[Column] How to self-check for underarm odor! A thorough explanation of the causes of the odor and how to prevent it. Before you self-check for body odor! We'll explain the causes of the smell. Self-check for possible underarm odor based on characteristics How to self-check the level of underarm odor If you self-check and suspect you have body odor, be careful! Basic prevention methods. Attention to those who notice it themselves! If you self-check and find that you have a tendency towards body odor, you need to take action! Body odor, especially underarm odor, is a delicate issue that many women struggle with, as it's often difficult to notice it oneself. While it's concerning—whether you have body odor or how strong it is—it's hard to talk to others about it.This time, we'll introduce a method for self-checking the possibility and level of body odor (specifically underarm odor). If you're worried because you can't determine whether or not you have underarm odor, try this self-check to see if you might have it. Before you self-check for body odor! We'll explain the causes of the smell. The direct cause of body odor is the apocrine glands. The underarms are said to have more sweat glands than other parts of the body, and there are two types of sweat glands: "apocrine glands" and "eccrine glands." Not all sweat produces body odor; the main cause is the apocrine glands, which produce sticky, distinctive-smelling sweat. Eccrine glands, which produce watery, odorless sweat, do not directly contribute to body odor. Before you self-check whether you have body odor (specifically underarm odor), let's first look at the detailed mechanism of why underarm odor occurs. Causes and basic knowledge of body odor (specifically underarm odor) Sweat secreted by eccrine glands in response to increased body temperature from exercise is said to be about 98% water and is not a direct cause of underarm odor. On the other hand, sweat secreted by apocrine glands contains urea, ammonia, and fatty acids, and is characterized by its thicker consistency compared to sweat from eccrine glands.When bacteria on the skin's surface break down sweat secreted from the apocrine glands, a strong odor that causes body odor (bromhidrosis) is produced. Self-check for possible underarm odor based on characteristics Six items for self-checking for underarm odor [Self-Check] 6 Characteristics of Body Odor My earwax is sticky. One or both of your parents have body odor (specifically underarm odor). I have a lot of underarm hair. High sweat secretion Yellowish sweat stains can form. White powder gets on the underarm hair People with body odor (specifically underarm odor) tend to cause discomfort to others due to the strong smell, but because they are constantly smelling their own body odor, it is difficult for them to realize they have it. Conversely, there are many women who worry that they might have body odor even though they do not. By performing a self-check to determine if you have body odor (specifically underarm odor), you can get an idea of what level of odor control is necessary. Below, we explain six characteristics of people prone to underarm odor, so try self-checking to see if you have this condition. My earwax is sticky. One way to self-check for the possibility of having body odor (specifically underarm odor) is to check the moisture level of your earwax.It is said that there are no eccrine glands in the ear canal, only apocrine glands that secrete sweat, which is the cause of body odor. The moisture content of earwax is determined by the amount of apocrine glands, so check if your earwax is sticky. Specifically, it is said that 80% of people with moist earwax have body odor, while the remaining 20% do not. One or both of your parents have body odor (specifically underarm odor). The number of apocrine glands is largely influenced by genetics, and the number of apocrine glands does not increase or decrease with age. Also, since body odor is a dominant trait that is easily inherited, whether or not you have body odor is determined by the traits of your parents.When self-checking for the possibility of having body odor (specifically underarm odor), it's a good idea to check if either or both of your parents have this condition. It is estimated that if both parents have body odor, there is about a 75% chance of inheriting it, and if only one parent has it, the probability is about 50%. I have a lot of underarm hair. The apocrine glands, which cause body odor, are connected to hair follicles, and people with a lot of underarm hair tend to have a large number of apocrine glands. The more apocrine glands there are, the more sweat that causes odor is secreted, so people with a lot of underarm hair are more likely to have a predisposition to body odor. When self-checking the density of your underarm hair, check to see if multiple hairs are growing from a single hair follicle.Also, since bacteria can easily multiply if there is underarm hair, we recommend regularly removing underarm hair. High sweat secretion The amount of sweat secreted is said to depend on the number of eccrine glands. While eccrine glands do not directly affect body odor, the sweat secreted by the apocrine glands, which are the cause of body odor, is dispersed by the sweat secreted by the eccrine glands. In other words, a larger number of eccrine glands means a greater amount of sweat is secreted, and the ability of body odor to spread increases.Body odor and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) tend to occur together frequently, with it being said that 60% of people with a predisposition to body odor also have hyperhidrosis. Yellowish sweat stains can form. One way to determine if you have body odor (specifically underarm odor) is to self-check if your sweat stains are yellowish. Sweat secreted from the apocrine glands contains proteins, iron, and a pigment called lipofuscin. The more lipofuscin you secrete, the darker your sweat stains will be, which increases the likelihood of having body odor.Check if there are clear yellow or ochre-colored sweat stains on your clothes. White powder gets on the underarm hair If you notice a white, powdery substance on your underarm hair, there's a very high chance you have body odor (bromhidrosis). The white powder on your underarm hair is actually crystallized components of sweat secreted from the apocrine glands. It's believed that as sweat evaporates, the dried sweat secretions crystallize and adhere to the underarm hair as a white powder.Since deodorants can sometimes leave a white residue, be sure to perform a self-check without applying any products. How to self-check the level of underarm odor Determine the odor level with a self-check. If your self-check results suggest you likely have a predisposition to body odor (bromhidrosis), you should check the level of your underarm odor. A well-known method for self-checking the intensity of underarm odor is a diagnostic method called the gauze test. The gauze test is actually used in hospitals, where doctors and staff assess the odor and classify the level. Since it is difficult to accurately determine the odor level yourself, it is best to have someone else assess it if possible. Self-check with a gauze test The gauze test involves placing gauze under the armpit and exercising for several minutes, then having the person smell the gauze to objectively determine the level of odor. Check the odor level with a self-check. Level 1: The gauze does not smell. Level 2: The gauze has a slight odor. Level 3: Odor is noticeable when gauze is held close to the nose (mild body odor) Level 4: Odor is noticeable even without holding gauze close to the nose (moderate body odor) Level 5: Smells just from holding it (severe body odor) Generally, mild body odor is noticeable only when you get close to the source, moderate body odor is noticeable in enclosed spaces, and severe body odor is said to be noticeable even from more than a meter away and emits a very strong smell. Surgery is indicated for levels 3 and above. The criteria for surgery vary from hospital to hospital, but generally, mild to severe cases of body odor (specifically underarm odor) are candidates for surgery. However, many women may find themselves in a situation where they self-checked and found their body odor to be level 1 or 2, but still find the smell bothersome! For mild or mild cases, we recommend Mentholatum® Refrea® Deodorant Cream, a quasi-drug deodorant. This cream-type product adheres firmly to the skin, kills the bacteria that cause odor, and prevents underarm odor. Mentholatum® Refrea® Deodorant Cream Quasi-drugs For detailed product information, click here. If you self-check and suspect you have body odor, be careful! Basic prevention methods. 4 ways to prevent underarm odor Even if your gauze test results indicate a level 3 or higher of underarm odor, many people may still be hesitant to undergo surgery. It is said that underarm odor can be prevented by improving lifestyle habits, so start by reviewing your lifestyle.People with unbalanced diets, lack of exercise, or insufficient sleep tend to have stronger underarm odor, so caution is advised. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking also contribute to stronger underarm odor, so be mindful of healthy lifestyle habits. Avoid high-calorie, high-fat foods. To minimize underarm odor, you should limit your intake of foods high in animal fats. Animal fats are said to easily stimulate the apocrine glands, and specific examples include meat, fried foods, and dairy products. Also, spicy dishes, kimchi, and garlic can promote odor production.Let's understand the characteristics of foods that stimulate the apocrine glands and see if we need to improve our diet. Drink alcohol and smoke in moderation. Acetaldehyde, an odor-causing substance produced when alcohol is broken down, remains in the bloodstream and is secreted as sweat if you drink a lot. Alcohol's vasodilating effect promotes sweating, so drinking alcohol can lead to the secretion of sweat containing odor-causing components, making underarm odor stronger.Furthermore, nicotine, found in cigarettes, stimulates the central nervous system and is a substance that stimulates both apocrine and eccrine sweat glands. Since apocrine glands are responsible for the odor of body odor, heavy smokers tend to have stronger body odor. Sweat it out with moderate exercise. As mentioned earlier, excessive alcohol consumption, which causes sweating, should be avoided. However, moderate exercise is recommended because it increases basal metabolism. People who don't exercise enough have a lower basal metabolism, leading to the accumulation of waste products such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. To expel these odor-causing waste products from the body, incorporate moderate exercise and sweat refreshingly.It is recommended to incorporate aerobic exercise such as jogging or walking. Get quality sleep People who are sleep-deprived are prone to autonomic nervous system imbalances, which lowers their basal metabolism and makes it easier for waste products and toxins to accumulate in their bodies. Furthermore, when sympathetic nervous system tension impairs liver function, ammonia in the body is not properly broken down. It is believed that this remaining ammonia is released as sweat, leading to a stronger underarm odor.Those who suffer from sleep deprivation should be careful, as their underarm odor is more likely to worsen. Attention to those who notice it themselves! If you self-check and find that you have a tendency towards body odor, you need to take action! This article explained how to self-check for the possibility of having body odor (bromhidrosis) and how to self-check the level of the odor. Body odor is mainly caused by sweat secreted from the apocrine glands, and it is said that the odor is produced when bacteria break down the sweat. If you have sticky earwax or one or both of your parents have body odor (axillary osmidrosis), you should be aware that you may have a predisposition to body odor. Since it's difficult to notice this predisposition yourself, try checking yourself first. 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.