\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Let me tell you what a pheromone is. For me, the smell of bleach is reassuring. Chlorine bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that has a distinct, pungent smell. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,787 times. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Pay special attention to the areas prone to body odor. When you sweat, these bacteria break down certain proteins in the sweat into acids. For many people, the scent of chlorine brings back happy memories of summer days spent splashing around in the water. Spouses of patients have described the smell as that of "sweet and fecal." By the time a person's liver disease begins causing a maladorous body or breath odor, there will be other symptoms present, such as jaundice, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, nausea and appetite suppression. There are many possible explanations for why this happens, but the most common one is that an odor molecule is similar to another molecule that is already in your nose. Treatments can help reduce body odor and help you feel confident again. Gasoline and cleaning products are among the most popular smell cravings. If your room smells too much like bleach after using a bleach spray-cleaning product, try using the product without spraying it in the air. The smell situation is a little different here. This is a common question because people are used to seeing things measured in ounces, but when it comes to baking and recipes, grams are often used instead. If you have diabetes or another reason that your immune system is compromised, do your best to keep it well controlled. Removing hair can help control body odor. Apocrine glands remain inactive until puberty. Seriously, dont sniff this stuff. If you are experiencing discharge and it smells, you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A catnip-like reaction may result from the chemical interaction. Phantosmia is a condition that causes people to smell odors that arent there. 1) You may have some tooth or gum inflammation or infection. If you are in a very hot or humid area, you may need to shower twice a day. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. But the link is more than literary. Make sure each piece is securely on the hanger and then hang the hanger from a secure spot, such as a railing or a piece of outdoor furniture. "Most of the body is covered in sweat glands called eccrine glands, which secrete water and salt and are good for cooling off the body," Dr. Bohl explained. The sniffing, rubbing, and rolling around behavior are often kitty ways of showing approval and enjoyment. Although you might like the scent, you should definitely avoid it. If you sweat a lot, look for a product that is both an antiperspirant and a deodorant. Another theory focuses more on the physical effect benzene has on nerve receptors that detect the smell. Romper talks to Dr. Erin Duncan of Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics to find out what different vaginal odors mean and when you need to see a doctor about yours. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. James T. You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional. You can also try spraying a vinegar mixture on your armpits to kill bacteria. This means that others around them may not notice the phantom smells. This is the same medicine used to treat trichomoniasis (or "trich," which is a very common sexually transmitted infection) but in a different dose. If it's in your clothing others may not. This can sometimes occur when you have nasal polyps, sinus surgery, radiation therapy, exposure to certain chemicals or with various dental disorders. Treatment of axillary bromhidrosis in adolescents by combining electrocauterization with ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A injection. The 14 Best Clinical Strength Deodorants and Antiperspirants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps From Head to Toe, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa) Overview, Vaginal Itching But No Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and More, Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session, Treatment of axillary bromhidrosis in adolescents by combining electrocauterization with ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A injection, Anti-bacterial soap or body wash like Dial. This sweat is high in fats and other compounds that smell when broken down by bacteria. Olfactory hallucinations can be a sign of various health problems, such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, theres a whole community of people who love the smell of bleach and enjoy inhaling it on a regular basis. There are a lot of things in this world that have a pleasant smell: fresh baked cookies, rain on a spring day, a baby's head. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. "For this reason, the penis may actually smell more like an armpit than like your forearm after a long day of sweating," Dr. Bohl said. unlocking this staff-researched answer. I saw another post on here about cravings but Im wondering if anybody else is craving things that arent food. Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month, Of course, for every person who finds the smell of gasoline pleasant, there are likely as many who find it nauseating. Enjoy! 4) GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is sometimes associated with taste and smell disturbances. You could probably apply these two theories to explain why people are drawn to the smell of whiteboard markers, Home Depot, fresh tennis balls, books, and other scents were too afraid to admit we love. The thalamus functions as an operator switchboard of sorts, connecting sensory inputs from our eyes, ears, tongue, and touch to the right parts of the brain so we can register and make sense of them. Don't use vinegar to clean the smell of bleach off of your hands. Vinegar can help to kill bacteria and fungi, improve soil drainage, and increase the acidity of the soil. "For instance, if you smell your forearm right now, it probably doesn't have an odor that you can detect unless you recently used soap, cologne, or perfume.". The odor that is noticeable is actually caused by the chemical reaction that occurs when bleach begins to break down proteins, such as those that make up HAI-causing pathogens. In a study published earlier this year, researchers found that 125 healthcare workers had developed dysfunction in their ability to smell after being infected with COVID-19. "Descriptions of what exactly the odor smells like vary from mushrooms to ammonia," Dr. Bohl said. 2014;80(21):66116619. In some cases, workers pre-existing belief system about the source of an odor may be sufficient to create anxiety when exposed to any detectable concentration. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. If you are using a bleach-based cleaner, switch to something else for a while and see if that helps. Licking areas where bleach has been used. If over-the-counter products don't seem to help, talk to your doctor. So whats the verdict? Consider shaving your underarms. Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 19 thanks A 44-year-old member asked: The bleach has chemicals resembling the pheromones. If you dont have lemon juice on hand, you can use another type of citrus, such as limes or grapefruit. Some people find the smell of chloroform pleasant, while others find it unpleasant. All of these things can help to improve the health of your tomato plants. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. These active hormones stimulate the apocrine sweat glands, leading to sweat produced in the groin and axillary regions (armpits). Mixing bleach with other household cleaners can cause a chemical reaction that releases chlorine gas in the air, resulting in a strong chemical smell in your home. Whats more, the bundle of nerves that detects scent molecules, the olfactory bulb, has a high density of connections near the amygdala and hippocampus, which are involved in emotional response and memory formation, respectively. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. But, frankly, these are just two theories to explain why some people find the smell of gasoline pleasant, but there hasnt exactly been an abundance of research into this question. Ankylosing Spondylitis: Weve Got Your Back, Whats Next? Chung JM, Park CS, Lee SD. If you have strong body odor, look for a product with higher amounts of active ingredients. Poorly controlled diabetes in particular can be a reason for recurrent yeast infections. But these uses didnt last long, and for good reason: Benzene is a. and is dangerous when inhaled in high concentrations or long-term exposure. people like such a dangerous, odorous chemical. The reason your penis has a funky smell could be due to sweat, lack of ventilation, poor hygiene, STI, or smegma buildup. Disclosure: Fixthatsmell is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Yes, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is considered vegan. It is also used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and other contaminants. Of course, for every person who finds the smell of gasoline pleasant, there are likely as many who find it nauseating. The smell of pine needles may take you back to summer camp, a roasting turkey transports you decades in time to grandmas house for the holidays. 5 Possible Reasons. Ways to minimize the odor: It is important to recognize that the distinct chlorine odor is an integral part of the usage of bleach disinfectants. It also offers tips for controlling body odor. Genetics: Some people are just more prone to body odor than others. I got back to my doctor tuesday and its nothing I'm concerned enough about that I would go see him eaier but I was just wondering, do you think this is an iron deficiency or am I just some freak lol, Yea that def sounds like a deficiency for sure maybe iron? Even though men's nether regions give off their fair share of smells from sweat, urine, semen, and so forth, women's vaginas bear most of the scrutiny. Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell Like Poop? Additionally, if your shoes get wet from sweating or from wet weather, the bacteria that thrive in . Cats may like the smell of bleach because its main ingredient - chlorine. The Human Sense of Smell is More Powerful Than We Think, And its actually not that weird to like the smell of benzene. Finally, its a disinfectant so it makes me feel like my home is clean and safe. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. "There is less fresh air in the area and it is also more difficult for sweat and dead skin cells to fall awayit all basically stays pressed up against the penis.". 5) Side effects of some medications may cause you to have abnormal taste and smell. Dr. Erin Duncan OB/GYN of Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics, This article was originally published on Sep. 27, 2017, Vaginal Bleeding After C-Section: What To Expect & How Long It Lasts, Can You Take Ozempic While Pregnant Or TTC? So, again, dont intentionally sniff this stuff. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Chlamydia basic fact sheet. Your tactic will depend on where the smell is coming from. Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands. think twice before sharing personal details, foster a friendly and supportive environment, remove fake accounts, spam and misinformation, delete posts that violate our community guidelines, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. I get that way in my third trimester every time. I walked into Home Depot yesterday and I wish I could bottle that lumber sent. Fortunately, in most cases, it doesn't signal a serious problem. All Rights Reserved. Pick a strong scented lotion that will keep smelling for a while. Maybe your brain linked the smell of gas with happy childhood memories of summer road . No Need for Laundry: 11 Easy Ways to Remove Musty Smells from Clothes Without Washing Them, Musty Smell in Clothes: What Causes It, How to Get Rid of It, and More, Unlock staff-researched answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.healthline.com/health/bleach-on-skin#first-aid, https://www.femina.in/wellness/home-remedies/smelly-hands-get-rid-of-the-odor-in-a-jiffy-19022.html, https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/environmental-hygiene/dispelling-myths-about-bleach-odors, https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/chlorine/basics/facts.asp. 2023 Remedy Health Media, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Omg me too!! With that in mind, here are some possible causes for the strange smell and remedies to try. The smell of bleach can lead to reduced appetite and other health problems. "It's confined in underwear, which is further confined in pants, and it probably doesn't move around that much," Dr. Bohl said. Callewaert C, De Maeseneire E, Kerckhof FM, Verliefde A, Van de Wiele T, Boon N. Microbial odor profile of polyester and cotton clothes after a fitness session. Smell just started about a week now. The real bleach: sodium hypochlorite bleach has been used since 1913 for disinfecting needs everywhere from hospitals and nursing homes to daycares and households. Another example is cantaloupe, which many cats seem to enjoy eating. If youre exposed to bleach fumes on a regular basis, its important to take steps to protect your lungs, such as wearing a mask or using a ventilation fan. There's a whole industry trying to profit from our vaginal odor insecurity complex with scented panty liners, wipes, and other feminine odor products. Another theory is that people enjoy the smell of bleached because it reminds them of swimming pools. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Everyone gets body odor. Why Does Sex Have a Smell? The smells will disappear once youve fixed the gas leak. Why Do Humans Like the Smell of Gasoline? But those people who like the smell of gasoline really like the smell of gasoline. By Angela Palmer Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Using lotion will also help your hands feel softer if they have been exposed to bleach, which can dry out the skin. I had a cashier at target a few months back that stood there smelling my dishwasher pods for a solid 2-3 minutes and she was 7 mos along. If the penis isn't adequately cleaned, or if there is residual smegma, you can get a condition called balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis, according to MedlinePlus. If youre constantly smelling something and nobody around you can smell it, you may have a condition called phantosmia. During puberty, they start to produce sweat. Hair holds sweat and makes a good home for bacteria. All rights reserved. Whats more, the bundle of nerves that detects scent molecules. This includes being overweight, some medical conditions, genetics, stress, or even the things you eat. Parosmia is most commonly associated with COVID-19, so if youve been feeling this way and have recently been diagnosed with the virus, its likely the cause. The cereal is sweetened with honey and brown sugar. In most cases, the smell is not harmful but it can be quite unpleasant. If you light a candle, be sure that you stay in the room while it is lit. How Many Carbs in O'Charley'S Chicken Tenders? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In: StatPearls [Internet]. thank you!!! Another theory is that people with certain mental disorders, such as OCD or depression, find comfort in the smell of bleach because it reminds them of sterile environments where they feel safe. So what should a penis smell likeand is there a "normal" penis smell? And sometimes this means you might smell a little sweet. Never mix bleach with acid or with ammonia. There are no artificial flavors or colors in the cereal. Body odor, called bromhidrosis, is a normal part of being human. They will also ask you some questions about recent activities to determine if they need to send additional studies, which can take a couple of days to return. Soaping up in the shower should get rid of the funk since the soap will remove the bacteria from your body. Bari said if you use bleach or scented cleaning products, do so only in well-ventilated . But, there's more to the bizarre feline-bleach bleach saga. The most likely reason why your room has a smell like feet is because your footwear is not stored properly. It was also used as a solvent to decaffeinate coffee. Scent is the primary way cats communicate, especially when marking territory or during the mating process. Perceivable sensory irritation, however, occurs at 1.0 ppm in air, 500 times that of the odor threshold (EPA 1999. While science hasnt reached a definitive conclusion on this topic, there are two primary theories in play. By that night to last night it's been gone. If you feel a message or content violates these standards and would like to request its removal please submit the following information and our moderating team will respond shortly. What to Expect supports Group Black and its mission to increase greater diversity in media voices and media ownership. Try using a different product. If you do find yourself struggling with a loss of smell or taste, dont hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. Its possible that youre experiencing a phenomenon called parosmia. Most cases of phantosmia disappear without treatment, but it can also be linked to a persons sense of smell. Be sure to shower immediately after you exercise or sweat. It decomposes to release small amounts of chlorine and chlorine oxide gases. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. ", Of course, even if your vaginal odors are normal and not a sign of infection, they may still bother you or make you feel self-conscious. The same goes for the penisat least, a well-cleaned penis following a shower. There are things you can do to banish body odor, or at least tone it down. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Causes and Ways to Get Rid of Sour or Musty Smells, Why Does My House Smell Like Burnt Toast? Some people believe their body odor changes when they're pregnant or menstruating. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This fruit produces a smell similar to that of . Antiperspirants block sweat glands to reduce perspiration. Furthermore, use of bleach as a disinfectant does not form dioxins. A bleach-like scent is not as common, but there could be multiple causes for it, including bacterial vaginosis, infection, prenatal vitamins, dietary factors, and the use of condoms and/or lubricants during sex. Normal aging is also associated with some loss of smell. While science hasnt reached a definitive conclusion on this topic, there are two primary theories in play. Why use bleach for disinfecting: A combination of education and usage experience over time can help dispel fears about bleach usage. There are a few theories as to why some people are addicted to the smell of bleach. Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can remove stains and kill bacteria. Apocrine sweat glands become active during puberty because of sex hormones. If a penis smells a little like an armpit or a foot at the end of the day, it's probably not a cause for concern, Dr. Bohl suggested. Purring and drooling when they smell bleach. This can also help reduce body odor. There are a few reasons why I like the smell of bleach. (How To Fix It). Our nose can evoke powerful, vivid memories if it catches a familiar scent. Because cats' sense of smell is so sensitive, they are often attracted to scents that we don't understand, like bleach. okay so no worries, I'm not hiding in the corner huffing bleach or trying to drink it. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Exp Dermatol. 8 Things That Can Cause Odor, Assessing Vaginal Health: 5 Clues From Your Vagina, The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Everything You Need to Know About Using a Dental Dam. There has been no evidence against the creams and preterm birth.". While Dr. Bohl said this hypothesis isn't backed up by science, it's definitely possible that certain foods can affect semen's smell. Certain medications such as penicillin can cause body odor; if you plan to see a healthcare provider about bromhidrosis, be sure to mention names of medication you take. Something else may be causing your body odor, such as a fungal infection. But the link is more than literary. Whether it's sex, video games, drugs, or gasoline, its this pathway in the brain that makes them feel good and kickstarts a self-reinforcing feedback loop. It can be limited to one nostril or both, and its relatively uncommon. Sweat itself doesn't have a smell. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. , a nod to French author Marcel Proust, who eloquently described a potent memory of childhood evoked by the smell of a madeleine biscuit dipped in tea. You can also use a washcloth to wash just your armpits, groin, and skin folds. Microbiology of smegma: Prospective comparative control study. The more frequently that surfaces are disinfected with bleach, the fewer proteins will be on the surface for the next disinfection. There are a few things you can do to reduce these smells in your home. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. In cases where bleach smell seems to linger or is particularly strong after cleaning has taken place, check to ensure the area is well ventilated and the product is not being overused. Current uses of bleach (containing sodium hypochlorite at the concentration levels in most bleach-based disinfecting products) and bleach based disinfectants in healthcare settings, following the guidelines of use recommended by CDC, have an established history of effectiveness. However, in most cases, the cause is unknown. To my knowledge, neither of these applied to me. Bleach and respiratory effects: The characteristic smell of bleach is indicative of a disinfected environment, but should not be a cause for concern for any adverse health effects. Naturally, the longer the shrimp is dead, the more it will taste like fish. Some people believe that the smell of chlorine can help to relieve stress and anxiety.