[Column] My armpits might smell!? How to prevent that bothersome armpit odor right now Body type and lifestyle can cause underarm odor. How many of these apply to you? There are no clear criteria for determining whether someone has body odor (specifically underarm odor). The cause of underarm odor is not the sweat itself, but "bacteria". If odors are a concern, try reviewing your lifestyle. Have you ever noticed the smell of your own underarms at an unexpected moment? You might worry that other people around you might have noticed too...This article explains why you might experience unpleasant underarm odor and how to control it. Body type and lifestyle can cause underarm odor. How many of these apply to you? It's said that your body type and lifestyle likely play a significant role in bothersome underarm odor. Let's check how many of these apply to you. About body type Both or one parent have body odor (specifically underarm odor). My earwax is always wet. I sweat a lot from my armpits. Thick underarm hair When you wear white clothes, the underarm area turns yellow. Sometimes a white, powdery substance can appear on underarm hair. About lifestyle I live an irregular lifestyle. Easily stressed I feel like my hormone balance is disrupted. I don't have an exercise habit. I often eat meat dishes. I often eat fried foods and other foods high in fat. They are on an excessive diet by restricting their food intake. Smoking I have a habit of drinking large amounts of alcohol. How many of these apply to you? The items listed here are all characteristics of people who tend to have strong underarm odor. "About body type" If you checked multiple boxes, you are more likely to have a predisposition to body odor (specifically underarm odor). "About lifestyle" If you checked even one of the boxes, your underarm odor is mainly due to body odor or lifestyle. "About body type" and "About lifestyle" If you checked both boxes, it means that both factors are overlapping and causing a stronger odor.That is likely the case. There are no clear criteria for determining whether someone has body odor (specifically underarm odor). From a medical standpoint, body odor (specifically underarm odor) is not considered a disease but rather a condition where a distinctive odor emanates from the armpits. In fact, it is so common in Europe and America that it is said that 70-100% of the population has a predisposition to body odor, and in Japan, it is estimated that about one in ten people has a predisposition to body odor. By the way, how is it determined in a medical setting whether or not someone has body odor (specifically underarm odor)? Checking whether there are many apocrine glands in the armpit (by making an incision in a small part of the armpit). Whether your earwax is always moist Whether either parent or one parent has a predisposition to body odor A doctor's sense of smell In addition to diagnosis by, The person is troubled by having body odor. This is also an important point. It's not the case that you can measure underarm odor with an odor meter and say, "If it shows a value of XX, then you have body odor."In fact, among those who visit a hospital because they suspect they might have body odor, many are mistaking the smell of underarm odor for general body odor. The cause of underarm odor is not the sweat itself, but "bacteria". Did you know that, in fact, sweat itself is odorless, whether you have body odor or not? So why do underarms sometimes have an unpleasant odor? In most cases, the cause lies in the "resident bacteria" that live on the skin. These bacteria break down odorless sweat, which then produces the smell.There are two types of sweat in the armpits: sweat from the apocrine glands and sweat from the eccrine glands. Each contains different components, but both have in common that "odor is produced when bacteria break them down." Furthermore, when they mix with sebum, the decomposition progresses, and the addition of decomposition odors and oxidation odors makes the armpit odor stronger. Sweat from the apocrine glands Sweat contains components such as lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and ammonia. Sweat itself is odorless; it is the bacteria present on the skin that break down the sweat, producing what is known as "body odor," which becomes even stronger when mixed with sebum. Sweat from eccrine glands Sweat is made up of water and salt. Sweat itself is odorless, but bacteria on the skin break it down, and when it mixes with sebum, it produces odor, which is what is commonly known as "sweaty smell" or "body odor." Apocrine glands are present in almost everyone, regardless of whether they have a predisposition to body odor or not. People with a predisposition to body odor tend to have a stronger characteristic odor because they have more apocrine glands than those without, and this odor tends to spread more easily to the surroundings along with sweat from eccrine glands. If odors are a concern, try reviewing your lifestyle. While it's impossible to fundamentally change genetic factors or body type, it is possible to prevent body odor through lifestyle changes. For those concerned about underarm odor, the first thing to keep in mind is to maintain cleanliness to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the underarm area. The more bacteria there are, the stronger the odor becomes, so it's recommended to wipe away sweat frequently and take showers. Also, take a look at your eating habits and lifestyle. Try to eat a balanced diet by including vegetables instead of just meat, regulate your daily routine, and if you're feeling stressed, actively find ways to relieve it. Furthermore, excessive dieting can cause body odor, and the smell of cigarettes can linger on the body, intensifying body odor. Drinking too much alcohol can also worsen body odor, so it's something to be mindful of. By blocking underarm sweat and thoroughly "killing" the bacteria that cause odor, you can prevent body odor. The unpleasant underarm odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and sebum after you sweat. Conversely, underarm odor can be prevented by suppressing the growth of sweat and bacteria. Addressing this odor problem is Rohto Pharmaceutical's Mentholatum® "Refrea®" antiperspirant (quasi-drug). Refrea®, a favorite among those troubled by underarm odor, was reborn in the spring of 2018. Underarm odor and sweat odor, 24-hour thorough care. Mentholatum® Refrea® Deodorant Cream Quasi-drugs Spring 2018: Strengthened prescription policies Contains double antibacterial ingredients *1 High-adhesion, long-lasting formula that is resistant to sweat and friction *2 For detailed product information, click here. Formulated with Rohto Pharmaceutical's original combination of double antibacterial ingredients *1, it thoroughly eliminates the bacteria that cause odor. Its highly adhesive, long-lasting formula *2 is resistant to sweat and friction, suppressing underarm odor and sweat odor. This "direct application type" allows you to apply it directly to areas prone to sweating, such as the underarms, providing thorough care for 24-hour comfort. *1: Isopropylmethylphenol, benzalkonium chloride*2: Compared to our previous products We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.