How to treat persistent underarm odor that hasn't improved for years?

Question #29614

20 days ago

How to treat persistent underarm odor that hasn't improved for years? - #29614

Client_9293d3

Lo que pasa es que yo tengo un problema desde muy pequeña y es el mal olor en las axilas de manera talvez ya alarmante. Porque digo alarmante porque este problema lo tengo hace varios años y he probado muchas maneras y recetas y con nada se me quita es una peste. He pasado tantas vergüenzas por eso ¡necesito una solución ya! 😫

How long have you been experiencing this underarm odor?:

- 5-10 years

Have you noticed any specific triggers that worsen the odor?:

- No clear triggers

What products have you tried to manage the odor?:

- Antiperspirants/deodorants

Do you have any other symptoms associated with the odor?:

- Body odor in other areas

How would you describe your hygiene routine?:

- Daily showers and deodorant use

Have you consulted a doctor or dermatologist about this issue before?:

- Yes, once

Is there a family history of similar issues?:

- No, no one else has this issue

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

19 days ago

Hello
I totally understand how frustrating and embarrassing this can be. Underarm odor can be a tough issue to deal with, but there are several strategies you can try to help manage it. Here are some suggestions:
### 1. Hygiene Practices:
- Regular Washing: Make sure to wash your underarms daily with antibacterial soap to help reduce bacteria that cause odor.
- Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate the underarm area a couple of times a week to remove dead skin cells that can trap odor.
### 2. Antiperspirants and Deodorants:
- Clinical Strength Antiperspirants: Look for clinical strength options that contain aluminum chloride, which can help reduce sweating and odor.
- Natural Deodorants: If you prefer natural options, look for deodorants with baking soda, arrowroot powder, or essential oils like tea tree or lavender.
### 3. Dietary Changes:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Some foods like garlic, onions, and spicy foods can contribute to body odor. Consider reducing these in your diet.
### 4. Clothing Choices:
- Breathable Fabrics: Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics like cotton to help reduce sweating.
- Change Clothes Regularly: Change your clothes, especially after sweating, to prevent odor buildup.
### 5. Home Remedies:
- Baking Soda: Apply a paste of baking soda and water to your underarms for a few minutes before rinsing off. It can help neutralize odor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Dab a little apple cider vinegar on your underarms. It can help balance the pH and reduce odor.
### 6. Consult a Doctor:
- If you’ve tried multiple remedies without success, it might be worth consulting a healthcare professional. They can check for any underlying conditions (like hyperhidrosis) and suggest treatments like prescription antiperspirants or other options.
### 7. Consider a Specialist:
- If the problem persists, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can provide specialized treatments or advice tailored to your situation.
### Final Thoughts:
Don’t be too hard on yourself; this is a common issue, and there are solutions out there. It may take some time to find what works best for you, but with persistence, you can manage it effectively.
Thank you

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

18 days ago

Los problemas persistentes con el olor en las axilas pueden ser frustrantes, pero hay varios aspectos que se pueden considerar para manejar esta situación. Primero, es importante descartar condiciones médicas que puedan estar contribuyendo al problema, como la hiperhidrosis o infecciones bacterianas. Si no lo ha hecho ya, considere visitar a un dermatólogo para una evaluación detallada. Una de las primeras cosas que puede intentar es cambiar a un antitranspirante en lugar de un desodorante. Los antitranspirantes ayudan a reducir el sudor, el cual puede contribuir al crecimiento bacteriano y el mal olor. Asegúrese de aplicarlo por la noche, ya que es más efectivo cuando se aplica sobre piel seca. Utilize ropa hecha de fibras naturales como algodón, que permiten mejor ventilación y reducen la humedad. Cambiarse de ropa a lo largo del día también puede ayudar. Además, asegúrese de mantener una buena higiene lavando las axilas con un pH equilibrado y jabón antibacteriano. Revise su dieta para identificar alimentos que pudieran estar contribuyendo al mal olor, como las cebollas, ajo y especias muy intensas. En algunos casos, tratamientos más avanzados como el uso de antibiótico tópico o incluso botox pueden ser considerados, pero deberían ser discutidos con un médico. Si el problema persiste o empeora, es crucial consultar con un profesional de salud para un diagnóstico detallado y opciones de tratamiento más personalizadas.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

16 days ago

Based on your history, this appears to be a case of persistent, treatment-resistant body odor (likely bromhidrosis), where sweat from the apocrine glands in the underarms interacts with skin bacteria, producing a strong smell despite good hygiene and regular deodorant use. Since the problem has been present for many years, has not responded to common remedies, and is causing significant social distress, it suggests that routine measures alone are not sufficient and a more targeted medical approach is needed. The next step would be evaluation by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and rule out contributing factors such as bacterial overgrowth or, less commonly, metabolic conditions; treatment options may include medical-grade antiperspirants (like aluminum chloride), topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial control, and in resistant cases procedures such as botulinum toxin injections or laser/sweat gland reduction. With proper medical treatment, this condition is manageable and can be significantly improved.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

20 days ago

Hello
Persistent underarm odor for 5–10 years despite good hygiene usually has an underlying medical or skin-related cause, not just sweat. The most common possibilities include bromhidrosis, chronic bacterial overgrowth, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), fungal infection, or rarely a metabolic condition.
Treatment focuses on reducing bacteria and sweat more effectively than regular deodorants. Using a clinical-strength antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride, such as Drysol, applied at night for several weeks is often the first-line step. Washing the underarm area daily with an antibacterial cleanser like Hibiclens can significantly reduce odor-causing bacteria. If there is persistent moisture, a short course of topical antibiotics such as Clindamycin may be prescribed by a doctor.
If odor continues despite these measures, dermatology treatments like Botox injections (to reduce sweat), laser therapy, or evaluation for conditions like Bromhidrosis or Hyperhidrosis are recommended. Very rarely, persistent body odor in multiple areas can be linked to metabolic issues such as Trimethylaminuria, which requires specific testing.
Given the long duration and social impact you described, the key next step is a dermatology evaluation specifically for chronic body odor—this condition is treatable, and many patients improve once the exact cause is identified.
Take care

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

19 days ago

Hola,
Entiendo lo incómodo y frustrante que puede ser esto, especialmente cuando llevas años intentándolo sin mejora. Pero la buena noticia es que sí tiene solución, solo que hay que tratarlo de forma correcta según la causa.
¿Qué podría estar pasando?
Lo más probable es:
Bromhidrosis
Es una condición donde las bacterias en la piel descomponen el sudor y producen mal olor fuerte
Puede ocurrir incluso con buena higiene
Otras causas posibles
Sudoración excesiva- Hiperhidrosis
Bacterias resistentes en la piel
Factores hormonales o dieta
Tratamiento paso a paso (muy importante)
1. Antitranspirante médico (clave)
Usa productos con cloruro de aluminio 20% por la noche
Aplicar sobre piel seca antes de dormir
Esto reduce la producción de sudor (no solo tapa el olor)
2. Antibacterianos tópicos
Gel o crema con:
Clindamicina
Peróxido de benzoilo
Reducen las bacterias que causan el mal olor
3. Medidas de higiene específicas
Lavar la zona 2 veces al día
Secar muy bien (la humedad empeora el olor)
Rasurar el vello axilar (disminuye bacterias)
4. Ropa
Usa ropa de algodón
Evita telas sintéticas
Cambia la ropa si sudas
5. Si no mejora (opciones avanzadas)
Toxina botulínica (Botox) para sudoración
Tratamientos dermatológicos especializados
Cuándo consultar dermatología
Si el olor es muy intenso y persistente
Si no mejora con tratamiento básico
Mensaje importante
Esto NO es por mala higiene
Es un problema médico tratable
Con el tratamiento correcto, mejora mucho

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

19 days ago

Hello dear
I think it is probably fungal or bacterial infection
I suggest you to please take following medication for improvement
Candid/clomed/clozed twice a day for 15 days
Micogel to be applied topically
Nizoral	 for Skin application
In addition
Please apply deodrant or tac powder with good odour
Maintain hygiene
Avoid contamination
Hopefully you recover soon
Regards

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Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.

17 days ago

Entiendo lo frustrante que es vivir con este mal olor durante años, sobre todo después de probar tantas cosas sin resultado. No estás sola: hay soluciones médicas reales que sí funcionan.
Lo que probablemente está pasando:
· Bromhidrosis axilar – No es falta de higiene. Es una combinación de:
· Sudor apocrino (más espeso, rico en proteínas).
· Bacterias de la piel que descomponen ese sudor y generán ácidos malolientes.
· En tu caso, también hay olor en otras áreas del cuerpo → podría ser trimetilaminuria (olor a pescado/pútrido) o simplemente una colonización bacteriana extensa.
Tratamientos que SÍ funcionan (cuando los desodorantes comunes fallan):
1. Antitranspirantes de grado médico (con 20% de cloruro de aluminio)
· Ej: Driclor, Certain Dri, Perspirex.
· Se aplican en la noche sobre axilas secas, se lavan por la mañana.
· Reducen drásticamente la sudoración → menos comida para bacterias.
2. Jabones antibacterianos (no los comunes)
· Clorhexidina (Hibiclens, Jabón Sept) – usar en axilas 2-3 veces por semana, dejar actuar 1-2 minutos.
· Peróxido de benzoilo al 5-10% (jabón líquido) – mata bacterias productoras de olor.
3. Antibiótico tópico (receta médica)
· Clindamicina solución o eritromicina – mata las bacterias que causan el olor. Se aplica 1-2 veces al día por 2 semanas, luego mantenimiento.
4. Tratamientos médicos de consultorio (si lo anterior falla):
· Botox – inyecciones en axilas; bloquean el sudor por 4-6 meses. Cubierto por algunas aseguradoras si hay “hiperhidrosis axilar”.
· MiraDry – destruye glándulas sudoríparas con microondas. Es permanente y la mejor solución definitiva.
· Láser o cirugía de raspado – elimina glándulas apocrinas.
5. Cambio en la dieta (si el olor es muy penetrante tipo pescado/pútrido):
· Evitar: pescado, mariscos, huevo, legumbres, espinaca, carne roja en exceso.
· Tomar riboflavina (Vitamina B2) o clorofilina – reduce trimetilamina.
¿Y los desodorantes comunes?
· Los desodorantes solo tapan el olor (no funcionan para bromhidrosis severa).
· Los antitranspirantes de farmacia (Dove, Rexona, etc.) son muy suaves → necesitas el de grado médico.
Qué hacer AHORA:
1. Compra un antitranspirante de cloruro de aluminio 20% (sin receta, en farmacia o Amazon).
2. Usa jabón de clorhexidina en axilas cada 3 días.
3. Si en 4 semanas no mejora → pide cita con dermatólogo que ofrezca Botox o MiraDry.
4. Lava tu ropa con vinagre blanco (1/2 taza en el ciclo de enjuague) – elimina bacterias incrustadas.
Hay solución. No es algo que tengas que soportar toda la vida. Con el tratamiento adecuado, el olor desaparece por completo.
— Dr. Nikhil Chauhan

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