What department should I visit for axillary odor?
Aug 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
When seeking medical treatment for axillary odor (bromhidrosis), patients may generally visit the dermatology, plastic surgery, general surgery, medical aesthetics, or traditional Chinese medicine departments. Axillary odor is associated with abnormal secretion of apocrine glands under the arms and bacterial breakdown of sweat on the skin surface. Dermatology departments can perform professional examinations to assess sweat gland activity, determine the severity of the odor, and provide nonsurgical treatments such as topical medications and laser therapy.
When seeking medical consultation for axillary odor (bromhidrosis), you can generally visit the dermatology department, plastic surgery department, general surgery department, medical aesthetics department, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) department. The specific options are analyzed as follows:
1. Dermatology Department: Axillary odor is associated with abnormal secretion of apocrine glands under the armpits and bacterial decomposition of sweat on the skin surface. Dermatologists can assess sweat gland secretion through professional examinations, determine the severity of the odor, and provide nonsurgical treatments such as topical medications and laser therapy, suitable for patients with mild symptoms or those not considering surgery temporarily.
2. Plastic Surgery Department: If surgical removal of abnormal apocrine glands is planned to improve axillary odor, consultation can be sought in the plastic surgery department. This department has mature techniques for treating axillary odor surgically, using minimally invasive procedures to precisely target the apocrine glands, reducing surgical trauma. They also focus on postoperative skin appearance recovery and minimizing the risk of scar formation.
3. General Surgery Department: In some hospitals where a dedicated plastic surgery department is not available, the general surgery department may also handle cases requiring surgical treatment for axillary odor. This department performs traditional apocrine gland excision surgeries, removing the source of odor through standardized procedures. It is suitable for patients who have no special aesthetic requirements regarding the surgical method but prioritize treatment effectiveness. Postoperative care according to medical instructions is required.
4. Medical Aesthetics Department: If you want to eliminate axillary odor while ensuring the aesthetic appearance of the underarm skin as much as possible, you can visit the medical aesthetics department. This department often employs advanced techniques such as minimally invasive surgery and laser therapy for treating axillary odor. These methods involve small incisions, faster recovery, and reduced postoperative scarring, making them ideal for patients who prioritize skin aesthetics.
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Department: From a TCM perspective, axillary odor is often associated with internal damp-heat and disharmony of qi and blood. The TCM department can provide syndrome differentiation-based treatment, prescribing herbal formulas that clear heat, remove dampness, and regulate qi and blood. Acupuncture and other methods may also be used as adjunctive therapies to alleviate symptoms, making it suitable for patients who prefer traditional Chinese medicine and are reluctant to undergo surgery or use Western medications.
Before visiting a hospital, it is advisable to understand the available departments and doctors' areas of expertise to select the most suitable department. During the consultation, provide detailed information to the doctor about when the odor appeared, its severity, and any previous treatments you've undergone, which will help the doctor formulate an appropriate treatment plan. If surgery is chosen, proper wound care and regular follow-up visits are necessary to ensure optimal recovery.
