You’re scratching your eczema itch when you notice a strange odor. “What’s that smell?” you wonder. “Is it me?”

The odor might be challenging to describe, but you realize it isn’t a typical body odor you can remedy with deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, or soaps for sensitive skin. It’s a deep-in-your-skin odor that may coincide with your eczema flare-ups.

This article explains what could be causing an odor, such as a burnt smell, after scratching and offers tips for managing these odors. Talk to your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you notice a new smell or other changes in your health.

What’s That Smell?

“Has anyone’s outbreak ever been so bad you can smell it?” asked one MyEczemaTeam member. “Every time my son has a severe outbreak that oozes, he smells like skin.”

Researchers know that eczema is a common skin condition that affects more than 31 million people in the U.S. But they don’t know how often people with eczema notice unusual body odors related to it.

Several MyEczemaTeam members have said they experience an odor during eczema flares or when they scratch — but many had difficulty describing the smell. “I don’t know how to explain the smell,” said one.

“It doesn’t smell like an infection, and it’s not an overwhelming smell,” said another.

A third said, “The smell is very distinct.”

One MyEzcemaTeam member said they notice a smell whenever they have a severe eczema flare-up. Another said it develops if they scratch their itchy skin so intensely that blisters and lesions start oozing and crusting.

Although you might notice an odor when you have an eczema flare, something other than eczema could be causing it.

What Causes Odors With Eczema?

The National Eczema Association lists common symptoms of eczema, but strange odors aren’t among them. If eczema isn’t producing the smell, where is it coming from?

Eczema Treatments

Some eczema treatments can contribute to body odors.

Topical steroids are a popular and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other types of eczema. They work by calming inflammation. However, frequent use of steroid creams or use of very potent creams can increase your risk of some skin infections and delay wound healing. An open wound is susceptible to infection, and infections can cause odors.

Immunosuppressant medications can also contribute to odors. They work by suppressing the immune system to relieve eczema symptoms, but in doing so, they may increase your risk of infection or trigger other health issues associated with body odors. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any medications that increase your risk of infections.

Antihistamine gels and sprays work by blocking histamine receptors in the body to keep them from triggering an immune response that causes an itchy sensation. But antihistamines taken orally can also cause bad breath due to dry mouth.

Adhering to the treatment plan your doctor has outlined for you is essential. If you have concerns about eczema treatments and body odor, talk to your healthcare provider before stopping treatment or making any changes.

Skin Infections

Skin infections are common in people with eczema and — as noted — can cause odors. When the skin barrier is damaged, bacteria and other invaders can enter and cause an infection. The types of infections you might develop with eczema include:

• Bacterial
• Fungal
• Viral

Sometimes the bacteria, fungi, or viruses aren’t causing an infection. Instead, they just aren’t in their normal balance to help protect your skin and prevent smells. Many factors can cause this imbalance, including puberty, medications, humidity, and some deodorants and antiperspirants. Talk with your doctor to discuss further testing, if needed, and consider asking if a gentle antibacterial soap would be right for you.

If you notice a smell or any weeping from your skin and think you have a skin infection, stay calm and take a deep breath. Most infections are treatable with antibiotics, antifungal creams, or antivirals. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible, and be ready to describe your symptoms so they can help you find relief. If skin infections are a recurring issue for you, ask your doctor for guidance.

Other Causes

Some people with eczema also experience symptoms of hay fever, food allergies, and allergic asthma. If you notice an odor with eczema and your healthcare provider has ruled out treatments and skin infections as the cause, ask if allergies or your diet could be to blame.

Allergy testing, blood work, and a discussion about your eating habits might help identify the cause of your rash or other symptoms. For example, some people report a metallic breath and body odor when following a ketogenic diet — a type of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.

If you notice a new body odor, talk to a medical professional to ensure an accurate diagnosis and to rule out serious health issues. Metabolic diseases like diabetes and advanced kidney and liver diseases can also cause a noticeable body odor.

How Can You Prevent and Manage Eczema Odors?

If eczema treatments trigger an unpleasant odor for you, ask your healthcare provider about alternatives. For example, a topical corticosteroid ointment might effectively control your eczema symptoms, but if it leads to uncomfortable side effects — like a burnt-skin smell — you might decide to explore other treatment options.

With chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, making periodic adjustments to your treatment plan is to be expected. Keep trying until you find the right balance between symptom relief and tolerable side effects.

Avoid Eczema Flare-Ups

Taking steps to reduce eczema flare-ups may help prevent you from developing a strange odor. If bacterial, fungal, or viral infections trigger an odor for you, ask your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription medications to treat the affected area, and then ask for help creating an eczema-prevention plan.

Since dry skin can lead to eczema flares, consider showering with warm or lukewarm water rather than hot water, and limit showers to once daily. After showering, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing with a towel.

Also, scrubbing your skin too intensely or frequently may lead to skin irritation. Instead, focus on cleaning areas where dirt and sweat accumulate and body odors are more likely to occur, like your armpits, groin area, and skin folds.

You can also help prevent dryness by putting on moisturizing lotions or emollients right after you shower, while your skin is still damp. This helps protect your skin barrier.

You are likely already diligent with your skin care and overall health and wellness, but a doctor specializing in dermatology can offer additional insight and suggestions to prevent flare-ups if you’re still unable to get your symptoms under control.

Consider Diet and Lifestyle Changes

If allergy testing shows that your skin odor isn’t caused by eczema, ask an allergist about other possible triggers and how to avoid allergic reactions that could be linked to unusual scents. You may need to avoid certain detergents, plants and animals, and other environmental triggers.

If you’re following a keto diet or making other food choices that lead to body odors, ask a nutritionist or dietitian to help you develop a healthy and balanced nutrition strategy to heal your body from the inside out.

Discovering why your skin smells burnt after scratching or why you have other odors with eczema may take time. Be patient and ask for referrals and second opinions. The right care team and treatment plan can help put you on the right track to finding answers and relief.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Does your skin give off a burnt smell after scratching? Have you noticed any other unusual scents with eczema? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.