Factors that Intensify Body Odor from Bromhidrosis and Daily Countermeasures

There are several factors that can intensify the odor associated with bromhidrosis. Understanding these factors can help us find ways to mitigate the smell in our daily lives. Below, we will delve into the causes of intensified body odor and propose some countermeasures.

Main Factors that Intensify Bromhidrosis Odor

①Increased Sympathetic Nerve Activity As mentioned in previous blogs, the fundamental cause of bromhidrosis lies in the apocrine sweat glands. These glands are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, specifically, the sympathetic nerves. Thus, when the sympathetic nerve activity is heightened, or dominates over the parasympathetic nerves that usually balance it, more apocrine sweat is produced, intensifying the bromhidrosis odor.

②Proliferation of Resident Bacteria Substances contained in apocrine sweat, such as N-acetyl-5-methylornithine, are broken down by resident skin bacteria like Corynebacterium, creating compounds like 3-methyl-2-hexenoic acid. This compound is a major cause of the goat-like odor associated with bromhidrosis (as referred to in previous blogs). Resident bacteria proliferate under conditions of increased sebum, which can amplify bromhidrosis odor.

③Rise in Body Temperature An increase in body temperature activates both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, leading to a stronger body odor.

④Clothing Issues Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, are known to promote the growth of microorganisms responsible for body odor. Furthermore, clothes made of synthetic fibers or garments with poor breathability can inhibit sweat evaporation, raising skin humidity and temperature. This creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth, potentially intensifying bromhidrosis odor.

Daily Countermeasures for Bromhidrosis

①Avoiding Dominance of Sympathetic Nerves Humans tend to have dominant sympathetic nerve activity under stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep. Finding ways to relax and ensuring adequate rest can prevent excessive activity of the sympathetic nerves, thereby reducing bromhidrosis odor. However, it is inevitable that body odor becomes apparent during tense moments due to the activation of sympathetic nerves. Nevertheless, promptly wiping your underarms with wet tissues can help in mitigating the intensity of the odor.

②Understanding the Times When Sebum Increases In women, the concentration of estrogen in the body decreases during premenstrual and menstrual periods, leading to an increase in sebum. Many women suffer from acne during this time, but the increased underarm sebum also creates an environment conducive for the proliferation of resident bacteria, intensifying bromhidrosis odor. Additionally, body temperature tends to rise during these periods, making the apocrine sweat glands more active. Wiping your underarms frequently during these times can help in controlling the odor.

③Choosing the Right Clothing Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, have a different surface structure compared to natural fibers, making them less absorbent of sweat and sebum. On the other hand, cotton (100% Cotton) is a natural fiber with high absorbency, quickly soaking up sweat and allowing it to evaporate, thus reducing odor accumulation. Wool, another natural fiber, is particularly known for its odor-resistant properties, especially merino wool. Bamboo also has antibacterial and absorbent properties, contributing to odor control. Choosing clothing made of natural fibers or those with antibacterial properties is crucial in managing bromhidrosis odor.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes of bromhidrosis odor and implementing appropriate daily countermeasures can significantly reduce this unpleasant smell. However, if these measures are insufficient, medical treatments such as Botox, miraDry, or surgery are available, and seeking professional medical advice is recommended.

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