text: Body odor encompasses axillary (underarm) odor  and foot odor. It is caused by a combination of sweat gland secretions and normal skin microflora. In addition, androstane steroids and the ABCC11 transporter are essential for most axillary odor. Body odor is a complex phenomenon, with numerous compounds and catalysts involved in its genesis. Secretions from sweat glands are initially odorless, but preodoriferous compounds or malodor precursors in the secretions are transformed by skin surface bacteria into volatile odorous compounds that are responsible for body malodor. Water and nutrients secreted by sweat glands also contribute to body odor by creating an ideal environment for supporting the growth of skin surface bacteria.