Are apocrine glands regenerative tissues?

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, apocrine glands are not regenerative tissues. It is important to maintain cleanliness in areas where apocrine glands are distributed, especially regions such as the armpits and areolae. Promptly cleaning sweat can reduce bacterial growth and associated body odor. Avoid frequent friction or irritation to these areas to prevent abnormal secretions caused by external damage to the apocrine glands.

Generally, apocrine glands are not considered regenerative tissue. The specific analysis is as follows:

Apocrine gland cells are highly differentiated and lack sufficient stem cell reserves to achieve regeneration and repair. Due to their highly specialized structure and function, once damaged—such as through surgical removal or severe injury—the glandular tissue cannot divide and proliferate to form new glandular structures. As a result, the function of apocrine glands in the affected area cannot be restored. This is precisely why related surgical procedures can provide long-term improvement for conditions such as excessive sweating and body odor.

In daily life, it's important to maintain cleanliness in areas where apocrine glands are distributed, especially regions like the armpits and areolae. Promptly cleaning sweat helps reduce bacterial growth and associated odor. Avoid frequent friction or irritation in these areas to prevent abnormal secretion due to physical damage. Wearing loose, breathable clothing reduces localized heat and moisture, lowering the likelihood of abnormal apocrine gland secretion. Additionally, reducing dietary intake of spicy and stimulating foods can help prevent increased glandular secretion triggered by such foods.

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What are the advantages of laser surgery for the treatment of axillary odor?

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, typically refers to bromhidrosis of the armpits. Laser surgery for treating axillary bromhidrosis mainly utilizes the thermal effect of the laser to target and destroy the apocrine glands in the armpit area, thereby reducing sweat secretion and lessening odor. The general reference price for laser surgery is 3,000–7,000 yuan per session, with noticeable improvement typically observed within 7–21 days; however, possible complications may include skin burns and infections.

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Can laser surgery completely cure axillary odor?

Axillary osmidrosis, commonly known as body odor, refers to the distinctive odor produced when secretions from the axillary apocrine glands are decomposed by bacteria. If laser surgery is properly performed, it may effectively cure axillary osmidrosis; however, if the laser surgery is improperly conducted, it may fail to provide a complete cure. It is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and undergo the procedure under the guidance of a qualified physician.

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

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.

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What is the best age for a child to undergo surgery for axillary odor?

Before the age of six, a child's body is still developing, and the apocrine glands may not be fully mature. At this stage, residual apocrine gland cells remaining after surgery may become active again as the child continues to develop, potentially leading to a recurrence of odor and an increased risk of secondary surgery. Moreover, surgery performed too early may carry a slightly higher risk of complications such as postoperative infection and scar hypertrophy due to the body's incomplete development, which can affect both the surgical outcome and the appearance of the skin.

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How Does Body Odor (Bromhidrosis) Develop?

During puberty, hormonal changes in the body lead to increased secretion of androgens, which stimulate the rapid development and enhanced secretory function of the axillary apocrine glands. This results in increased sweat production and altered sweat composition. The sweat is then broken down by bacteria, leading to the development of body odor. It is recommended to choose loose, breathable cotton clothing to prevent sweat accumulation in the armpits, and to use mild cleansing products to keep the underarm area clean.

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What are the causes of 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 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.

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Can sweat gland removal completely cure body odor?

The surgery reduces sweat secretion and the resulting odor caused by bacterial decomposition by removing the abnormal apocrine gland tissue responsible for excessive sweat production. If the surgical procedure is performed properly and the excision area is sufficient, most or even all of the abnormal apocrine glands can be removed. With appropriate postoperative care and no complications such as infection, the odor can be eliminated permanently in most cases.

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At what age is it suitable for children to undergo surgery for axillary odor?

During the 14-18 age stage, children's physical development approaches maturity, and the apocrine sweat glands are nearly stabilized. Surgery at this stage allows for more complete removal of abnormal apocrine glands, thereby reducing the probability of postoperative recurrence. If body odor has seriously affected social interaction and study, caused psychological inferiority in the child, and symptoms cannot be relieved through regular hygiene and antiperspirant measures, surgical intervention may be considered after professional evaluation.

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