Armpit odor is common in many people and it can be managed by taking little extra care of the skin. It can affect your self esteem and make you embarrassed in public. Due to the moisture present in the skin, bacteria develop on that area causing bad smell. By keeping the skin dry and clean you can easily avoid bacteria that causes odor in your body.
Bromhidrosis is the medical term for body odor. It is a condition of excess of bad smell on the armpit and foot due to the secretion of apocrine glands. Another gland called eccrine gland is also found on the body which produces a salt like solution when body temperature increases. For mild to moderate odor, use of topical deodorant is enough. In severe cases, it needs prescription medicines or other types of treatment.
Causes :
Two types of bromhidrosis exists namely apocrine bromhidrosis and eccrine bromhidrosis.
Body odor or armpit odor of apocrine origin occurs commonly in dark complexioned people of Africa. It can develop on Asian people who have family history of body odor. Since apocrine glands become mature after puberty, body odor will begin only adolescence. Corynebacterium is the name of the bacteria known to cause armpit odor producing offensive smell of fatty acids. People having skin disease like erythrasma and interigo are more prone to develop body odor than others.
Armpit odor of eccrine origin occurs in people of any race. It can be due to various factors like amino acid disturbance, sweaty feet syndrome and cat syndrome. Certain foods or medicines may also produce foul smell in armpit.
When the skin gets deteriorated due to the thick layer of keratin pigment, it may cause body odor. It can also be caused due to excess of secretion from eccrine glands.
For women, it may be due to improper hygiene, consumption of alcohol and intake of toxins and other drugs. Body odor is common in obese and diabetic people.