Can underarm hair removal cause body odor?

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

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.

Under normal circumstances, underarm hair removal does not directly cause body odor (bromhidrosis). Body odor is caused by abnormal secretion from apocrine sweat glands, and hair removal does not affect the function of these glands. However, if improper hair removal methods cause skin problems, they may indirectly worsen pre-existing mild odor. If concerned, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Underarm hair removal only affects the hair and hair follicles and does not damage or alter the structure or secretory function of the underarm apocrine sweat glands. Body odor is related to the bacterial breakdown of special sweat secreted by the apocrine glands. As long as the apocrine glands are functioning normally, the process of sweat secretion and bacterial decomposition remains unaffected after hair removal, and thus will not cause body odor. In fact, reducing the amount of sweat and bacteria adhering to the hair may slightly alleviate pre-existing mild odor.

If improper methods such as shaving with a blade or pulling out hair are used, they may scratch the skin or damage the skin barrier, promoting bacterial growth and potentially causing folliculitis or skin infections. An increased number of bacteria on the skin surface accelerates sweat decomposition. If there is already mild body odor or physiological sweat odor, this may increase the intensity and frequency of the odor, leading users to mistakenly believe that hair removal has directly caused body odor, when in fact the odor has worsened indirectly due to skin problems.

When choosing an underarm hair removal method, prioritize gentle options such as depilatory creams, electric hair removers, or laser hair removal at professional institutions to avoid skin damage. After hair removal, maintain proper hygiene and keep the underarm area dry and clean. If symptoms such as redness, pain, or sudden worsening of odor occur, seek timely medical evaluation and treatment.

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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.