What should I do if shaving underarm hair causes body odor?

Sep 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Body odor, commonly known as bromhidrosis, is usually caused by bacterial infection of the apocrine glands in the armpits, resulting in an unpleasant smell. It is hereditary and not directly related to shaving underarm hair. In most cases, axillary osmidrosis can be alleviated through maintaining cleanliness and dryness, along with medical treatments. If these measures are ineffective, alternative treatments such as botulinum toxin type A injections, gold microneedle radiofrequency therapy, or microwave therapy may be considered.

Body odor, commonly known as axillary bromhidrosis, is typically caused by bacterial infection of the apocrine glands in the armpits, producing a strong and unpleasant smell. It is hereditary and not directly related to shaving underarm hair. In general, axillary bromhidrosis can be alleviated through methods such as maintaining cleanliness and dryness or medical treatments. If these measures are ineffective, treatment options may include botulinum toxin type A injections, gold microneedle radiofrequency therapy, microwave therapy, fractional laser therapy, or sweat gland excision surgery.

General Methods for Alleviating Axillary Bromhidrosis:

1. Maintain Cleanliness and Dryness

Wash the underarms daily with lukewarm water and mild cleansing products to remove sweat, bacteria, and dirt from the skin surface, thereby reducing odor production. Wear breathable, sweat-absorbing cotton clothing and change clothes frequently, especially after exercise or sweating. Promptly replace damp clothing to prevent bacterial growth on fabrics.

2. Medical Treatment

If inflammation or infection is present in the underarm area, topical antibiotics such as mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream may be used under a doctor’s guidance to eliminate bacteria and reduce inflammation and odor.

Surgical and Minimally Invasive Treatments for Axillary Bromhidrosis:

Procedure Name	Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection	Gold Microneedle Radiofrequency Therapy	Microwave Therapy	Fractional Laser Therapy	Sweat Gland Excision Surgery
Example Image
Principle	Blocks the release of acetylcholine from local sympathetic nerves, preventing sweat glands in the armpit from receiving signals to secrete sweat, thus inhibiting sweat production.	Delivers radiofrequency energy precisely to different layers of the skin, causing protein denaturation and necrosis of sweat gland cells in the armpit, thereby destroying apocrine gland tissue and reducing or stopping sweat secretion.	Uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves from microwaves to damage large sweat glands or their ducts, impairing gland function and preventing normal sweat secretion.	Generates high-energy laser beams that act on the underarm skin, creating instant high temperatures to thermally damage the apocrine glands.	Surgically removes or scrapes out the apocrine gland tissue from the armpit area.
Advantages	1. Simple procedure 2. Minimal tissue damage	1. Relatively simple operation 2. High safety profile	1. Small incision 2. Less surgical discomfort	1. Small wound size 2. Low pain level	1. Minimal bleeding 2. Reduced trauma
Potential Risks	1. May cause muscle atrophy 2. Local swelling may occur	1. Local bruising may occur 2. Possible recurrence	1. May cause local redness and swelling 2. Nerve-related pain may develop	1. May cause skin itching 2. May lead to erythema (red patches)	1. May result in noticeable scarring 2. May cause muscle contracture
Maintenance Duration	3–6 months	1–2 years	6–12 months	1–2 years	10–15 years
Reference Price	3,000–8,000 RMB per session	2,000–10,000 RMB per session	500–1,000 RMB per session	500–3,000 RMB per session	3,000–5,000 RMB per session

Body odor may cause unnecessary daily distress. It is recommended to seek timely treatment at a reputable hospital under the guidance of a qualified physician. Regularly clean the underarms and keep them dry in daily life. Reduce the frequency of underarm hair removal to avoid unnecessary physical injury. Maintain a light diet and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, Sichuan pepper, and onions, which may negatively affect health.

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What are the best methods for permanently removing body odor?

There is no definitive optimal method for the permanent removal of axillary odor. The choice of treatment depends on the individual patient's condition. Common approaches for axillary odor removal include traditional surgery, minimally invasive surgery, laser therapy, botulinum toxin type A injections, and gold microneedle radiofrequency therapy, with varying effectiveness and suitable populations.

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How to completely eliminate body odor (bromhidrosis)

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, typically refers to bromhidrosis in the armpit area. In general, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by genetic factors, excessive sweat secretion, local bacterial infection, endocrine disorders, dysfunction of apocrine sweat glands, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, or other methods under the guidance of a physician.

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How to completely eliminate body odor (bromhidrosis)

Under normal circumstances, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by genetic factors, excessive sweat secretion, local bacterial infection, hyperhidrosis, hyperthyroidism, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then proceed with treatment under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, physical therapy, or surgical intervention. Daily care should include regular trimming of underarm hair to reduce bacterial adhesion.

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Why did I suddenly develop body odor when I never had it before?

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates the body's metabolism, leading to increased sweat production. This results in greater underarm perspiration with altered composition, which, when broken down by bacteria, produces body odor (bromhidrosis). Symptoms may include palpitations and hand tremors. Treatment should involve the use of medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and propranolol tablets under the guidance of a physician to regulate thyroid function.