Will shaving underarm hair with a blade cause body odor?

Oct 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, shaving underarm hair with a blade will not cause body odor. Body odor is primarily caused by secretions from the apocrine glands in the armpits being broken down by local bacteria, producing a distinctive smell; it is not directly related to the amount of underarm hair or whether it has been removed. Although improper shaving may cause skin damage, body odor is mainly associated with sweat gland secretion.

In general, shaving underarm hair with a blade does not cause body odor (bromhidrosis). Body odor primarily results from the breakdown of secretions from apocrine glands in the armpits by local bacteria, producing a distinctive smell. It is not directly related to the amount of underarm hair or whether it has been removed. Although improper shaving may cause skin damage, body odor is mainly associated with sweat gland activity; therefore, removing underarm hair is not a direct cause of body odor. To prevent body odor, it is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene, shower regularly, change clothes frequently, wear loose-fitting clothing, and keep the armpits dry.

If you wish to treat body odor, available options include botulinum toxin type A injections, microwave therapy, high-frequency electrocautery, laser treatment for axillary bromhidrosis, and sweat gland excision surgery. It is advisable to visit a reputable medical facility and choose an appropriate method under professional medical guidance.

Analysis of Surgical Treatments for Body Odor:

Treatment Name	Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections	Microwave Therapy	High-Frequency Electrocautery	Laser Treatment for Axillary Bromhidrosis	Sweat Gland Excision Surgery
Principle	Blocks communication between glands and nerves	Uses microwaves to coagulate and necrotize local tissue proteins, eliminating sweat function	Radiofrequency needles penetrate and destroy the layer of apocrine glands beneath the skin	Laser energy destroys hair follicle and glandular tissue, reducing underarm follicles	Partially or completely removes sweat gland tissue from the armpit (or other areas) to reduce sweat secretion
Advantages	1. Scar-free 2. Minimal invasion	1. No incisions 2. Natural appearance	1. Minimal damage 2. High safety	1. Does not cause obvious wounds or scars 2. High precision	1. Reduces excessive sweating 2. High cure rate
Potential Risks	1. Allergic reactions 2. Swelling	1. Swelling 2. Infection	1. Bleeding 2. Burns	1. Scarring 2. Recurrence	1. Suture detachment 2. Impaired sweat secretion
Recovery Time	10–15 days	14–28 days	15–30 days	7–10 days	10–20 days
Duration of Effect	6–12 months	3–4 years	6–12 months	1–2 years	10–20 years
Cost	3,000–6,000 RMB per session	1,000–5,000 RMB per session	1,000–3,000 RMB per session	1,000–3,000 RMB per session	2,000–8,000 RMB per session

After surgery, patients should adjust their diet by focusing on light meals, eating more fresh vegetables and fruits, drinking plenty of water, avoiding spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and garlic, and strictly refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption to avoid interfering with wound healing.

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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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Will shaving underarm hair cause body odor?

Under normal circumstances, shaving underarm hair does not directly cause body odor. When shaving underarm hair, use clean and sharp tools to avoid skin injuries that may lead to infection. After shaving, you can apply a mild moisturizing product to protect the skin. If noticeable odor develops in the underarm area after shaving, it is important to maintain good local hygiene and change clothes frequently. If the odor persists, prompt medical consultation is recommended for further evaluation.

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Does shaving underarm hair cause body odor?

Shaving underarm hair generally does not cause body odor. Before shaving, ensure the tools and underarm skin are clean, and avoid using dull instruments that may damage the skin. After shaving, if the underarm skin feels dry and tight, a non-irritating moisturizer may be applied. If noticeable and persistent odor occurs after shaving, maintain good underarm hygiene and choose breathable clothing. If the odor does not improve, medical consultation is recommended.

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Can underarm hair removal cause body odor?

Underarm hair removal only affects the hair and hair follicles, and does not damage or alter the structure or secretory function of the apocrine sweat glands in the underarm area. The development of body odor (bromhidrosis) is related to the bacterial breakdown of the unique sweat secreted by the apocrine sweat glands. As long as the apocrine sweat glands are functioning normally, the process of sweat secretion and bacterial decomposition will not be affected by hair removal alone, and therefore will not cause body odor.