"Is sweating under the arms a sign of body odor (or狐臭)?"

Sweating Under the Armpits May Not Necessarily Be Body Odor, It Could Be Normal or Caused by Diseases Such as Hyperhidrosis, Eczema, and Folliculitis

Sweating under the armpits does not necessarily indicate body odor. It could be a normal phenomenon or caused by conditions like hyperhidrosis, eczema, and folliculitis. Patients are advised to promptly consult a doctor for diagnosis and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause.

1. Normal Phenomenon: If the weather is hot or after intense physical activity, increased sweating under the armpits is a normal physiological response that does not require special treatment. Maintaining good personal hygiene, frequent bathing, and changing clothes regularly are recommended.

2. Hyperhidrosis: This condition may be genetic or triggered by mental stress. It leads to excessive sweating under the armpits, accompanied by skin redness and flaking. Treatment options include taking medications like Oryzanol Tablets and Vitamin B1 Tablets as prescribed by a doctor.

3. Eczema: A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itching, eczema can be caused by exposure to allergens or prolonged exposure to damp environments. Symptoms include skin rashes, blisters, erosion, and intense itching. Treatment may involve taking medications like Loratadine Tablets and Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets under a doctor's supervision.

4. Folliculitis: A suppurative inflammatory reaction caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection, folliculitis manifests as red papules or pustules centered on hair follicles, sometimes accompanied by necrosis and scabbing. Treatment options include applying topical medications like Mupirocin Ointment and Fusidic Acid Cream as directed by a doctor.

Apart from the above, sweating under the armpits could also be related to conditions like diabetes. In daily life, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods like chili peppers, ginger, and garlic.