Can body odor (bromhidrosis) be completely cured?

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, generally refers to axillary bromhidrosis. Whether axillary bromhidrosis can be completely cured usually depends on the treatment method. Conservative treatments typically cannot provide a complete cure and only help alleviate symptoms. However, in most cases, surgical removal of the apocrine glands can achieve a complete cure. It is important to maintain clean and dry underarms in daily life and to wear breathable cotton clothing.

Bromhidrosis usually refers to axillary osmidrosis. Generally speaking, whether axillary osmidrosis can be completely cured depends on the treatment method used. Conservative treatments typically cannot completely cure the condition, but only alleviate symptoms; surgical removal of the apocrine glands usually can achieve complete cure. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If conservative treatment is selected, such as topical medications and daily hygiene practices, the apocrine glands responsible for the odor cannot be removed. Topical medications, such as urotropine solution and formaldehyde solution, may temporarily reduce sweat secretion and odor but symptoms often recur after discontinuation.

If surgical treatment is adopted, removing the apocrine gland tissue in the armpit can eliminate the source of odor and achieve a complete cure. Common surgical procedures include traditional apocrine gland excision and minimally invasive apocrine gland excision. Minimally invasive techniques cause less trauma and allow faster recovery. With proper postoperative care to prevent infection, most patients' odor can completely disappear.

In daily life, it is important to keep the armpits clean and dry, wear cotton and breathable clothing, and avoid spicy foods. Conservative treatment requires proper use of topical medications to avoid skin irritation. After surgical treatment, it is necessary to follow medical advice for wound care, avoid strenuous exercise that may strain the wound, and promote healing.

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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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How to Treat Body Odor

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, typically refers to bromhidrosis in the armpit area. In general cases, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by factors such as overactive sweat glands, inadequate hygiene, bacterial infection in the armpits, hyperhidrosis, or endocrine disorders. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatments, medication, or other approaches under a physician's guidance.

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Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, typically refers to bromhidrosis in the armpit area. In general cases, axillary bromhidrosis may be caused by excessive secretion from the axillary apocrine glands, inadequate local hygiene, damage to the skin barrier in the armpit area, bacterial infection, hyperhidrosis, or other related factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatments, medication, or other methods under a physician's guidance.