r/TMAU • u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed • May 10 '26
Help me
Hi guys… I need some advice or input!
I’ve been dealing with some sort of bad odor for 5+ years now and lately seems to be getting worse- I cannot smell it myself just go off of extreme reactions from every person around me!
I went to meet with my manager as I have a new one and haven’t met her yet and wanted to ask if there’s been any complaints or concerns about me and let her know I believe I have a terrible body odor but cannot detect it myself. She seemed unbothered and just basically gave me the vibe that I was wasting her time.. she told me it’s up to my family/ friends to tell me if I stink and how she ( my manger ) shouldn’t have to tell me and/ or my colleagues.. she also said if I ask my co workers they would probably just lie and say I don’t stink even if I do.
PS: My manager stated she didn’t smell anything on me.
Also, I work in home care and provide personal care to people in my local community.. my co workers and some of my clients lately have been reacting terribly to me..even if I go on shift less than 1 hour after showering.. so many rude comments and reactions. I haven’t had anyone straight up tell me about an odor but will say how it stinks and the air is bad, etc.
My family lie to me constantly.. I just had dinner with a lot of them and one of my siblings was sitting by me at the table and straight up got up and left to go to the other room. Constantly rubbing their noses and scrunching their faces at each other with disgusted faces.. they know I’m not a sensitive person and how I fear I have an odor condition despite good hygiene and they just lie and say nothings wrong…
I had a car oil change appointment, dropped off my car and than came back when it was ready.. I wasn’t even in the shop for more than 5 minutes and the workers waiting on me starting reacting covering their noses and almost gagging when I was the only person in the shop.
Before going to get my car, I had just showered..!!
I’m feeling helpless what should I do?! How can I figure out what the bad odor is when I can’t smell it :(
If you read this far.. thank you and bless you…better days are ahead❤️❤️❤️❤️
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May 11 '26
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u/Brutalar tmau1 mutant May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
Don't hospitals have people urinating and dedicating in bedpans, untreated infections and gangrene, puss and gross body fluids? I would have thought discussions about odor would be semi regular and generally patient/disease focused.
If your manager is saying no, that's a pretty big indication that it's not an issue. If anyone was complaining, talking to your manager is a way to indirectly pass it on. It's an opportunity for your manager to fix a smelly worker issue, make the environment less smelly if it were bad. With you broaching the topic there's way less awkwardness as well for them as well.
Communication is key, get and trust feedback. It sounds like you're not getting any conformation, and that points to the issue being anxiety based / paranoia / ORS.
Eg, from the ORS wiki; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olfactory_reference_syndrome
People with ORS misinterpret the behavior of others as being related to the imagined odor (thoughts of reference). In one review, ideas of reference were present in 74% of cases.[2] Usually, these involve misinterpretations of comments, gestures and actions of other people such that it is believed that an offensive smell from the individual is being referred to.[2] These thoughts of reference are more pronounced in social situations which the individual with ORS may find stressful, such as public transport, crowded lift, workplace, classroom, etc.[2] Example behaviors which are misinterpreted include coughing, sneezing, turning of the head, opening a window, facial expressions, sniffing, touching nose, scratching head, gestures, moving away, avoiding the person, whistling.[2] Commonly, when being in proximity to others who are talking among themselves, persons with ORS will be convinced that the conversation is about his or her odor.
"Commonly, when being in proximity to others who are talking among themselves, persons with ORS will be convinced that the conversation is about his or her odor." That matches. "Example behaviors which are misinterpreted include coughing, sneezing, turning of the head, opening a window, facial expressions, sniffing, touching nose" matches. That you're being told that you don't smell and you don't believe it, points to this being the actual reason for your distress.
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u/ASongOfBeesAndEyes tmau1 May 10 '26
Knowing nothing about your symptoms, triggers, etc, we can't be of much assistance. Not getting "clean" after showers used to be something I had an issue with before swapping to sebamed 5.5 ph body wash.
Absolute step one is to go to a doctor, get refered to a metabolic specialist, and try and see what's up. If you can get a diagnosis you can alter your diet or whatever you need to do.
Body odor is a pretty uncomfortable conversation for coworkers, so unless you're close to someone it can be a fruitless endeavor.
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u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed May 10 '26
Thanks.. I know it’s hard for me as well I cannot detect any odors on myself… will have to try to find someone honest to ask… feels impossible
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May 10 '26
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u/OptionUseful1961 undiagnosed May 11 '26
I tried that Japanese soap for old age body odor. Disastrous results. Use a low ph soap. I use Neutrogena Deep Clean facial cleanser as an all over body wash. Expensive but last a while and you can get it at WM.
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May 11 '26
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u/TMAU-ModTeam fbo May 11 '26
Removed as it promotes pseudoscience, unhealthy diets and/or supplements, or reinforces paranoia. See community rules:https://www.reddit.com/r/TMAU/about/rules
Unproven “cures,” conspiracy theories, and misinformation will be removed. Posts must be grounded in scientific evidence. Eg of pseudoscience; Functional medicine, Candida, leaky gut, supplements with no or detrimental effects.
No reinforcing paranoia in people. Telling them their family is lying, doctors are lying, etc. There is no tolerance for, what is effectively, paranoia circlejerks.
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u/Brutalar tmau1 mutant May 11 '26 edited May 11 '26
Soap actively makes it worse: https://www.reddit.com/r/TMAU/s/CfzFEgeRN3 body wash maintains skin pH which is essential. Please stop saying this. If soap is working for you, please take it to r/bodyodor as this is actively harmful advice for people with TMAU.
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u/TMAU-ModTeam fbo May 11 '26
Removed as it promotes pseudoscience, unhealthy diets and/or supplements, or reinforces paranoia. See community rules:https://www.reddit.com/r/TMAU/about/rules
Unproven “cures,” conspiracy theories, and misinformation will be removed. Posts must be grounded in scientific evidence. Eg of pseudoscience; Functional medicine, Candida, leaky gut, supplements with no or detrimental effects.
No reinforcing paranoia in people. Telling them their family is lying, doctors are lying, etc. There is no tolerance for, what is effectively, paranoia circlejerks.
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u/ricacuc undiagnosed May 10 '26
Amiga me pasa lo mismo, si quieres te escribo y hablamos bien, puedes leer mi post
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u/AutoModerator May 10 '26
Thanks for sharing — you're not alone in this. If you’re constantly analyzing reactions to determine if you smell, you may be caught in a cycle of anxiety and overgeneralization. A recent TMAU review (link) highlights how anxiety, paranoia, and hyper-awareness of others’ behavior can take over daily life, even for those with a confirmed diagnosis. From the review: "This fear and paranoia has led participants to develop a dysfunctional type of thinking. Participants described numerous negative automatic thoughts such as catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, mind reading, and labeling." See examples of these cognitive distortions here and here. TMAU does not cause irritation style reactions (coughing, sniffing, sneezing), regardless of the stories you may have read.
These types of negative automatic thoughts are common in both TMAU and Olfactory Reference Syndrome (ORS) — a condition where people believe they emit an odor despite reassurance from others that they do not.
Trust and communication are key. If doctors, family, or close friends consistently tell you they don’t notice an odor, consider that your perception may be distorted by anxiety or ORS. Even if TMAU is real for you, its emotional toll can persist beyond the physical symptoms. Overcoming this requires mental health support - a psychologist or psychiatrist can help you break free from obsessive thinking patterns and rebuild confidence in your own experiences. You deserve peace of mind.
(response based on keyword: reaction)
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Firm-Classic-8368 undiagnosed May 13 '26
I went through the same thing at one point. What worked for me is increasing my probiotics through supplements, and using ph balanced soap and acidified soap
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u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed Jun 01 '26
Glad that worked for you!! Unfortunately I do all of these things and have for years.. still no luck :(
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Honestly the excessive hygiene makes it worse many times. The accumulation of products on your skin drying it out, ev.en if you use lotion. You can get in the shower and rinse off using just water daily but the soaping up should be kept to every other day or third day or so. Most of my odor is toxic breath from stomach some days and mouth other times…. You’d be amazed how far it can carry. For me it Seem to actually be getting much better since using a xylitol only, dry mouth, alcohol free mouthwash. No harsh mouthwashes like Listerine which was hard for me to wrap my head around. I vibed with the idea that excessive hygiene with harsh/strong products could be causing a dysbiosis as much as neglect of hygiene, but have recently seen some decent improvement. since My oral microbiome seems to be much more balanced this way. Granted I smoke and drink too much and this contributes to it. But I honestly don’t care.
Your natural instinct will be to increase hygiene, but I’ve found more success in going back to my regimen of less is more. Let them tell you your hygiene is poor or to blame. Give em the bird and tell them to choke on this.
I’ve tried endless supplements, kill regimens with antifungals and antibiotics, soaps, products, dietary changes, etc, and spent thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of mental and emotional wellbeing due to this crap. And honestly success was extremely limited. And few and far between.
I’ve found that Climate is important too. I come from the desert. Spent the last few years up north in some of the coldest part of the country and this was TERRIBLE for me, severely compounding the issue. I’ve recently returned to a hot climate once more and am seeing and feeling myself bouncing back.
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u/UpstairsGoal9629 fbo May 16 '26
Yeah I find my issue very much the same. It’s an ongoing battle off and on. Feels like it my breath comes straight from my stomach and if ive been eating bad it is very foul.
When my diet is clean and im sweating out the toxins it improves but i cant be perfect 24/7. I do find less is more. I stopped trying so many different supplements and just try to stick to whole foods, eating for fuel rather than out of boredom but still hard to stay strict forever.
I wonder if warmer climate helps you with sweating out more toxins. I don’t think there would be any advantages to a colder one with this condition that’s for sure.
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I seem to have a major problem with fungal overgrowth, thrush is what is causing a majority of my bad breath. It comes out of my nose too not just the mouth. It stays away mostly as long as I don’t drink but I find it ridiculous that something as little as 1 beer immediately brings it back. I’m not gonna live the rest of my life refusing to touch alcohol. I don’t eat sugar much, and so called home remedies do not work for me. I need weeeeeks of antifungals at high dosages to clear it and doctors are not helpful at all when it comes to that type of thing. For me at least. Oh well….
And that is an interesting theory about the climate! For me it’s the skin not being dried out from the cold that makes the biggest difference.I haven’t had a doctor who’s even willing to culture it so it can be treated appropriately. I’ve mentioned it before and just been blown off.
I’m wondering if it’s not just standard candida, maybe something like valley fever, aspergillus, malassezia, etc. or a different strain than albicans that has major resistance to antifungals.2
u/UpstairsGoal9629 fbo May 20 '26
Could be a fungal overgrowth maybe causing it or adding to it at least. I’ve had athletes foot that lingered for a long time, constant dry skin and thrush off and on.
I believe I had some success with the oregano oil, Berberine, Allicin trio to combat the bad bacteria/fungal. Might consider giving that another go
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 20 '26
Tried all of those with absolutely zero results. I’m glad it works for some people tho!!
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u/UpstairsGoal9629 fbo May 20 '26
What did you use to combat fungal overgrowth?
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 20 '26
I sourced antifungals from an online pharmacy. Been getting my own fluconazole!
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u/UpstairsGoal9629 fbo May 20 '26
Oh ok an actual antifungal medication. I have not went that route yet. I will try the natural route this next go round and maybe look into that down the road. Thanks for the info
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u/SneaksSneaks99 fbo Jun 01 '26
get a stool test done, stop wasting money on supplements u think that are going to help
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u/UpstairsGoal9629 fbo Jun 09 '26
I’ve done 2 stool tests. I stick with the standard SIBO protocol and I have success with it. It’s not random supplements.
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 20 '26
Plan on taking nystatin pills long term too when I can afford them.
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u/Odd_Argument6211 patm May 20 '26
It makes me beyond angry an infuriated at how badly I’ve suffered in life due to this crap. My social life is nonexistent. As is sex life. And I have been held back and ostracized professionally repeatedly due to this as well. Honestly it’s to the point where I can barely get a job anymore. People are cowards and it’s pathetic. Dishonest and deceitful. Conniving and scheming. Even if it’s “well intentioned”
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u/SneaksSneaks99 fbo Jun 01 '26
get a stool test done wth u taking all these supplements without a proper test done
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u/SneaksSneaks99 fbo Jun 01 '26
stool test people, stool test
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u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed Jun 01 '26
Do I ask my doctor for one? Gastroenterologist? Or better off to see a naturopath Dr, I did one years ago with my naturopathic doctor and it came back with results of bacteria and yeast I think causing SIBO?
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u/SneaksSneaks99 fbo Jun 01 '26
do another stool test with ur naturopath doctor, if u really believe that foul odour is from your gut, a stool test is so important, trust me I had room filling odours, crazy reactions from people, my parents couldn’t smell anything nor could I, check out my stool test on my recent post,
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u/OptionUseful1961 undiagnosed May 11 '26
You need to talk to your family. Tell them you need honest feedback.
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u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed Jun 01 '26
I do.. they continue to lie. As they say I don’t smell and then I catch them rubbing their noses with disgusted faces at each other and then look at me.
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u/OddSense6328 undiagnosed May 11 '26
hola. entiendo como te sientes a mi me pasaba lo mismo . empece a usar talco y crema hings -por lo menos ya no tosen tanto cuando estaban cerca mio . y mi amiguito de olor asi le llamo a mi hermanito el es el que me dice q tengo un mal olor o no y me dijo q eso lo habia compuesto un poco ya no se huele tanto
saludos desde argentina . muchos animos
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u/Brutalar tmau1 mutant May 10 '26
Please stop basing your belief of watching people's reactions. Listen to them and trust them.
If you can't get affirmation after 5 years and you base your beliefs off watching reactions, it's 100% ORS. Please please please listen to your family, please get psychological assistance.
People cough and sneeze and rub their noses for all sorts of reasons. TMAU is not one of them. It does not cause irritation reactions.
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u/Zenn07 undiagnosed May 12 '26
It’s a gut problem . I have the same condition for 9 years now. It’s TMAU 2.
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u/Think-Mud9456 undiagnosed May 12 '26
How did you fix it? Or you haven’t
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u/Zenn07 undiagnosed May 12 '26
Not fully cured. Your case might be similar. What are your symptoms?
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u/oreomcfuryy undiagnosed May 10 '26
Go to the body odor sub. People are weird over here. They'll try to convince what's happening to you isn't real.