What department should I visit at the hospital for body odor?

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, patients with bromhidrosis can choose the appropriate department according to their own needs when visiting a hospital. Common departments include dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, medical aesthetics, and endocrinology. In addition, patients with bromhidrosis may consult the hospital's triage service in advance to select the most suitable department based on the hospital's departmental setup and their individual condition.

Under normal circumstances, patients with bromhidrosis (body odor) can choose the appropriate department according to their own needs when visiting a hospital. Common departments include dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, medical cosmetology, and endocrinology. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dermatology

Dermatology primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases related to the skin and its appendages. Bromhidrosis occurs when abnormal secretion from the axillary apocrine glands leads to odor production after bacterial breakdown of sweat, which falls under the category of functional abnormalities of skin appendages. Doctors in this department will assess the condition by observing the condition of the underarm skin and asking about the timing and duration of the odor.

2. Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery centers on tissue reconstruction and functional improvement. For bromhidrosis, the treatment may involve surgical removal of the apocrine glands. The department will develop a surgical plan based on the patient's axillary anatomical structure.

3. General Surgery

The scope of general surgery includes diseases of the abdomen, neck, breast, and other areas. Some general surgery departments also provide surgical treatment for bromhidrosis. Diagnosis involves physical examination to determine the severity of the odor and the activity level of the apocrine glands. Treatment typically involves traditional surgical removal of the apocrine glands and is suitable for patients with severe odor and no significant contraindications to surgery.

4. Medical Cosmetology

Medical cosmetology focuses on improving appearance and related issues through minimally invasive and cosmetic techniques. Treatments for bromhidrosis often include microwave therapy and radiofrequency therapy. The diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation based on the patient's expectations for treatment outcomes and scarring. The treatment process emphasizes minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues while effectively eliminating odor and maintaining underarm aesthetics.

5. Endocrinology

Endocrinology mainly deals with regulating the body's endocrine system functions. If bromhidrosis is associated with endocrine disorders, patients may visit this department. Diagnosis involves testing hormone levels to determine if there is an endocrine abnormality. Treatment primarily focuses on regulating endocrine function to help alleviate excessive apocrine gland secretion and reduce odor.

In addition, patients with bromhidrosis can consult hospital guides before visiting to choose the appropriate department based on the hospital's departmental setup and their own condition. During the visit, patients should truthfully inform the doctor about the timing, frequency of the odor, and any family history, which will help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

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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.