Are underarm sweat-absorbing pads effective for body odor (fox odor)?

Whether underarm sweat-absorbing pads are effective for body odor depends on their mechanism of action. These products can help reduce the odor associated with mild body odor, but they cannot cure it completely and have limited effectiveness for severe cases. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Body odor originates from sweat secreted by apocrine glands in the armpits being broken down by bacteria, producing an unpleasant smell. The primary function of sweat-absorbing pads is to absorb sweat, reducing moisture buildup under the arms and thereby decreasing bacterial breakdown of sweat, which helps lessen the odor. For individuals who sweat moderately and experience only mild odor, using these pads can significantly alleviate social embarrassment, offering a noticeable and immediate effect.

However, sweat-absorbing pads do not inhibit apocrine gland secretion or kill bacteria, so they fail to address the root cause of body odor. For people with highly active apocrine glands and excessive sweating, the absorption capacity of these pads is quickly overwhelmed, becoming saturated with sweat and allowing odor to persist. Thus, they provide only temporary, short-term relief and are suitable merely as emergency solutions.

Daily care should focus on keeping the underarms clean and dry, frequently changing into breathable cotton clothing to minimize bacterial growth. Wipe the area promptly after sweating, and consider using gentle antibacterial cleansers. For long-term management of body odor, targeted products such as antiperspirants may be more effective. Additionally, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods can help reduce sweat production.