The Smell of Your Arm Sweat Is Hereditary

Having foul body odor is an unfortunate side effect of everyday life, but for some, mayby you,  the Smell of Your Arm Sweat Is Hereditary.
Often blamed on poor hygiene, it can be caused by medical conditions, being overweight, or taking certain medications.
But a new study has revealed that there may be an underlying genetic component to the smelly armpit smell. In particular, the research showed that one variant of a gene known as ABCC11 determines whether or not you'll produce a stinky underarm.

The bacteria that live on your skin are responsible for the smell. They feed on the proteins and acids in your sweat. They break the molecules down into amino acids and fatty acids, which release a foul odor on your breath. An essential protein called ABCC11 transports these molecules across cellular membranes.

Some people are born with an inactive version of the gene, which causes them to produce fewer amino acids and thus slow down the growth of the bacteria on their skin. Having an active version of the gene can help reduce the odor.
A study found that one in four people carrying the gene's inactive form does not produce a stinky smell. But the majority of these people still use deodorant regularly.

The study

Carried out by researchers at the University of Bristol and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, looked at 6,495 women. They found that two percent of mothers had a genetic variation that meant they could not produce a stinky armpit. However, only 1.6% of the general population carried this gene.

Another version of the ABCC11 gene is linked to earwax. Those who have this variant are more likely to have dry ear wax. They also do not produce the secretions that attract bacteria that cause odor.

The gene has also been linked to the smell of dry earwax, but not as much as the armpit. The same type of bacteria that produces body odor, Staphylococcus hominis, is present on the ear's surface and in the epidermis. The bacteria then feed on the leucine in your sweat, breaking it down to a compound called isovaleric acid. Isovaleric acid has a cheesy, goat-like odor.

The apocrine glands in the underarm are also involved in releasing body odor. These glands are located near the hair follicles and open up when stressed. When they are stressed, they release a milky fluid. The smell is strong, sometimes resembling onions or sulfur. When bacteria grow on the apocrine sweat, it mixes with the milky liquid and produces a nasty odor.

The most common form of apocrine bromhidrosis involves excessive sweating, which results in a sour, smelly odor on the arms, torso, and genitals. 

It can be so severe that some people need surgery to remove the sweat glands.

Today, there are several deodorants available to relieve underarm odor. 
It only helps some, but soap, water, and a good deodorant daily can perhaps help you.