What is underarm odor?
Certain areas of the skin, including the underarms, are dense with sweat glands. These parts of the body are more susceptible to excessive sweating and can produce bad odors. Sweat, itself, is odorless. However, when combined with bacterial overgrowth and the breakdown of proteins on the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) unpleasant odors can develop.
What are the causes of underarm odor?
Underarm odor is mainly caused by three factors:
- Bacteria
- Sweating due to eccrine gland activity
- Apocrine secretion
The apocrine glands, which are located in the underarm cavity, secrete apocrine. Apocrine secretion can occur as a result of triggers such as emotional stress, sexual stimuli and during the menstrual cycle. Apocrine is a thick liquid that, following microbial activity and contact with the air, produces compounds of unpleasant and pungent odor.
Generally, there is no relationship between food and the odor or intensity of sweating.
However, a direct correlation between food and sweating can often occur during the digestion of particularly spicy foods such as chili peppers.
Although rare, conditions such as indigestion can also contribute to noticeable sweating on the face and forehead.
The thicker and longer the hair, the greater the capacity is for bacterial penetration; this means more sweating and a higher chance of bad odors developing. To help reduce underarm odor, remove underarm hair through shaving, epilation or waxing.
Frequent – more than twice daily – underarm washing can actually be harmful. Soap and detergent residue, combined with any leftover moisture from hasty drying can lead to skin maceration and can contribute to unbalanced bacterial growth that disrupts our natural microbiota.
What can be done to combat cases of bad underarm odor?
Bacteria naturally grow and develop in the underarm cavity mainly due to the moisture and heat in this area of the body. To combat underarm odor, the bacteria that reacts with apocrine secretions to form pungent, volatile compounds must be targeted. Carefully selected products with active ingredients, such as aluminum chloride, are the best option for simultaneously reducing sweating and controlling bacterial growth.
To eliminate underarm odor:
- Wash the area with Eudermic Washing Base, a gentle solution that does not irritate the delicate skin of the underarm
- Dry meticulously so as not to leave any moisture residue on the skin.
- Once fully dry, Apply Everydeo to the underarms and
repeat throughout the day as needed.
Wearing natural fabrics such as cotton reduces the chance of unpleasant odors developing by allowing the armpit to breathe.
