Why Do My Armpits Still Smell After a Shower? Medical Reasons Explained
Many people wonder why they smell even after washing. It can be embarrassing, frustrating, and confusing – especially if you shower daily and use deodorant.
Here are the top medically recognised reasons why armpits may still smell after a shower.
Bacteria Regrow Quickly
If bacteria repopulate the skin within minutes, odour returns soon after a shower.
Warm, moist underarms are the perfect environment.
This is the most common cause.
Sweat Glands Activate with Heat or Stress
Even mild stress after your shower – such as rushing to get dressed – can activate apocrine sweat glands.
This sweat smells stronger than normal body sweat.
Hair Traps Odour
Underarm hair can hold sweat and bacteria, causing odour even on clean skin.
Trimming or shaving often reduces smell significantly.
PH Imbalance of the Skin
Soaps or deodorants can disrupt natural skin acidity, making it easier for odour-producing bacteria to thrive.
If you’ve changed products lately, this may be the reason.
Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency
Low levels of:
- vitamin D
- zinc
- magnesium
- B vitamins
can alter sweat composition and increase odour.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones influence sweat gland activity.
People may notice increased odour during:
- menstrual cycle changes
- perimenopause
- menopause
- puberty
- thyroid imbalance
Blood Sugar Issues
If odour is sweet, fruity or unusual, it may reflect glucose instability.
People with prediabetes or diabetes often experience changes in body odour.
Liver or Kidney Stress
These organs remove waste.
When they are overwhelmed, toxins may exit through sweat, changing the smell.
This is particularly relevant when:
- feeling fatigued
- experiencing nausea
- having swelling or dark urine
- drinking alcohol frequently
Clothing and Fabric Traps
Synthetic fabrics collect bacteria, especially in the armpit area.
Even freshly washed shirts can re-trigger smell the moment you put them on.
Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating)
Sweating more than usual leads to faster bacterial breakdown → stronger odour.
Even mild sweating after a shower can cause smell to return immediately.
When Is Persistent Odour a Medical Issue?
Seek further evaluation if you notice:
- Suddenly stronger odour
- Smell that doesn’t change despite washing
- Fruity, ammonia or metallic odour
- Excessive thirst, urination or fatigue
- Sweating at night
- Numbness or unexplained weight change
- Swelling or digestive symptoms
These may suggest metabolic or hormonal causes.
Tests That Are Often Helpful
| Problem Suspected | Test |
| Hormonal imbalance | Thyroid panel |
| Vitamin/mineral deficiency | Vitamin & Mineral Profile |
| Liver stress | Liver Function Test |
| Kidney stress | Kidney Function Test |
| Blood sugar problems | HbA1c |
| Excessive sweating patterns | Hormone & metabolic screening |
Takeaway
If your armpits still smell after showering, it’s not just hygiene — often the cause is internal.
Understanding the underlying issue helps you address it properly rather than simply masking odour.
Book Your General Health Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00
Fast, private and confidential testing.
Results within 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.
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