Can you get a bad armpit odor through contact with other people?

You can’t get a bad armpit odor from contact with other people. Bad armpit odor is usually caused by a combination of sweat and bacteria that naturally live on your skin. These bacteria break down certain substances in sweat, which results in an odor.

Although the bacteria involved in the development of armpit odor can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items (such as a towel), this does not automatically mean that you will develop a smelly armpit odor. Whether you develop an odor depends on your own skin flora, hygiene habits, and the composition of your sweat.

There is very small-scale research where the transfer of body and armpit odor would be transferable between people. However, this scientific research has never been confirmed by other researchers.

Good personal hygiene, such as regular washing and the use of deodorant or antiperspirant, helps to reduce or prevent armpit odor.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sweating-and-body-odor/symptoms-causes/syc-20353895

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-12-03 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024