I. What is Bromhidrosis
Bromhidrosis, commonly known as osmidrosis, is a special and unpleasant odor produced from the secretions of the apocrine glands located on the surface of the skin, such as in the armpits, perineum, and back. Bromhidrosis occurs in areas where the apocrine glands in the armpit skin are well-developed and densely packed. The odor is generated when volatile fatty acids in the secretions of these glands are broken down by a specific type of streptococcal infection. The condition is more severe in summer and milder in winter. In summer, due to increased sweating and thinner clothing, the odor can be noticeable in public places, often causing people to cover their noses to avoid it. It severely affects the patient's social interactions, studies, employment, romantic relationships, and family life, leading to psychological stress, feelings of inferiority, and trauma, which significantly impacts physical and mental health. Most patients with bromhidrosis have a family history, and the condition is most severe during puberty.
II. Prevention and Treatment of Bromhidrosis:
1. Frequent bathing and changing of clothes:
You can use a neutral soap, such as舒施佳 (Shushi Jia), to clean areas with a high concentration of apocrine glands, and develop a habit of bathing in the morning and evening. Apply topical agents like borneol, talcum powder, or Xishilan lotion to reduce sweat gland secretion. Topical 75% alcohol or 0.5% Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) disinfectant can be used to kill local bacteria. The above treatments can only alleviate the symptoms. To achieve a complete cure, surgical treatment must be chosen. Surgical treatments include laser destruction of the apocrine glands, sweat gland excision, and apocrine gland clearance. All three of these surgeries must be performed under local anesthesia without pain. Laser therapy uses high-energy laser to instantly carbonize and destroy the sweat glands in the skin. Its characteristics are fast treatment and no bleeding. The treatment effect is relatively reliable. Its disadvantage is that it causes a large area of damage, and it is difficult for inexperienced practitioners to control the depth of the laser burn, which can easily lead to incomplete removal of the apocrine glands and unsatisfactory results.
2. Skin Sweat Gland Excision:
The characteristic of this method is to remove all sweat glands from the armpit skin, providing a reliable and complete cure for bromhidrosis. The disadvantage is that it causes significant damage, leading to local skin defects and extensive bleeding. It requires suturing. Due to high skin tension during suturing, the function of the upper limbs is restricted, and it can easily cause wound infection, suture dehiscence, and large surgical scars, affecting the function of the upper limbs. It is particularly unsuitable for individuals with a tendency to form keloids. Therefore, this surgical method is only used for severe patients who have not responded well to other treatments, and clinicians are very cautious in choosing it.
3. Micro-incision Apocrine Gland Clearance:
This method involves making a millet-sized incision in the armpit, through which a specialized instrument is inserted to carefully destroy and remove the apocrine glands from the skin, achieving a radical cure for bromhidrosis. Its characteristics are no major incision, no sutures, minimal damage, less bleeding, no pain, and no scars. It does not affect the patient's work, studies, or life, and patients can return to work with appropriate post-operative care. This is a new therapy summarized by our hospital from long-term clinical experience. It is suitable for the majority of patients, with a cure rate of up to 92% in several thousand cases. The Guangming Outpatient Department is staffed by the founder of the micro-incision apocrine gland clearance method. Patients are welcome to consult and seek treatment.
III. How to Remove Bromhidrosis?
Currently, there are two categories of treatments for bromhidrosis: non-surgical methods and surgical methods. Non-surgical methods are suitable for patients with mild bromhidrosis, while surgical methods are suitable for patients with varying degrees of the condition.
Non-surgical methods:
Pay attention to personal hygiene, bathe frequently, change underwear regularly, and keep the armpit area dry and clean to reduce odor emission. Avoid excessive exercise and irritating foods in your diet, maintain a regular lifestyle, and keep your emotions stable. Apply topical fragrances that inhibit bromhidrosis to remove odor. You can regularly apply a 25% aluminum chloride solution, 5% formaldehyde alcohol, or powders like "狐臭散" (Huchou San) or "枯矾散" (Kufen San) for topical application.