Odor in the armpits: when should you consult a doctor?

0

Increasing unpleasant odor in the armpits is most often caused by three reasons, and one of among them is the presence of a hidden disease.

In fact, sweat usually doesn't smell like anything, but when it is broken down by bacteria on the skin, it can produce an unpleasant smell – dermatologist Hryhoriy Goldin reminded about this. According to the doctor, there are two different types of sweat glands on the skin: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are located almost all over the body and usually secrete a clear, odorless liquid that quickly evaporates from the surface of the skin.

Apocrine glands are located in areas of the body that contain a large number of hair follicles, for example, in the groin, armpits. These glands essentially enter the hair follicle and then secrete sweat from the body. It is believed that these glands secrete sweat, which then mixes with bacteria on the follicles and acquires a “fragrance”. After all, the smell of sweat produced by a particular person's body depends on the different types of bacteria living on his skin, as well as on the food and drinks he consumes.

In some cases, the body's nerves and sweat glands are overstimulated, and sweat production increases. This condition is known as hyperhidrosis.

“Hyperhidrosis is mostly genetic. In some cases, medications or hormonal changes can also cause hyperhidrosis, especially as we get older,” said Goldin.

Why do armpits suddenly start to smell worse than usual?

A dermatologist explains: a change in the smell in the armpits, a sudden increase in its unpleasant notes usually occurs for the following reasons.

Diet has changed. For example, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage ), belonging to sulfur products.

There is nervous tension, stress. Stress hormones stimulate the activity of apocrine glands, and this can contribute to the fact that the smell of sweat becomes concentrated.

Illness has developed. Medical conditions can also cause sweating and increased sweat odor. A genetic disease called trimethylaminuria makes the body unable to break down compounds found in fish, soy, and cruciferous vegetables, resulting in a fishy body odor.

Kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes can also change body odors.< /p>

When you need to consult a doctor. If the body odor or sweat has suddenly changed, although the person does not feel stressed and has not changed his diet. This may indicate a hormonal adjustment or an undetected disease.