What causes axillary odor?

Body odor (bromhidrosis) is primarily caused by the combined effects of multiple factors, specifically including: 1. Genetic factors: Body odor has a familial hereditary tendency. If there is a family history of body odor, the risk of an individual developing the condition increases. This is due to the secretory function of apocrine sweat glands being influenced by genetic factors. 2. Endocrine factors: Increased secretion of sex hormones, especially during puberty, enhances androgen activity, stimulating excessive secretion by apocrine sweat glands. This increased sweat production creates conditions that allow bacteria to break down sweat into odor-causing substances. 3. Environmental factors: In hot and humid weather or after exercise, increased perspiration combined with inadequate hygiene allows bacteria to decompose organic substances in sweat, producing unsaturated fatty acids that emit a distinctive unpleasant odor. 4. Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as poor personal hygiene and a preference for spicy or greasy foods, can also exacerbate body odor symptoms.