Does shaving underarm hair reduce body odor?
Oct 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, shaving underarm hair does not reduce body odor. Body odor is primarily caused by the breakdown of sweat secreted by apocrine glands in the armpits by bacteria, resulting in a distinctive pungent smell. It is important to maintain personal hygiene by showering regularly, cleaning the underarms with antibacterial soap, wearing breathable clothing, avoiding prolonged use of tight-fitting garments, minimizing sweating, and appropriately using antiperspirant products.
Under normal circumstances, shaving underarm hair does not reduce body odor. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Body odor primarily results from the breakdown of sweat secreted by apocrine glands in the armpits by bacteria, producing a distinctive pungent smell. Shaving underarm hair only removes the hair itself and does not affect the secretory function of the apocrine glands. Although removing underarm hair may somewhat reduce bacterial attachment on the hair shafts, it does not fundamentally decrease bacterial numbers or prevent bacterial decomposition of sweat. Moreover, even without underarm hair, skin folds and other areas in the armpit remain conducive to bacterial growth. The occurrence of body odor mainly depends on the activity of apocrine glands, rather than the presence or absence of underarm hair. Even after shaving, the apocrine glands continue to secrete sweat, and as long as this sweat is broken down by bacteria, the characteristic odor of body odor can still develop. Effective methods for reducing body odor include keeping the armpits clean and dry, using antiperspirants or deodorants, and undergoing minimally invasive surgical procedures to destroy the apocrine glands. Simply shaving underarm hair is not an effective way to alleviate symptoms of body odor.
In daily life, it is important to maintain personal hygiene: take regular showers, clean the underarms with antibacterial soap, wear breathable clothing, avoid wearing tight clothes for extended periods, minimize sweating, and use antiperspirant products appropriately.
