How to Differentiate Between Body Odor (Bromhidrosis) and Sweat Odor
Disease description:
It's difficult to describe the odor under my armpit; I'm not sure if it's axillary odor (bromhidrosis) or just sweat smell. My friend says it's body odor. How can I tell the difference between axillary odor and regular sweat odor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Differentiating Between Axillary Odor and Sweat Odor:
1. Odor: The odor associated with axillary odor is typically a distinctive, pungent smell, similar to the urine odor of felines; whereas sweat odor mainly presents as a sour smell, which is relatively milder.
2. Affected Areas: Axillary odor primarily occurs in the armpits, caused by abnormal secretion of apocrine sweat glands; sweat odor, however, can appear in multiple perspiring areas of the body, such as the chest and back.
3. Occurrence Timing: Axillary odor may persist throughout the year, becoming more pronounced during summer or periods of excessive sweating; sweat odor typically occurs during times of heavy physical activity, hot weather, or increased perspiration.
4. Additional Symptoms: Patients with axillary odor may experience additional symptoms such as whitening or yellowing of underarm hair and yellow discoloration of the underarm area of clothing; sweat odor mainly manifests as abnormal sweating and body odor.
