Sweat smells like jet fuel

[timewerx]

All my workout clothes of different materials, old, new, cotton, polyester, lycra, etc now reeks of jet fuel smell.

I'm still using the same soap, same shampoo, same diet but my body odor started to change in the last couple of weeks.

I'm quite familiar with "keto odor" because I used to have that odor but now it's different. Strong hint of fossil fuel scent or materials made with fossil fuels. Sometimes, it smells like fully synthetic car engine oil.

I've been searching around and can't find any resources and it seems I'm the only person with this condition.

Should I be concerned? I doubt I'm going to combust spontaneously. But health-wise, is it a sign of something potentially dangerous?

 

[Gregory Thompson]

Well, see a doctor about that regarding the danger.

Recommend a full body deodorant solution, ask doctor about that too.

If you want to stop the sweating, there are solutions for that, but I recommend ask doctor.

 

[timewerx]

Well, see a doctor about that regarding the danger.

Recommend a full body deodorant solution, ask doctor about that too.

If you want to stop the sweating, there are solutions for that, but I recommend ask doctor.

I don't really mind the smell other than purely for health concerns.

I can't find any similar human cases on the internet.

However, I did find articles on using genetically-modified bacteria that can convert sugar into synthetic bio fuel for car engines as well as bacteria that can metabolize fossil fuels like diesel.

Ironically, I did increase my sugar intake to help fuel my longer workouts at higher power outputs. It seems possible I have acquired bacteria on my skin that converts the glucose on my sweat into hydrocarbon-based biofuel. It's also possible having this bacteria (due to increased sugar intake) on my gut that is turning some of the sugar into biofuel which gets into my bloodstream eventually out to my skin through sweating.

Doctor's expert analysis or even lab tests are not an option for me as I'm uninsured and poor and I don't live in a country with socialized healthcare. I simply can't afford modern healthcare.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

I don't really mind the smell other than purely for health concerns.

I can't find any similar human cases on the internet.

However, I did find articles on using genetically-modified bacteria that can convert sugar into synthetic bio fuel for car engines as well as bacteria that can metabolize fossil fuels like diesel.

Ironically, I did increase my sugar intake to help fuel my longer workouts at higher power outputs. It seems possible I have acquired bacteria on my skin that converts the glucose on my sweat into hydrocarbon-based biofuel. It's also possible having this bacteria (due to increased sugar intake) on my gut that is turning some of the sugar into biofuel which gets into my bloodstream eventually out to my skin through sweating.

Doctor's expert analysis or even lab tests are not an option for me as I'm uninsured and poor and I don't live in a country with socialized healthcare. I simply can't afford modern healthcare.

To confirm that you are actually sweating a flammable substance, you'd need to have that chemically tested to confirm.

Basing anatomy on the perception of the five senses tends to result in false conclusions. For example: this is what the human body looks like to the brain.

 

[timewerx]

To confirm that you are actually sweating a flammable substance, you'd need to have that chemically tested to confirm.

There's no way I'm going to get lab tests with no money nor insurance. Not an option.

Basing anatomy on the perception of the five senses tends to result in false conclusions. For example: this is what the human body looks like to the brain.

I don't think my senses are way off. I do have a bottle of gasoline and kerosene mixed together (JP-4 Jet fuel have similar composition), as well as diesel, and 1 liter bottle of fully synthetic motor oil I use for cleaning/degreasing and lubricating household items.

I can easily tell the difference in scent between those items, as well as bouquet of flowers, beer, cheesecake, normal human body odor, pet/dog odor.

The scent on my workout clothes. particularly around the armpits, elbows, and the socks are strongest concerning the scent of jet fuel despite differences in textile material and manufacturer (shirt: Nike polyester and cotton, elbow sleeve: no brand polyester, socks: Dunlop pure cotton)

 

[Gregory Thompson]

There's no way I'm going to get lab tests with no money nor insurance. Not an option.



I don't think my senses are way off. I do have a bottle of gasoline and kerosene mixed together (JP-4 Jet fuel have similar composition), as well as diesel, and 1 liter bottle of fully synthetic motor oil I use for cleaning/degreasing and lubricating household items.

I can easily tell the difference in scent between those items, as well as bouquet of flowers, beer, cheesecake, normal human body odor, pet/dog odor.

The scent on my workout clothes. particularly around the armpits, elbows, and the socks are strongest concerning the scent of jet fuel despite differences in textile material and manufacturer (shirt: Nike polyester and cotton, elbow sleeve: no brand polyester, socks: Dunlop pure cotton)

So did you take some sweat separately then light a match?

 

[timewerx]

So did you take some sweat separately then light a match?

I'll give it a shot after a workout.

 

[timewerx]

So did you take some sweat separately then light a match?

I'm still unable to isolate the hydrocarbons from my sweat or maybe I'm simply not sweating much lately due colder and drier weather.

Yet it seems I'm not imagining things.

Look at this article from NC State University:

Study: Sustainable Fuel From Sweat

news.ncsu.edu

All the raw materials can be sourced from by-products of metabolism and most especially during exercise and since I've been exercising a lot. I suppose that's the answer to this mystery.

 

[JesusFollowerForever]

It sounds like an unusual and concerning change in body odor. The jet fuel or synthetic car engine oil smell you're describing doesn’t match typical body odor patterns, so there could be a few medical reasons behind it.

One possibility is ketonuria, which occurs when the body produces more ketones than it can process. This can happen if you’re in a state of ketosis (even if you're not following a strict keto diet). Ketones are released through sweat, breath, and urine, and in some people, they can cause a smell similar to chemicals like acetone or even something more industrial. It could be a different variation of that "keto odor" you’ve experienced before.

Even though you haven’t changed your diet recently, it’s worth considering any subtle shifts—like maybe a higher intake of protein or a new supplement—that could be affecting your body chemistry. Certain foods, especially those high in sulfur (like garlic or cruciferous vegetables), can also lead to a change in body odor, making it smell more pungent or chemical-like.

Another thing to consider is whether there might be an issue with your liver or kidneys. These organs are responsible for processing toxins in the body, and if they’re struggling, it might lead to unusual odors. If your liver or kidney function is compromised in any way, it could result in the buildup of chemicals that your body hasn’t properly filtered, which might explain the synthetic smell.

Hormonal changes could also be a factor. Sometimes, even minor shifts in hormones (due to stress, medications, or things like thyroid dysfunction) can cause body odor to change. So, if you've had any recent changes in mood, energy levels, or metabolism, it could be worth looking into hormone levels.

It’s also possible that external factors could be affecting the smell, like environmental contamination. If you've been exposed to pollutants, chemicals, or even certain cleaning products, it might be clinging to your skin or clothes. That might explain why your workout clothes specifically have that synthetic or fuel-like odor, especially if you're wearing them during intense exercise or in an area where there’s heavy pollution.

If you've started any new medications or supplements lately, they could also be influencing the way your body smells. Some medications or high doses of vitamins can lead to changes in body odor. For example, some B vitamins, iron supplements, or certain antibiotics have been known to alter how people smell.

In rare cases, certain metabolic disorders can cause strange body odors. Though the scent you’re describing doesn’t match the typical signs of conditions like maple syrup urine disease, which results in a distinctive odor, there are other rare metabolic conditions that could cause unusual smells. These types of disorders often come with other symptoms, so it’s something a doctor would check if the issue persists.

If this change continues or worsens, it would be worth seeing a healthcare provider. They can run tests to check liver and kidney function, look at hormone levels, and explore other potential causes. Have you noticed any other changes in your health—like fatigue, digestive issues, or skin reactions? Those might provide more clues as well.