Sour sweat odor

[GCA_Patien]

Has anyone experienced a change in perspiration odor? I have GCA and the smallest of physical tasks makes me sweat profusely it seems now and my sweat turns to a sour like odor as it dries. Not the worst smell but none the less an odor which was never there before.

Could this be from GCA itself?

Or could this be from prednisone and Actemra? Or some combination of the 3?

[Hellyowl]

Hi, I have had GCA for 2.5 years I am on Pred but not Actemra, now the weather is cooler and I am down to 5mg Pred my sweating is reduced. But on and off head sweating in particular has been a major problem. You get ready to go out and your hair is limp with sweat. Rather than activity I notice that the smallest anxiety like being stuck in traffic when going to an appointment being in a rush or thinking I have misplaced something breaks me out in a sweat. I often wake up pouring sweat in the mornings. I have mentioned it to doctors but then have taken no notice. I (non scientifically) wonder if it is because Pred affects hormone balance. When I was on higher doses it was like menopausal hot flushes all over again.

I try to stay cool, rather wear a thin coat and be a bit chilly than get to hot and calm down with breathing if I get anxious, helps a bit.

Hope this is helpful.

[Hellyowl in reply to Hellyowl]

Forgot to say, I didn't notice any change in odor but I am bit lush with perfume.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

All I can say is that in the first few months of PMR symptoms I noticed that I stank after a session at the gym - no other word for it. Despite showering before and after and using deodorant - didn't matter what sort and I am allergic to many! Anyway, I stopped using deo and the problem improved with just frequent water showers - no soap. Since then I have not used soap or deo - and no, I don't smell! This was all long before pred.

I have heard a few others complaining of a change in body odour. I do wonder if it is a change in skin flora associated with the illness. It happens in other illnesses apparently.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, I’ve found in me at least, that sour sweat means I’m dealing (or have just been) with something internally and I know I’m not right. This can mean medication effects and or illness; either way my body is chucking something out. Once I’m better, the smell goes; it’s a good barometer. This doesn’t apply to sweating in genenral which happens all the time with hormones, Pred, withdrawal etc. Can’t speak for anyone else though.

[Purplecrow]

**Crude verbiage alert🤓

I've noticed my pee has different odor, after I've eaten strong flavored foods. Also, using some homeopathic compounds for leg cramps contributes to same.

Oh and.....at 5mg, I still wake with profuse night sweats! Way more than menopause.....and daytime sweats have eased off.

. Just sayin...

🙏🏽.

[Hidden]

Hehehehehe. Sorry don't mean to chuckle, but "YES!" Been there , done that, got the T- shirt! Mine cleared itself up in few weeks... weird thing was I wasn't sweating?

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[Anna135]

I found that higher doses of prednisone made my sweat smell very strongly of a strange chemically smell.

It's gone away again now that I'm on a lower dose.