A cheesy odor under the breasts is common and can cause discomfort. This body odor often signals an interaction between the skin’s natural environment and microorganisms. Understanding its causes and effective management strategies can provide relief.
Understanding the Odor’s Origin
The skin folds beneath the breasts create a warm, moist environment. This area traps sweat and limits air circulation, providing ideal conditions for microbial growth and odor development.
Human skin contains eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. While eccrine glands regulate body temperature, apocrine glands, found under the breasts, produce a thicker, oily fluid containing proteins and lipids.
Initially, this apocrine sweat is odorless. However, when bacteria naturally present on the skin, such as Corynebacterium species, break down these proteins and lipids, they produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are responsible for the distinct “cheesy” or “sour” smell. For example, Staphylococcus epidermidis can degrade leucine in sweat to isovaleric acid, a compound known for its cheesy scent. The warm, damp conditions under the breasts accelerate this bacterial activity, intensifying the odor.
Beyond bacteria, the moist environment also encourages yeast growth, particularly Candida species. Candida thrives in warm, moist skin folds and can contribute to the cheesy odor, often leading to intertrigo. Intertrigo appears as a reddish rash that can be itchy, sore, and sometimes foul-smelling if infected by yeast or bacteria. This fungal presence can also cause skin irritation, including redness, itching, and skin breakdown.
Effective Home Care and Prevention
Managing under-breast odor involves consistent personal hygiene. Wash daily with mild soap, then thoroughly pat the area dry to avoid irritation. A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing cream can also be applied after showering.
Moisture management is important. Use moisture-absorbing powders like talc-free baby powder or cornstarch to keep the area dry. Antiperspirants or whole-body deodorants can reduce sweat and mask odor. Choose products without harsh dyes or fragrances to prevent skin irritation.
Clothing choices also prevent odor. Wear bras made from breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials to improve air circulation and reduce friction, minimizing sweat. Properly fitted bras lift and separate breasts, preventing skin-on-skin contact. Regularly wash bras to prevent bacterial buildup. Managing overall body weight can also reduce skin folds, which helps lessen under-breast moisture and odor.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While home care often helps manage under-breast odor, professional medical advice is sometimes necessary. If the cheesy smell persists despite consistent hygiene, it may indicate an underlying issue. Also, consult a doctor if you observe skin changes like persistent redness, a rash that doesn’t improve, itching, pain, peeling, or cracking, as these could signal intertrigo or a fungal infection.
Other symptoms warranting a doctor’s visit include unusual discharge (pus, excessive weeping, or bleeding) from the affected area. Fever or general malaise alongside the odor or rash could indicate a more serious infection. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), can exacerbate skin fold issues and may require specific medical management to control sweating and prevent infections.