Can underarm hair removal cause body odor?

Dec 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Can underarm hair removal cause body odor?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Qingyun
Underarm hair removal is a common method for eliminating hair, helping to keep the underarm skin clean, dry, and neat. However, it may lead to body odor. Underarm hair helps protect the skin in that area; when hair is removed, the skin becomes more sensitive and susceptible to external irritants, which can cause excessive secretion from sweat glands and result in body odor. Additionally, underarm hair removal can increase skin temperature, making the skin more vulnerable to bacterial invasion and contributing to body odor. It is recommended that while removing underarm hair, one should take care to protect the underarm skin, promptly hydrate, and enhance underarm hygiene to reduce the occurrence of body odor.