Can people with axillary odor frequently use soap?

Jul 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have a condition of axillary odor (body odor), but I prefer using soap when showering. In such a case, is it okay to use soap frequently?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
People with axillary odor are not advised to use soap frequently, for the following reasons: 1. Dry skin: Soap contains alkaline substances, and frequent use accelerates evaporation of moisture from the skin, leading to dryness. Dry skin is more prone to odor production and不利于 the improvement of axillary odor. 2. Skin sensitivity: Individuals with axillary odor may already have sensitive skin, and frequent soap use can cause itching, redness, flaking, and other discomforts. 3. Skin infection: Long-term use of soap to clean the armpit area may irritate the skin, making it more susceptible to invasion by pathogens such as bacteria and fungi, thereby triggering skin infections. 4. Worsening of axillary odor: The alkaline nature of soap may affect the secretion of local sebaceous glands, potentially exacerbating symptoms of axillary odor.