What causes axillary odor?

Body odor, also known as axillary odor or bromhidrosis, is primarily caused by the following factors:

1. Genetic factors: Body odor tends to run in families. If there are family members with body odor, the likelihood of developing it is relatively higher. This is because body odor is an autosomal dominant inherited condition, with genetic factors playing a predominant role.

2. Endocrine factors: After puberty, the secretion of sex hormones becomes more active, particularly an increase in androgen activity, which causes the apocrine sweat glands to become more active and increases sweat production. This sweat is then broken down by bacteria, producing a distinctive unpleasant odor.

3. Poor lifestyle habits: Personal hygiene habits are closely related to body odor. Long-term habits such as not showering regularly or not changing clothes promptly can lead to excessive bacterial growth in skin folds such as the armpits. These bacteria break down organic substances in sweat, producing unpleasant odors.

4. Dietary factors: Spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods may increase internal dampness and heat, promote sweat secretion, and alter the composition of sweat, thereby worsening body odor symptoms.

5. Other factors: Enlarged hair follicles and volatile fatty acids in apocrine gland secretions may also be associated with the development of body odor. Additionally, high temperatures and humidity in the summer season can prevent sweat from evaporating easily, leading to a worsening of body odor symptoms.