# Why does it smell like swiss cheese behind my ears? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 21, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895 "2011-07-21T19:18:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/21 "2011-07-22T22:10:17Z")
Alternatively, that stinky feet study found that several compounds, including gerinol, inhibited the isovaleric acid production that cause stinky feet, so maybe eating some of [this candy](http://www.paulpenders.com/ppblog/?p=12883) would help. > [@](#): > > A rose fragrance is released through the skin once the candy is eaten. > > The ingredient that causes the smell is geraniol, a colorless liquid found in plants such as rose, lavender and vanilla. Once the natural antioxidant geraniol is consumed in candy form it is leaving the body through the skin pores, creating a naturally sweet smell that lasts for hours. The effect seems similar to the pungent garlic that transmits odor through the skin pores as well. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Infoseeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e68b1a/32.png) [@Infoseeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infoseeker)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2011, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/22 "2011-07-22T22:21:15Z")
You may have one of those smelly cyst-like pimples behind your ears. If you do, they are removed by a doctor; not through over-the-counter topical treatments. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/23 "2011-07-23T00:12:05Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > I wash twice daily. > > And it _still_ smells cheesy. > > Suggestions? Are you sure that is really soap you are using? Block Velveeta cheese can easily be confused with some types of fancy soap and will cause that problem. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/24 "2011-07-23T00:54:06Z")
I just wanted to say, I get grossed out every time I see this thread title come up when someone posts in it. ☹ And now I have this irrepressible urge to scratch’n’sniff behind my ears now…:smack: ---
**Author:** ![Pyper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Pyper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pyper)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/25 "2011-07-23T04:02:52Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > I just wanted to say, I get grossed out every time I see this thread title come up when someone posts in it. ☹ And now I have this irrepressible urge to scratch’n’sniff behind my ears now…:smack: How could you read this thread and _not_ do a personal sniff test? For the record, I have no detectable behind-the-ear odor. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/26 "2011-07-23T04:57:11Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > I just wanted to say, I get grossed out every time I see this thread title come up when someone posts in it. ☹ And now I have this irrepressible urge to scratch’n’sniff behind my ears now…:smack: I tested myself. Smells pretty gouda. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/27 "2011-07-23T11:33:23Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Are you sure that is really soap you are using? Block Velveeta cheese can easily be confused with some types of fancy soap and will cause that problem. \ ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/28 "2011-07-23T18:21:21Z")
I have noticed the backs of my ears smell like Doritos :o ---
**Author:** ![Meme\_Chose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@Meme\_Chose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meme_Chose)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/29 "2011-07-23T18:44:09Z")
Well, now we know who keeps passing out in the chip bowl… ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2011, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/30 "2011-07-23T19:48:32Z")
Many thanks to **DSeid** for providing a most GQ-worthy answer. ---
**Author:** ![Infoseeker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e68b1a/32.png) [@Infoseeker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infoseeker)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/31 "2011-07-24T01:15:26Z")
I would have given a better answer if I could edit my original post. Nevertheless! Cyst like blemishes stink very badly; described as ‘feet-like’, etc. The location you mention is also a common problem area for them. For more information: > **[Sebaceous cyst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_cyst)** > > A sebaceous cyst is a term commonly used to refer to either: > Both of the above types of cysts contain keratin, not sebum, and neither originates from sebaceous glands. Epidermoid cysts originate in the epidermis and pilar cysts originate from hair follicles. Technically speaking, then, they are not sebaceous cysts. "True" sebaceous cysts, which originate from sebaceous glands and which contain sebum, are relatively rare and are known as steatocystoma simplex or, if multiple, as steatocystoma mu... ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/32 "2011-07-24T01:41:35Z")
Dang, when I saw that **Qadgop** had posted, I was hoping that he’d give suggestions for crackers and wine to go with it. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2011, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/33 "2011-07-24T03:40:15Z")
> [@Enola\_Straight](#): > > I have noticed the backs of my ears smell like Doritos :o Well, your ears should meet my Fritos feet, and we’d dip them in OP’s nose. **Crazyhorse** will invite some women over to meet OP for another style of onion dip. For desert, we’ll have chocolate from **Not Dennis.** The roses on the table will be set by **Seid**. ---
**Author:** ![Shiggity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@Shiggity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shiggity)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/34 "2011-11-01T08:13:00Z")
I like how I have to wade through pages of stupid jokes to get a real answer. It’s like the Where’s Waldo of crap. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/35 "2011-11-01T12:30:30Z")
> [@Shiggity](#): > > I like how I have to wade through pages of stupid jokes to get a real answer. It’s like the Where’s Waldo of crap. Yeah, and the actual scholarly answer courtesy of **DSeid** gets pretty much ignored, too. It’s what GQ has come to, all too often. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/36 "2011-11-01T15:58:30Z")
> [@Shiggity](#): > > I like how I have to wade through pages of stupid jokes to get a real answer. It’s like the Where’s Waldo of crap. 33 posts makes “pages” for you? ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/37 "2011-11-01T20:25:23Z")
> [@Shiggity](#): > > I like how I have to wade through pages of stupid jokes to get a real answer. It’s like the Where’s Waldo of crap. Yes, there was this guy named Cecil who would provide factual answers to peoples questions but he had a horrible tendency to interject humor into his replies. Very annoying. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/38 "2011-11-01T21:30:11Z")
> [@BubbaDog](#): > > Yes, there was this guy named Cecil who would provide factual answers to peoples questions but he had a horrible tendency to interject humor into his replies. Very annoying. Yeah, I’m glad that guy hardly posts anymore. I’m here for dry answers and facts, not entertainment. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2011, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/39 "2011-11-01T21:44:41Z")
> [@I'm Not Dennis Bergkamp](#): > > I just tried this and got a chocolate smell for my ears. Nothing of note for the sides of my nose, though. Very odd. Mine has aromas of dark berry, some plum, chocolate and long finish of smokey coffee bean. Very approachable. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895/40 "2011-11-02T01:47:52Z")
> [@BubbaDog](#): > > Yes, there was this guy named Cecil who would provide factual answers to peoples questions but he had a horrible tendency to interject humor into his replies. Very annoying. Do note however that the great old Cecil answers actually answered the questions … with humor. The complaint was about the plethora of posts that _only_ make jokes. Why he’s complaining about it over three months later, I don’t know. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-it-smell-like-swiss-cheese-behind-my-ears/589895.md?page=3)