What should I do if I have body odor?

Jul 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have noticed an odor under my armpits, and my doctor diagnosed me with bromhidrosis (body odor). What should I do about it?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
When suffering from axillary odor (bromhidrosis), the following measures can be taken for relief and treatment: 1. Maintain personal hygiene: Keep the underarm area dry and clean. Wash the armpits regularly and choose loose, breathable cotton clothing to help reduce bacterial growth and odor production. 2. Topical medications: Under a doctor's guidance, use medications with antibacterial and antiperspirant effects, such as aluminum chloride solution or axillary odor powder, to alleviate symptoms of bromhidrosis. 3. Injection therapy: For patients with severe axillary odor, botulinum toxin type A injections may be considered under a doctor's supervision to reduce sweat gland secretion and relieve odor. 4. Physical therapies: Treatments such as laser therapy or high-frequency electroacupuncture can destroy sweat gland tissue to effectively treat bromhidrosis. These procedures should generally be performed at a qualified hospital by a professional physician. 5. Surgical treatment: For patients with severe symptoms that do not respond to the aforementioned treatments, surgical options such as minimally invasive sweat gland excision may be considered to completely eliminate axillary odor.