Wound Odor Management

Wound Odors & Scents (Overview)

The phenomena of bad-smelling wounds is common but disruptive. Fortunately, in the field of wound medicine, treating malodorous wounds is a priority.

Researchers have uncovered the underlying chemical causes of the most common types of wound odors. While a few result from the body’s natural healing process, most are caused by colonizing bacteria.

To manage odors effectively, first determine the root cause of the scent. Then, engage in best practices to treat the wound at home, or with a medical professional. 

Do Wounds Smell When Healing?

When a wound is healing properly, it doesn’t usually smell bad. 

However, if a wound smells like feet or mild body odor, it isn’t necessarily a sign of a problem. Like body odor elsewhere, a sweaty smell can indicate sweat and skin oils are seeping into the dressing. 

While it isn’t as urgent as other scents, it should still be addressed by cleaning the periwound skin. 

Likewise, a healthy wound’s exudate might smell slightly metallic or earthy. While some people might notice the scent of healthy fluid more than others, exudate with a strong, pungent odor is a sign of infection.

Understanding Wound Smells

Wound odors are typically caused by the metabolic processes of invasive microbes at the wound site. Bacteria and other pathogens create chemical compounds as they go. They release even more foul scents when the body’s immune system begins fighting them off. 

Why Do Infections Smell Bad?

Whether they’re in a wound or not, microbes’ natural processes (eating, reproducing) release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that create a bad scent. 

Infections also lead to tissue disintegration and necrosis—the death of tissue. Bacteria contribute to the breakdown of necrotic tissue, releasing more gasses in the process.

What Does an Infected Wound Smell Like?

Most infected wounds have an odor best described as sour, rancid, or even like parmesan cheese gone bad. The most common wound odors are connected to seven compounds:

• Dimethyl trisulfide, which causes a sulfur-like odor (i.e. “fart smell”)
• Acetic acid, which causes a sour odor
• Isobutyric acid, which causes a “cheesy” odor
• Butyric acid, which causes “cheese” and “vomit” odors
• Isovaleric acid, which causes “stinky feet / socks” and “rancid cheese” odors
• 2-aminoacetophenone, which causes a “sickly sweet” scent
• Skatole (3-methylindole), which causes a “fecal” scent

Unfortunately, wounds can also offgas worse odors.

Why Does My Wound Smell Like Death?

When a wound smells like it’s dying, that’s urgent. A “death-like” scent is typically caused by necrotic (dead) tissue. When bacteria break down those tissues to devour them, they release putrescine and cadaverine: chemicals almost exclusively associated with organic decay. 

How Are Wound Smells Diagnosed? 

Medical professionals can use the Malodorous Wound Assessment to diagnose foul wound odors. The assessment lets them determine the severity of the infection and which microbe is causing it. 

For example, sickly sweet scents are often caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Skatole and butyric acid are both produced by Clostridium.   

Home Remedy For A Smelly Wound (OTC Treatment Options)

As most wound odors are caused by an infection, clearing the infection is key. Fortunately, in most cases, it’s possible to do that at home.

Cleanse & Disinfect Wound (Debride If Needed)

Most infected wounds require debridement along with disinfecting. Debriding the wound effectively removes biofilms and devitalized tissue. 

Try using a Debrisoft Duo Pad for Wound Debridement with a gentle touch. You don’t need to exert much pressure to remove films and debris. 

Then, clean the wound with a non-irritating, balanced cleanser, like Vashe Wound Solution NZT 5.5 with Skin Friendly pH. Look for wound disinfectants, like Vashe, using Hypochlorous Acid—an antiseptic deemed “essential” by the World Health Organization. 

Add An Antimicrobial Agent To The Wound’s Dressing

Certain antimicrobial creams and gels can be as effective in killing infectious pathogens as conventional cleansers. Choose an agent specifically designed for wounds, like Anasept Antimicrobial Skin and Wound Gel. Then, follow the application instructions and add it to the wound’s dressing. 

Apply Honey-Based Paste

Studies show that medical-grade honey paste is an effective topical treatment for certain types of malodorous wounds. Applying honey-based dressings likeMedihoney Gel Wound and Burn Dressing is often an effective treatment for infected ulcers. 

When Does A Malodorous Wound Require Professional Medical Treatment?

If a wound starts to smell like rancid cheese, feces, sulfur, or death (decay), seek urgent medical treatment. Go to the emergency room if these odors are severe, or if they’re accompanied by pain, fever, or discolored pus.

Medical Treatment Options 

In an emergency, malodorous wound infections are treated with antibiotics and surgical removal of necrotic tissue. 

The first line medical treatment for wound odor is a prescription antibiotic, and a topical, prescription-strength antimicrobial. Oral and IV Metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. In one trial, it eliminated 100% of patients’ wound odors in three days. 

Prescribed topical medications are typically broad-spectrum antimicrobials. 

For instance, BlastX Antimicrobial Wound Gel uses a relatively high concentration of Benzalkonium Chloride (0.13%). Revyve Antimicrobial Wound Gel uses polyhexanide. 

Both compounds reliably kill a wide range of bacteria and fungi without harming human tissues. 

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