What is the difference between fox odor and axillary odor?

Axillary osmidrosis generally refers to axillary bromhidrosis. Under normal circumstances, there are differences between axillary bromhidrosis and axillary osmidrosis in terms of conceptual scope, degree of odor, pathogenesis, symptom presentation, and appropriate management approaches. These differences allow for distinction between the two based on specific characteristics. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Conceptual Scope: Axillary bromhidrosis is a general medical term encompassing all cases where abnormal sweat production in the armpit area leads to odor; it has a broader scope. Axillary osmidrosis refers specifically to a more noticeable form of axillary bromhidrosis, commonly used to describe the condition where the armpits emit a strong, offensive odor.

2. Degree of Odor: The odor associated with axillary bromhidrosis is relatively mild, usually producing only a slight smell after heavy sweating, detectable only at close proximity, and significantly reduced after regular hygiene practices. In contrast, the odor from axillary osmidrosis is more intense, noticeable even with minimal sweating, and detectable from a distance.

3. Pathogenesis: Axillary bromhidrosis is often caused by overactive eccrine sweat glands, where sweat combines with skin surface bacteria leading to odor production. It is typically associated with poor local hygiene or hot, humid environments. Axillary osmidrosis mainly results from apocrine sweat glands secreting sweat containing higher levels of fatty acids and proteins, which bacteria break down into a distinct foul odor. This condition is closely linked to genetic factors and hormonal changes during puberty.

4. Symptom Presentation: Axillary bromhidrosis primarily presents as slight dampness in the armpits, accompanied by a mild odor after sweating, without significant discomfort, and the underarm skin usually appears normal. In addition to a noticeable odor, axillary osmidrosis is often accompanied by excessive underarm sweating, which can occur even at rest.

5. Applicable Management Approaches: Axillary bromhidrosis can be improved through daily care, such as washing the armpits daily, wearing breathable clothing, and using antiperspirants, without requiring special treatment. Axillary osmidrosis requires more targeted interventions. Mild cases may use strong antiperspirants, while moderate to severe cases may require laser treatment or minimally invasive apocrine gland excision to effectively alleviate or eliminate the odor.

In daily life, appropriate care or treatment methods should be selected based on these distinctions to maintain clean and dry armpits, avoid frequent consumption of spicy and irritating foods, reduce sweat production and bacterial growth, promote underarm skin health, and alleviate odor-related discomfort.