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chest odor

I go to the gym fairly frequently, but in the past month or so I've been noticing a very noxious odor coming from the skin of my chest, particularly the sternum area between my pecs down to my abdomen. It will not go away with repeated showers, scrubbing, etc. During the day the smell is not noticeable unless I rub the area, then the smell gets on my fingers/hands, and builds up a bit under my shirt, especially when I sweat. It smells like a__ for the lack of a better word, and I would really appreciate any advice on how to get rid of it.  
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Avatar universal
I've had that problem since I was a teen.  Whenever it happens I use dandruff shampoo for a week or so - wash my chest with it - and it clears up the smell.  I keep doing it for a few days just to be sure.  Never fails.
One other thing to add...I first noticed it when I was a teen because I spend a lot of time outside.  I used to get really tan except for certain spots on my chest.  I went to a Dr and he said it was a pretty common bacterial infection.  He's the one who suggested the dandruff shampoo.  
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Avatar universal
I've had that problem since I was a teen.  Whenever it happens I use dandruff shampoo for a week or so - wash my chest with it - and it clears up the smell.  I keep doing it for a few days just to be sure.  Never fails.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello!
You have this bad odor due to bacterial growth and metabolism. Sweating is from sweat pores and also you have sebum secretion from sebaceous glands. If they get infected by bacteria then they get blocked and also the odor is bad.
When you consume more of oils and fat you have more of sebum secretion.
If they get blocked you have sebaceous cysts and we advise you to get yourself examined.
Going for proper balanced diet, drinking enough water and replenishing the salt loss are the first things you have to follow. If required you would need a mild antibiotic.
Use proper soap, body gels and deodorants.
Body scrub with natural products once in a week helps.
Take care!
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Avatar universal
I can see this post hasnt been responded to lately, but I have a theory of what it may be from.
I had bad acne all over my chest/back/neck/face when I was younger, and now I have some hard fatty deposites and deep wells in various places where the acne was (used acutane), particularly a big deposite in the center of my chest where the smell tends to permeat.
Now, Idono if there is any corolation between the fatty deposites and the smell([perhaps it's leaking out as time goes on).. but one thing I have surely took note of, is when I am ingesting a fair amount of fatty foods, or lots of milk products (particulary milk itself), or even Yeasty foods, the smell really gets bad and will last for a few days, or until I cut back on the bad food (Mainly- Milk).. I

So I understand that I have a bad candida infection throughout my system, and I wonder if either it's Candida leaking from the pores, or some other toxins- I am also allergic to some milk protiens (not lactose inparticular), and wonder if my body is trying to evacuate whatever it is I am unable to digest properly(Gives me baaad gas as well)...
Idono?
any thought?
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Avatar universal
o

another thing that works great is the gel deodorant... it just seals the pores nicely.. Also.... if u have athletes foot; just smear some under ur toes... between the toes and the feet and u'll never smell again!!!!!!!!!!!

my feet used to smell real nasty and now...
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Avatar universal
I have the same problem.... It is apparently fermones..
I believe it is the secretion of fluid from the root of the hair follicle...

i usually wait until i get a little sweaty and rub the area with a paper towel or a dry shower towel really hard... it does go away
that said... it stinks and its just gross.... i would love to rid of it permanently. Anyone's input would be great.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My husband just shaved his chest hair and unfortunately his chest still smells like a bum's ***.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Very simple. Get a bottle of iodine from a pharmacy. Iodine is brown Colour liquid normally using by Doctors for surgery. Apply Iodine using a clean cloth on your skin (chest, Armpit etc), where you feel the odour comes badly. I prefer you to apply Iodine 5 minutes before shower. Use an anti bacterial soap or foam and rub and clean thoroughly to remove the Iodine away. Still you can see a thin layer of iodine on the skin where you applied. Don't worry, it will be removed on subsequent showers. After one week, you will feel to throw all of your deodorants you used. Trust me it works. Otherwise I will give you one million dollars. Iodine costs around $5 or $6/bottle of 100mL. Hope you satisfied my comments. Good Day
144586 tn?1284666164
Get two or three tubes of bactricin or a similar antibiotic ointment. Take a good hot shower and scrub your chest with a brush. Rub on the bactricin deeply. There is a high probability this is a bacterial infection.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My husband is having this exact same problem.  He's been to the doctor and they have never heard of anything like this.  Have you found anything to help yet?
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Arlington, VA
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