The Best Current Treatment for Bromhidrosis

The optimal treatment for bromhidrosis (axillary osmidrosis) is laser surgery; conventional surgical approaches may also be considered—treatment selection depends on the severity of the condition.

1. Laser Surgery: Bromhidrosis is a relatively common dermatological condition, primarily caused by abnormal development of apocrine glands in the axillae or by genetic factors. Clinical manifestations include yellowish secretions and a foul odor emanating from the underarms. Patients should promptly consult a dermatologist for evaluation. For mild cases, laser surgery is generally recommended. As a minimally invasive procedure, laser therapy causes minimal skin trauma, results in a short recovery period, and promotes atrophy of the apocrine glands—thereby reducing odor intensity.

2. Conventional Surgery: In cases of hyperactive apocrine gland development, patients may experience severe axillary malodor, significantly impacting physical and psychological well-being. A timely visit to an accredited hospital is essential for diagnostic imaging—such as CT scanning or color Doppler ultrasound—to precisely locate and characterize the apocrine glands. Subsequently, surgical excision of the affected glands is performed. Prior to surgery, topical anti-inflammatory treatment and local anesthetic injection are administered to minimize intraoperative discomfort.