"Is Excessive Underarm Sweating Always Indicative of Body Odor (Foxing)?"

Excessive sweating in the armpits can be caused by body odor, hyperhidrosis, cholinergic urticaria, diabetes, and other diseases. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital for a diagnosis and receive targeted treatment after identifying the underlying cause.

1. Body Odor

Excessive sweating in the armpits can be a manifestation of body odor due to the overactive secretion of apocrine glands in the underarms, leading to the breakdown of bacteria into unsaturated fatty acids and the emission of a distinct odor. Surgical excision of the apocrine glands is a common treatment approach.

2. Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, caused by genetic factors or mental stress that leads to overactive sympathetic nerves, can result in abnormally increased sweating. This may manifest as excessive sweating in the armpits. In such cases, medications such as chlorpromazine and oryzanol can be prescribed for treatment.

3. Cholinergic Urticaria

Cholinergic urticaria, triggered by emotional arousal or exercise, causes the body to release acetylcholine, which dilates small blood vessels and increases vascular permeability, leading to excessive sweating in the armpits. Treatment options include antihistamines like diphenhydramine and cetirizine, taken as prescribed.

4. Diabetes

Diabetes, resulting from insufficient insulin secretion or impaired insulin utilization, can elevate blood sugar levels, stimulating peripheral nerve endings and causing excessive local sweating. This may also manifest as constant sweating in the armpits. Medications such as metformin and gliclazide can be prescribed for treatment.

In daily life, maintaining good personal hygiene by regularly bathing and changing clothes is essential. A healthy diet, avoiding spicy and stimulating foods, is also recommended.