemistry or be excreted with a noticeable odor as a side effect. Some prescription drugs, including specific antidepressants, antibiotics, and even certain psychiatric medications, can cause changes in body odor. These medications might increase sweating, which can intensify body odor, or they might cause the release of compounds that have their own distinct scent. The odors resulting from dietary influences or medication side effects are generally temporary and resolve once the influencing food or drug is discontinued or adjusted.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If a mothball-like smell is persistent, newly noticed, or occurs without a clear external cause, seeking medical advice is important. It is particularly important to consult a healthcare professional if the odor is accompanied by other symptoms. These could include fatigue, nausea, unexplained weight changes, or alterations in urination or skin appearance, such as jaundice.
Self-diagnosis is not recommended for unusual body odors. A doctor can conduct appropriate tests, such as blood or urine analyses, to identify any underlying medical conditions. The specific treatment approach will depend on the identified cause, which might range from dietary adjustments to medication changes or the management of a diagnosed health condition. Addressing the root cause is necessary for effective resolution of the odor.