Do all people with axillary osmidrosis have oily earwax?
Jun 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Zhe
Introduction
Individuals with bromhidrosis (foul-smelling sweat) are not necessarily those with oily earwax. Some people with bromhidrosis have oily earwax, while others exhibit the characteristic odor without having oily earwax. Bromhidrosis can be treated surgically or with laser therapy. The surgical method involves making an incision at a predetermined location in the axilla, excising the apocrine glands, and performing precise suturing to effectively eliminate the odor.
Bromhidrosis (axillary osmidrosis) is a condition caused by abnormal secretion from the apocrine sweat glands in the axillae. Then, do all individuals with bromhidrosis have ceruminous (oily) ears?
Do all individuals with bromhidrosis have ceruminous (oily) ears?
Individuals with bromhidrosis do not necessarily have ceruminous ears. Some people with bromhidrosis do have ceruminous ears, while others exhibit the characteristic odor without having ceruminous ears. Bromhidrosis can be treated surgically or with laser therapy.
Surgical treatment involves making an incision at a predetermined location in the axilla to excise the apocrine glands, followed by precise suturing to achieve effective odor elimination. Laser therapy utilizes photothermal principles to directly destroy the apocrine glands and thereby eliminate bromhidrosis. Ceruminous ears produce abundant secretions that dry into a semi-hardened state. Additionally, individuals with ceruminous ears often exhibit heightened apocrine gland activity in the axillae compared to others. Some individuals also have oily skin; thus, if they have bromhidrosis, the odor may be more pronounced than in individuals with non-oily skin.
Bromhidrosis can be hereditary. Prolonged neglect of ear hygiene in individuals with ceruminous ears may lead to excessive cerumen production by the outer ear canal’s skin, resulting in yellowish, soft, greasy earwax. Such individuals may also be prone to bromhidrosis. While ceruminous ears serve as one potential indicator for bromhidrosis, their presence does not guarantee the condition. Therefore, whether or not a patient has bromhidrosis—or chooses to avoid surgical intervention—they need not worry excessively. Maintaining a positive mindset and avoiding undue psychological stress is essential. We hope this article has been helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!
