The Ultimate Guide to Bromhidrosis
Dealing with body odor can be confusing. You probably have questions about the causes and treatment options available.
You’re not alone.
Today, you’ll learn everything you need to know about bromhidrosis, from what it is, to what causes it, to treatment options.
Dealing with body odor can be confusing. You probably have questions about the causes and treatment options available.
What is bromhidrosis?
Bromhidrosis is chronic body odor. This is different from hyperhidrosis, because hyperhidrosis is just excessive sweating (may or may not include body odor). However, bromhidrosis is often tied with hyperhidrosis, because excessive sweat can lead to body odor since sweat mingles with bacteria buildup.
Bromhidrosis vs. Regular Body Odor
Chronic body odor and regular body odor are not the same thing. How can you tell if you have bromhidrosis or if you just have regular body odor?
- Does taking a shower eliminate body odor?
- Does applying deodorant keep body odor away for most of the day?
- Does antiperspirant keep body odor away for more than one day?
If you answered yes to the questions above, then you most likely don’t have bromhidrosis.
Bromhidrosis Causes
There are several reasons why you could have bromhidrosis. Studies show that bromhidrosis occurs due to factors including:
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hyperhidrosis
In order to get rid of bromhidrosis, it’s important that you understand the cause and treat the underlying issue. Attacking the underlying cause of your bromhidrosis is the most effective way to get rid of body odor.
For example, if your hyperhidrosis is causing bromhidrosis, you could get miraDry. MiraDry is a long-lasting, noninvasive treatment that targets and destroys the sweat glands in your underarms. It's a nonsurgical treatment that gets rid of your sweat glands for good.
Signs You Have Bromhidrosis
Do you have:
- Constant body odor
- Body odor soon after showering
- Anxiety due to body odor
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then you could have bromhidrosis. The first thing you should do is go to the doctor for a diagnosis. They will be able to test the bacteria on your underarms.
Bromhidrosis Treatments Once you get a diagnosis from your doctor, there are several things you can do to treat bromhidrosis at home.
- Use antibacterial soap – Avoid scented products because they can make body odor worse.
- Shave excess body hair – Hair traps bacteria and sweat, which aggravates bromhidrosis.
- Shower and bathe more often – Showering two times a day could help.
- Use extra strength deodorant – Make sure that you’re using a deodorant-antiperspirant, so you treat both body odor and sweat.
Related: All Your Questions about Hyperhidrosis & Excessive Sweat, Answered
Overall, treating bromhidrosis doesn’t have to be a pain. Once you get a diagnosis and understand the cause, you can start treating your body odor right away.
If you suffer from excessive underarm sweat, miraDry is for you!
Nobody understands your condition, or the treatment better than Dr. Chung and his staff at the Vein & Skin Center of Hawaii.
Get rid of your underarm sweat for good. Take the first step by calling us at (808) 949-8346 to make an appointment.