There is a strange smell in the armpit

In the summer, the human body sweats easily, but what worries people the most is the sweat odor on the body, especially the odor in the armpits, which can make people feel disgusted. The odor we are talking about can be divided into different situations. Some are just simple sweat odor, which can be improved by taking a shower; some are not caused by sweating, which is what we call body odor, and it is best improved through some targeted treatments.

Body odor generally refers to bromhidrosis.

It means that the secreted sweat has a special odor or the sweat produces an odor after decomposition. Bromhidrosis is more common in areas where sweating is excessive, sweat is difficult to evaporate, and where apocrine sweat glands are located, such as the armpits, groin, feet, perianal area, vulva, navel, and under the breasts of women. Bromhidrosis of the feet and armpits is the most common.

English name

Bromidrosis

Department

dermatology

High incidence group

Young women

Common causes

Caused by abnormal sweat secretion from apocrine glands

Common symptoms

It manifests as excessive sweating and odor in the armpits, feet, and perineum. Bromhidrosis, which is caused by the eccrine sweat glands and is the most common cause of axillary odor, is often accompanied by hyperhidrosis and is common in the soles of the feet and between the toes. The odor is produced by the decomposition of sweat by bacteria. The apocrine glands are affected by the endocrine system and only begin to secrete actively during puberty. Therefore, bromhidrosis caused by the apocrine glands often occurs during puberty and may be alleviated or disappear in old age. The special odor is formed due to the reaction between bacteria and the secretions of the apocrine sweat glands to produce unsaturated fatty acids. Bromhidrosis caused by apocrine sweat glands is related to genetic factors, and most patients have a family history. Clinical manifestations of bromhidrosis include excessive sweating, sweat that is difficult to evaporate, and areas where apocrine sweat glands are located, such as the armpits, groin, feet, perianal area, vulva, navel, and under the breasts of women. Foot and armpit bromhidrosis are the most common. Foot bromhidrosis is often accompanied by excessive sweating of the feet and has a pungent odor. Axillary bromhidrosis, commonly known as body odor, is a special pungent odor that is more obvious in summer. In a few patients, the vulva, perianal area and areola may also emit this odor. Most patients have soft cerumen in the external auditory canal. Patients often have colored sweat, mostly yellow. Diagnosis is usually easy based on the distinctive odor and location of the infection. No treatment is required for mild cases. Just bathe frequently, change clothes and socks frequently, and keep the local area clean and dry. For those with hyperhidrosis, the main treatment is local hyperhidrosis, such as topical application of 20% to 25% aluminum chloride solution. Local wet compresses or soaking in 1% povidone-iodine solution, 1:8000 potassium permanganate solution or 0.5% neomycin solution can kill bacteria and reduce odor. Those with severe underarm odor can choose laser or surgical treatment.