Do all people with oily earwax have body odor?
Disease description:
I've had oily earwax since childhood, and every time I clean my ears, it's always sticky and gooey. Recently, I've been worrying that I might have bromhidrosis (body odor). When I sweat a lot under my armpits, I feel like there's an unusual odor. Do people with oily earwax really tend to have bromhidrosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lu Cheng
Oily earwax refers to wet cerumen, while body odor refers to bromhidrosis. Generally, individuals with wet cerumen do not necessarily have bromhidrosis.
Wet cerumen and bromhidrosis are two distinct physiological phenomena and are not directly related. Oily earwax is mainly secreted by the ceruminous glands and its presence is associated with individual genetic factors, age, gender, and other factors. For example, if someone in the family has wet cerumen, the likelihood of an individual developing this condition may increase.
Bromhidrosis, on the other hand, results from the reaction between apocrine gland secretions and bacteria on the skin surface, causing a distinctive odor commonly found in areas such as the armpits and groin. Its development is associated with various factors including family history, puberty, and personal hygiene. For instance, if either or both parents have bromhidrosis, the risk of offspring developing this condition increases accordingly.
Patients troubled by bromhidrosis can alleviate symptoms by improving personal hygiene habits, using antibacterial and deodorizing products, and adjusting their diet. If the condition is severe, medical treatments, laser therapy, or surgical interventions may be considered under a doctor's guidance.
