Kelly Fidoe-White, a 43-year-old from Oldham, Manchester, has a rare condition called trimethylaminuria (TMAU), also known as “fish-odour syndrome.” This condition causes her body to smell like fish, a problem she first noticed at age six.
She only learned the cause of her odor at 34.
To manage the smell, Kelly takes four showers a day, but this often makes the problem worse. TMAU is so rare that it has only been recorded about 100 times in medical records, though some experts think the real number might be closer to 200.
People with TMAU can produce strong smells like rotten fish, onions, or feces.
Kelly has faced a lot of difficulties because of her condition, including name-calling and finding ways to cope. She changes her uniform twice daily and uses large amounts of deodorant.
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At one point, her mother had to bring her a fresh set of clothes after a complaint was made about her odor.
Kelly said it’s upsetting to be asked if she’s using soap properly since it’s not about personal hygiene.
She learned that washing too much can actually make the smell worse because it opens up the pores. Instead, she has found that maintaining the skin’s natural pH helps control the odor.
Living with TMAU has been isolating and stressful for Kelly, leading her to work night shifts and experience depression. She has had to deal with bullying and online trolls who wrongly blamed her weight for the smell.
In reality, her symptoms were worse when she was lighter.
Since being diagnosed in 2015, Kelly has managed her symptoms by following a special diet low in choline-rich foods like liver, beans, and peanuts. She also takes specific supplements and has undergone therapy to deal with the emotional impact of her condition.
Kelly wants to raise awareness and support for others with TMAU, who often suffer in silence due to stigma and difficulties in getting proper treatment. She has found some community support online to help her cope.
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