The main cause that leads to the secretion of sweat can be traced back to an anomaly which is responsible for both the quantity and the quality of this phenomenon. The sweat that reaches the skin surface is initially odorless: excessive secretion from the eccrine or apocrine sweat glands is attacked by the indigenous bacteria that live on our skin. These bacteria then produce the malodorous "volatile" chemicals. For example, the degradation of keratin induced by the excessive amount of sweat can produce an unpleasant odor.

Some conditions and factors that encourage the onset of Bromhidrosis are: diabetes, obesity, inappropriate clothing, inadequate hygiene, rash, erythrasma (superficial skin disease), Hyperhidrosis, etc. In order to control or eliminate the occurrence of bromhidrosis, you should limit the consumption of spicy foods like garlic, onions, alcohol, and caffeine. Drinking lots of water also helps to dilute the sweat and dampen the unpleasant odor. Medications that can be taken occasionally or on regular basis can also help with bromhidrosis.