What should a man do if he has underarm odor?
May 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
If a man has an odor under the armpits, it is considered a normal physiological phenomenon if it is merely sweat smell. Daily attention should be paid to personal hygiene, including frequent bathing and changing clothes regularly. If it is body odor (bromhidrosis), a light diet is recommended, and topical medications such as povidone-iodine solution or calamine lotion may be used according to medical advice to alleviate symptoms. When necessary, surgical options such as sweat gland excision or minimally invasive axillary odor surgery can be considered.
In general, body odor under a man's armpits may be a normal physiological phenomenon or could indicate bromhidrosis (axillary osmidrosis), and treatment should be determined based on the specific situation through general measures, medication, surgery, or other methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Normal physiological phenomenon
If the weather is hot and excessive sweating occurs under the armpits, an unpleasant sweat odor may develop, which is considered a normal physiological occurrence and usually does not require special treatment. Men should maintain good personal hygiene by bathing regularly, changing clothes frequently, and keeping the armpit area clean and dry. It is advisable to wear breathable clothing.
2. Bromhidrosis (body odor)
Bromhidrosis is a common skin condition caused by the breakdown of secretions from apocrine glands in the armpits by bacteria on the skin, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Men should maintain a light diet and reduce consumption of spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and garlic. As directed by a physician, topical medications such as povidone-iodine solution or calamine lotion may be used to help alleviate symptoms. When necessary, surgical procedures such as apocrine gland excision or minimally invasive surgery for axillary bromhidrosis may be performed under medical guidance to remove or destroy the apocrine glands and thereby improve symptoms.
In addition, men should avoid wearing non-breathable clothing, pants, shoes, and socks to prevent excessive sweating.
