How to Treat Body Odor like a Dermatologist | Doctorly Investigates

Body Odor and Bromhidrosis

In this section, Dr. Shaw and Dr. Maxfield discuss body odor, specifically focusing on Bromhidrosis, its causes, and treatment options.

Types of Sweat Glands

• There are two main types of sweat glands in the body: eccrine sweat glands that produce liquidy sweat all over the body and apocrine glands found in areas like armpits and groin that cause body odor.

• Apocrine sweat is initially odorless; however, bacteria on the skin convert it into a malodorous substance, leading to body odor.

Genetic Influence on Body Odor

• People with a mutation in the abcc1 gene may not produce body odor as the transporter for apocrine sweat is absent, preventing bacterial conversion into an odorous substance.

• Some individuals can also secrete odors from foods through acarine sweat glands but traditional body odor is primarily from apocrine sweat.

Treatment Options for Bromhidrosis

This section delves into various treatment methods for Bromhidrosis, including cleansing techniques and the use of antiperspirants and deodorants.

Cleansing Techniques

• Focus cleansing on areas prone to body odor such as armpits and groin; consider using cleansers with antimicrobial agents like 4% benzoyl peroxide or 2% chlorhexidine to decolonize bacteria causing odor.

Antiperspirants vs. Deodorants

• Antiperspirants block sweat glands to reduce bacterial conversion of sweat into smell while deodorants decrease smell by killing bacteria or masking it with fragrance.

Product Recommendations

Deodorant Types and Recommendations

In this section, the speaker discusses different types of deodorants, including aluminum-based options and magnesium deodorants. They also touch on the effectiveness of various deodorants in combating body odor.

Aluminum-Based Deodorants

• Aluminum-based deodorants like Vac Cream are effective at blocking sweat glands.

• Magnesium deodorants are gaining popularity for their ability to combat body odor, with examples such as Think Sport and Biossance being recommended.

Deodorant Recommendations

• Some deodorants aim to decolonize bacteria by making the armpits inhospitable, such as Alpha hydroxy acid-based options like Necessary Deodorant.

• Fragrance-free deodorants with Alpha hydroxy acids may be suitable for sensitive skin but could potentially cause irritation.

Traditional vs. Antiperspirant Deodorants

This part delves into traditional deodorants that mask odors with fragrances versus antiperspirant deodorants that block sweat production while also providing fragrance.

Traditional Deodorants

• Traditional Axe sprays function by masking odors with strong fragrances but do not offer antiperspirant benefits.

• Combining antiperspirant and deodorant is common in products like Dove Plus Care, offering both sweat-blocking and fragrance benefits.

Antiperspirant Deodorants

• Secret Clinical Anti-Perspirant claims 72-hour sweat blocking efficacy, although practicality questions arise regarding the need for such prolonged protection.

Deodorant Application: Morning vs. Night

The speaker discusses the optimal timing for applying deodorant, contrasting between nighttime application favored by some and morning application preferred by the speaker due to their routine of working out and showering in the morning.

Morning vs. Night Deodorant Application

• The speaker acknowledges colleagues who advocate for applying deodorant at night but personally prefers morning application due to their morning routine of exercising and showering.