SHOULD YOU BE SCARED OF THAT SMELL?

Our experts explain what odour is normal – and when to worry

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Do you smell fresh? Or perhaps you're deadly unaware of any wicked whiffs you might be giving off? Halloween might be the time for things going 'bump in the night', but that doesn't have to include your breath! Here, our experts give us the frightful facts on stinky body bits, with tips for how to slay stenches for good.

FOUL FEET

Your feet have around 250,000 sweat glands and release a large amount of sweat over the course of a day, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth, explains podiatrist Marion Yau (footcliniclondon.co.uk). If your feet are especially pongy, it might be down to 'hyperhidrosis' – an excessive sweating condition which can increase smell intensity.

STOP THE STINK:

• Wash your feet with antibacterial soap, paying attention to under toenails, where bacteria can accumulate.

• Wear bamboo, silver fibre or merino wool socks - they're antimicrobial and can help with smell reduction.

• Use antiperspirant for feet and, if you suspect hyperhidrosis, see your GP or podiatrist about prescription-strength formulas.

Whiffy belly button

Bacteria, dead skin cells and sweat can make the belly button smell. 'But because the navel is a warm, dark, often moist crevice, it can cause an overgrowth of the yeast candida, leading to a fungal infection which can smell really cheesy,' says Dr Deborah Lee (doctorfox.co.uk). 'On rare occasions, a cyst can form inside the navel and if this becomes infected, can cause a strong smelling pus-like discharge.'

STOP THE STINK:

• Clean and dry your belly button daily. If you notice it's dirty, use a cotton bud dipped in soapy water to clean it thoroughly.