Bromhidrosis Treatment

Sitting next to a person who has a problem of bromhidrosis, bromidrosis or body odor, is really a terrible experience. The people who have this problem may be fed up of using deodorants, perfumes etc, to hide the symptoms, but the effective solution for this problem is treatment.

But before you get to the treatment you need to know the causes behind this condition. Keep reading to know more about bromhidrosis.

Human beings have two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. Eccrine glands are found in almost all the parts of the body whereas apocrine glands are found in the groin region, around the nipples, armpits, and on the feet.

This is a condition in which apocrine secretions are acted on and decomposed by the axillary bacterial population to yield isovaleric acid which is responsible for the foul odor.

Thus bromhidrosis can be divided into two types: apocrine bromhidrosis and eccrine bromhidrosis. Eccrine bromhidrosis is very rare as the gland secretes odorless sweat whereas apocrine bromhidrosis is the more prevalent form of body odor. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, intertrigo, trichomycosis axillaris, erythrasma, etc., are some of the conditions which elevates bromhidrosis.

People who go for masking the body odor should understand that if the underlying conditions are not treated, they will not get rid of the symptoms. Hence following are some of the treatments for bromhidrosis which will not only relieve you from the bad odor but will also give relief to you and the people around you.

As we know that the foul smell is caused due to the bacterial growth you may be prescribed some antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin. Antiseptic soaps and creams are also used which hinder the growth of bacteria and give relief from the bad odor. Antiperspirant products which contain aluminum chloride may enhance drying, which in turn reduces the intensity of bromhidrosis.

This method is used to reduce the sweat production. This is performed by giving small electric current to the particular area which produces excess sweat while it is placed under tap water. This treatment is used only for the volar skin (skin of the palm or foot) and only if the reason behind bromhidrosis is excess production of sweat. This treatment remains effective for a long period of time.

Excess sweat may get trapped in the axillary hair which may result in bacterial growth. Hence for long-lasting results many people undergo laser therapy to remove the axillary hair which in turn stops the bacterial growth and saves you from bad odor.

Botulinum Toxin A is one of the most successful treatments to reduce the production of sweat from the sweat glands. It has shown very effective results in treating axillary hyperhidrosis. Though there are not many researches related to this treatment but it is considered to be one of the most significant therapies.

People who have severe bromhidrosis may need to undergo surgery. Open surgery can be divided into three types. In the first type, only the subcutaneous cellular tissues are removed without removing the skin.

The second includes the removal of both skin and subcutaneous cellular tissues whereas in the third type, skin, subcutaneous cellular tissues and cellular tissue en bloc are removed. Carbon dioxide laser is combined with this therapy as it vaporizes the remaining apocrine glands.

This is also a type of surgery which is used to remove the subcutaneous cellular tissues. In this technique small incisions are made in which a suction device is placed.

This device removes all the subcutaneous tissues. This treatment has a higher recurrence rate than the open surgery but it has less complications and requires minimal postoperative care.

Some common body odor remedies like rubbing lemon on the armpit, using few drops of rose water in the bathing water, applying baking soda directly on the armpit, etc., are also considered effective in getting rid of the bad odor. Drink plenty of water and avoid spices, garlic, onions and alcohol.

So, if you are also worried about the bad body odor then get it treated now.