How to effectively treat axillary odor in children?
Disease description:
My child has been particularly self-conscious since developing body odor. With summer approaching, I would like to learn about effective treatments for children's body odor.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The treatment for children with axillary odor should be selected according to specific circumstances. Recommendations include:
1. Maintain personal hygiene: Bathe and change clothes frequently, keeping areas such as the armpits clean and dry to reduce bacterial growth and thus alleviate odor.
2. Medication treatment: Under a doctor's guidance, topical antibacterial agents, antiperspirants, and other medications such as zinc pyrithione, 2%–4% formaldehyde solution, or 20% aluminum chloride in acetic acid solution may be used locally to reduce sweat secretion and bacterial growth, achieving deodorizing effects.
3. Surgical treatment: For older children with severe symptoms of axillary odor, surgical options such as laser surgery, high-frequency electroacupuncture, radiofrequency, or ultrasound therapy may be considered. These procedures destroy apocrine glands to reduce sweat secretion, thereby curing the condition.
4. Dietary adjustments: Avoid excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or irritating foods, and maintain a light diet, which helps reduce sweat secretion and odor production.
