references
Angewandte Chemie: "The Two Odors of Iron When Touched or Pickled: (Skin) Carbonyl Compounds and Organophosphines"
Drug Safety: "Drug-induced hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis: Incidence, prevention and management"
U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands"
International Hyperhidrosis Society: "Sweaty Hands"
Mayo Clinic: "Nail Fungus"
U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Trimethylaminuria"
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: "Trimethylaminuria"
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
Hand odors are usually caused by something you touched or ate, but they can sometimes be a sign of a medical condition.
Image Credit: Wicki58/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: Wicki58/iStock/GettyImages
Though studies haven’t looked closely at stainless steel’s de-smelling powers, it’s thought that lingering odors are transferred away from the skin when they bind to the steel’s molecules.
Fix it: Washing with an antibacterial soap can help you combat odors for short-term meds like a course of penicillin. But if you’re dealing with hand odor caused by a drug that’s been prescribed for long-term use, talk to your doctor. It may be possible to adjust your dose or try a different medication.
Fix it: Bromhidrosis isn’t caused by poor hygiene, but not washing often enough can make the problem worse. If the problem seems to affect your hands in particular, frequent sudsing with an antibacterial soap may be helpful, the NLM notes. You can also manage the sweating by using an antiperspirant on your palms, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. In more severe cases, treatments like iontophoresis (a procedure that sends mild electric currents through the skin’s surface to reduce sweating) or Botox injections can also help. These would be prescribed by a dermatologist.
You can also manage the sweating by using an antiperspirant on your palms, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. In more severe cases, treatments like iontophoresis (a procedure that sends mild electric currents through the skin’s surface to reduce sweating) or Botox injections can also help. These would be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Fix it: In some cases an over-the-counter nail antifungal treatment can effectively fight the fungus, though it can take months to see results. Stubborn fungal infections might need prescription topical or oral antifungal drugs, the Mayo Clinic notes. See a dermatologist, who can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Fix it: If you suspect a medical condition is behind your smelly hands, see your doctor, who can make a diagnosis and create a treatment plan. There’s no cure for trimethylaminuria, but the smell can be managed by making dietary changes and/or taking vitamin B12, probiotic supplements, antibiotics or activated charcoal, notes the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.
There’s no cure for trimethylaminuria, but the smell can be managed by making dietary changes and/or taking vitamin B12, probiotic supplements, antibiotics or activated charcoal, notes the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.
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Angewandte Chemie: "The Two Odors of Iron When Touched or Pickled: (Skin) Carbonyl Compounds and Organophosphines"
Drug Safety: "Drug-induced hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis: Incidence, prevention and management"
U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Anatomy, Skin Sweat Glands"
International Hyperhidrosis Society: "Sweaty Hands"
Mayo Clinic: "Nail Fungus"
U.S. National Library of Medicine: "Trimethylaminuria"
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: "Trimethylaminuria"
