How to deal with underarm odor

Feb 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Axillary odor may be caused by hot weather, improper diet, endocrine disorders, hyperhidrosis, folliculitis, and other factors. It can usually be treated through maintaining personal hygiene, adjusting lifestyle habits, using antiperspirant products, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, one should maintain personal hygiene, shower regularly, change clothes frequently, and use suitable antiperspirant products.

Armpit odor may be caused by hot weather, improper diet, endocrine disorders, hyperhidrosis, folliculitis, and other factors. It can usually be treated through maintaining personal hygiene, adjusting lifestyle habits, using antiperspirant products, medication, or surgical treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Hot weather and excessive physical activity: During hot weather or after intense exercise, the body sweats heavily to regulate body temperature. Interaction between sweat and bacteria on the skin surface may produce odor, causing armpit odor. It is recommended to maintain personal hygiene, shower frequently, change clothes regularly, and use antiperspirants or odor-controlling products to reduce sweat and odor.

2. Improper diet: Consumption of spicy, greasy, or pungent foods, as well as strongly odored foods like garlic and onions, may intensify body odor, leading to armpit odor. Adjust your diet by reducing intake of spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits such as broccoli and apples, which are rich in vitamins and water, helping regulate metabolism and reduce odor production.

3. Endocrine disorders: Irregular diet and lifestyle or diseases may lead to metabolic abnormalities in the body, causing excessive sweating and odor. Symptoms may include mood swings and menstrual irregularities. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits and, when necessary, follow medical advice to take medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, methimazole tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

4. Hyperhidrosis: Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes abnormally excessive sweating, possibly due to genetic factors or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Patients may experience continuous heavy sweating under the armpits, leading to odor. Other areas such as palms and soles may also be affected by excessive sweating. Complete resolution may require surgical treatment such as sweat gland removal.

5. Folliculitis: This may be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, leading to redness, swelling, pain, pus formation on the skin, and producing an odor. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or compound polymyxin B ointment, while maintaining local cleanliness and dryness.

In daily life, maintain good personal hygiene by showering and changing clothes frequently, and use suitable antiperspirant and odor-controlling products. At the same time, maintain a healthy lifestyle including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and a positive mindset to enhance physical fitness and immunity, thereby reducing the risk of illness.

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What causes a thin, long, soft flesh tag under the armpit, and what should be done about it?

In general, a thin, long, soft skin tag under the arm may be caused by prolonged friction, skin aging, fibromas, filiform warts, or molluscum contagiosum. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general measures or medication as directed by a doctor. In daily life, keep the underarm area clean and dry, and wipe or wash the area promptly after sweating.

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Are underarm sweat-absorbing pads effective for body odor (fox odor)?

Whether underarm sweat-absorbing pads are effective for body odor depends on their mechanism of action. These products can help reduce mild body odor, but they cannot cure it completely and have limited effectiveness for severe cases. Daily care should include keeping the underarms clean and dry, frequently changing into breathable cotton clothing to minimize bacterial growth. Wipe away sweat promptly after perspiring, and consider using gentle antibacterial cleansers.

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What does it mean when white substance comes out of armpit pores, and what should be done about it?

In general, white substances expressed from armpit pores may be caused by accumulation of sebaceous gland secretions, keratin blockage, folliculitis, sebaceous cysts, or trichomycosis axillaris. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain armpit hygiene by bathing regularly; choose cotton, breathable clothing and avoid tight synthetic fabrics.

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Is it serious to have a small lump under the armpit?

In general, the severity of a small lump under the arm depends on its specific nature and underlying cause. If there is noticeable discomfort or if the lump continues to change, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. To accurately determine the nature and seriousness of the lump, timely medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is advised. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment to prevent delays in proper care.