Excessive underarm sweating, known as axillary hyperhidrosis, often leads to social anxiety and stress, impacting personal relationships and professional life. In summer, when lighter clothing is common, many seek surgical solutions for osmidrosis—a condition marked by foul-smelling underarm odor—to address both sweat and odor. Osmidrosis, caused by abnormalities in the apocrine glands, results in a distinctive unpleasant smell and is frequently accompanied by hyperhidrosis. While soaps, antiseptics, and deodorants offer temporary relief, they rarely provide a lasting solution for odor elimination.
The underarm hosts two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. Approximately 95% of apocrine glands, the primary culprit behind osmidrosis, are concentrated in the underarm. These glands produce unsaturated fatty acids that, when broken down by gram-positive bacteria on the skin’s surface, create the characteristic foul odor. Although apocrine secretions are initially sterile and odorless, bacterial decomposition leads to the pungent smell. The intensity and type of odor vary depending on the volume of secretions and the specific bacteria present. While apocrine glands are also found in areas like the eyelids and navel, they are most prevalent in the underarm, necessitating treatments such as medication or sweat gland removal to address both odor and excessive sweating.
Indicators of osmidrosis include yellowing of white clothing under the arms by evening, persistently wet earwax, or an odor noticeable to others. Notably, over 80% of osmidrosis patients exhibit wet earwax, a trait often linked to the condition. In children, wet earwax or a family history of osmidrosis can signal a genetic predisposition, with early onset possible. Contrary to expectations, winter sees a surge in patients seeking treatment, as many prepare for the sweat-heavy summer months. Symptoms typically emerge during puberty, triggered by hormonal changes that activate sweat glands. Genetics play a significant role: if one parent has osmidrosis, 60% of their children may develop it; if both parents are affected, the likelihood exceeds 80%.
Surgical removal of sweat glands aims for a permanent cure, but excessive removal can impair the skin’s physiological functions, risking complications like tissue necrosis, seromas, or keloid scarring. Conversely, conservative removal minimizes side effects but increases the chance of recurrence. “Each patient’s sweat gland density and dermal thickness vary,” Dr. Lee notes. “The key is to remove apocrine glands within a normal range, preserving skin function while preventing recurrence.”
Osmidrosis significantly diminishes quality of life, causing psychological stress and eroding self-confidence. Effective treatment requires destroying or removing apocrine glands to minimize recurrence. Dr. Lee advises consulting experienced medical professionals to develop a tailored treatment plan, ensuring both efficacy and safety.
Health In News, medikorea
press@healthinnews.co.kr