What to do about underarm odor
Dec 29, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Lingjuan
Introduction
Open surgery or minimally invasive surgery can be chosen. Open surgery causes greater skin trauma but has a lower recurrence rate. Minimally invasive surgery involves less trauma, but carries a higher risk of regrowth of apocrine glands, leading to symptom recurrence. Additionally, botulinum toxin can be injected subcutaneously; its destructive effect helps break down the apocrine glands in the armpit, thereby improving symptoms.
During hot summer weather, many people experience underarm odor, which can affect personal social interactions. What should be done about underarm odor?
What to do about underarm odor
To improve symptoms of underarm odor, one option is surgery to destroy the apocrine glands in the armpits. This can be performed via open surgery or minimally invasive surgery. Open surgery causes greater skin trauma but has a lower chance of recurrence. Minimally invasive surgery is less traumatic, but the apocrine glands may regenerate on their own, leading to symptom recurrence. Alternatively, botulinum toxin injections into the subcutaneous tissue can be used; the toxin acts to break down the apocrine glands, thereby improving symptoms. If the underarm odor is particularly strong, applying perfume or other odor-masking agents may also help alleviate the symptoms.
Body odor arises from the secretion of sweat and the bacterial breakdown of the skin's stratum corneum, producing a distinctive smell. Sweat glands are divided into eccrine glands and apocrine glands, both of which are located in the armpits. Eccrine glands secrete sweat composed mainly of water and inorganic salts, while the sweat secreted by apocrine glands contains fatty acids and proteins, which produce a characteristic odor when broken down by bacteria.
When secretions are excessive, this odor becomes stronger and may even impact an individual’s quality of life and social relationships—commonly known as bromhidrosis or axillary osmidrosis. To prevent this, maintain cleanliness and dryness, and bathe regularly to reduce bacterial growth. We hope this answer has been helpful. Wishing you good health and a happy life!
