At what age can one detect inherited body odor (bromhidrosis)?

Aug 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Before puberty, children's apocrine glands have not yet fully developed. Even if they carry the genetic predisposition, they secrete less abnormal sweat, and typically do not produce a noticeable body odor. Therefore, it is difficult to determine genetic inheritance based on smell alone. After entering puberty, under the influence of hormones, the apocrine glands develop rapidly and begin to secrete sweat containing specific components. The odor resulting from bacterial breakdown of this sweat becomes increasingly apparent, especially noticeable during physical activity or in hot, humid conditions.

Generally, inherited body odor (bromhidrosis) becomes noticeable around puberty, typically between the ages of 11 to 16. During this period, apocrine glands gradually mature along with physical development, causing the odor to progressively emerge. For some children who develop earlier or later than average, the onset may occur slightly earlier or be delayed. If concerned, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Before puberty, a child's apocrine glands have not fully developed. Even if they carry the genetic predisposition, they rarely secrete abnormal sweat, so noticeable body odor is uncommon, making it difficult to determine inheritance based on smell alone. After entering puberty, hormonal changes cause the apocrine glands to rapidly develop and begin secreting sweat containing specific components. The odor becomes increasingly apparent after bacterial breakdown, especially noticeable during physical activity or in hot, humid conditions. At this stage, it's possible to make a preliminary determination of inheritance.

Some children develop at different rates; those who mature early may detect mild odor as early as age 10-11, while those who develop later may not notice clear odor until age 16-17. If the inherited body odor is mild and proper hygiene is maintained, the smell may not be obvious unless after heavy sweating, thereby delaying detection. In such cases, long-term observation of odor changes is necessary.

During daily life, pay attention to underarm odor in adolescents, maintain cleanliness and dryness, and avoid excessive cleaning or using irritating products. If the odor significantly affects daily life, promptly take the child to a reputable medical facility for examination. After confirming the condition, develop an appropriate management plan and avoid unguided treatments.

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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.