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Suggest Treatment For Strong Underarm Odour

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Posted on Mon, 4 May 2015
Question: I have a question. About 2 weeks ago I began to have a strong underarm odor. This is unusual. I've never had a BO issue in the past and this has me concerned. My normal deodorant isn't working any longer. I've tried a different brand with no luck. It's quite embarrassing. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Either we reduce the sweating or killing the bacteria over the armpit skin.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome to health care magic,

I understand your concern for strong unpleasant underarm odour.

The cause could be either excess sweating at the underarms as sweating itself doesn't have smell but it provides a favourable medium for bacteria(present on skin specially on armpits) which releases some aromatic fatty acids causes unpleasant smell.

Treatment by two ways.
A) reduce this excess sweating
B) kill the bacteria present over skin

A) Here are some tips to stop this sweating or its odours.

1) If you have eczema or dermatitis or allergy then first take proper antibiotics or anti fungal as per your dermatologist opinion.
2) Always take balanced diet and drink plenty of water daily.
3) Avoid tight fitting clothes rather wear loose clothes.
4) Wear cotton material clothes and avoid synthetic silk.
5) Bath with antibacterial soap like dettol,savlon
6) Always clean your armpits,twice or thrice with brush during bathing.
7) Use antiperspirants and deodorants together like aluminium chlorhydrate or zirconium,one will block perspiration and other will mask the smell.
8) Use antibacterial creams or hand sanitizers on your armpits.
10) Curtailing excess tea or coffee.

B) By killing the bacteria present over the skin of underarms.

(1)Cumulative execution of above tips,
(2)trying different antiperspirants and apply them only in night bed time and wash in the morning
( don't apply on day time)
(3)Tab.oxybutynin 10 mg twice daily,
(4)Topical glycopyrrolate cream or ointment over armpits and other excess sweating areas.
(5) Use of antiseptic/ antibacterial solution like chlorhexidine 0.05% on body and specially on armpits area.

You may consult dermatologist for further advise.

Thanks and Regards,

Dr.SandipKabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (13 hours later)
Thank you Dr.SandipKabra.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome,

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

You are welcome,

The pleasure is mine,

If there is any follow-up query i am always ready to help you,

Take care

Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Strong Underarm Odour

Brief Answer: Either we reduce the sweating or killing the bacteria over the armpit skin. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Welcome to health care magic, I understand your concern for strong unpleasant underarm odour. The cause could be either excess sweating at the underarms as sweating itself doesn't have smell but it provides a favourable medium for bacteria(present on skin specially on armpits) which releases some aromatic fatty acids causes unpleasant smell. Treatment by two ways. A) reduce this excess sweating B) kill the bacteria present over skin A) Here are some tips to stop this sweating or its odours. 1) If you have eczema or dermatitis or allergy then first take proper antibiotics or anti fungal as per your dermatologist opinion. 2) Always take balanced diet and drink plenty of water daily. 3) Avoid tight fitting clothes rather wear loose clothes. 4) Wear cotton material clothes and avoid synthetic silk. 5) Bath with antibacterial soap like dettol,savlon 6) Always clean your armpits,twice or thrice with brush during bathing. 7) Use antiperspirants and deodorants together like aluminium chlorhydrate or zirconium,one will block perspiration and other will mask the smell. 8) Use antibacterial creams or hand sanitizers on your armpits. 10) Curtailing excess tea or coffee. B) By killing the bacteria present over the skin of underarms. (1)Cumulative execution of above tips, (2)trying different antiperspirants and apply them only in night bed time and wash in the morning ( don't apply on day time) (3)Tab.oxybutynin 10 mg twice daily, (4)Topical glycopyrrolate cream or ointment over armpits and other excess sweating areas. (5) Use of antiseptic/ antibacterial solution like chlorhexidine 0.05% on body and specially on armpits area. You may consult dermatologist for further advise. Thanks and Regards, Dr.SandipKabra