Axillary Osmidrosis

Abstract

Axillary osmidrosis is characterized by offensive odor resulting from bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretions in the axillae, and individuals with axillary osmidrosis suffer detrimental effects to their psychosocial functioning. We searched the literature in January 2019 for all English-language publications discussing axillary osmidrosis to identify previous reports, present trends, and emerging treatments. Studies were listed chronologically by the country of the first author's institution. Publications were also classified regarding the study type (literature review), pathophysiology, and treatments. We identified 133 publications on axillary osmidrosis, and of these, 120 were from East-Asian countries. Before 1990, there were only 9 publications, but after 2000, publications increased in number. One hundred of 133 reports discussed treatment, namely, 39 reports on suction curettage, 28 reports on open surgery, and 8 reports on subdermal laser. Other studies focused on the pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis. This literature review revealed unique trends in the identified studies. Because control of axillary odor is a universal subject, the etiology and pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis have been studied throughout the world and are clearly described. However, almost all studies of surgical treatments have been performed in East-Asian countries. After the year 2000, various surgical and nonsurgical treatments, namely, laser therapy and suction curettage, have been attempted. Emerging treatments for axillary osmidrosis include ethanol injections, microwave therapy, and microneedle radiofrequency technologies; however, further studies of these treatments are needed.

A single session of high‐energy microwave axillary hyperhidrosis and osmidrosis therapy: Key pretherapeutic assessment and outcome analysis

“…The condition can be a significant burden with negative psychosocial consequences. 1 Because AO is relatively infrequent in Asian populations, 2 individuals with axillary odor are often teased and made to feel alienated, and their work performance, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem can often suffer as a result.…”

Safety and efficacy of surgical treatments for axillary osmidrosis: a retrospective cohort study comparing conventional open excision with cartilage-shaver closed curettage

“…Nonsurgical treatments include the use of topical deodorant, subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin-A, and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Surgical treatments include laser technology, axillary skin excision, suction curettage, and conventional open excision of apocrine glands [2][3][4][5] .…”

Editorial: Microbiome and human host interactions and their implications on human health

“…The following two papers by Li et al and Wang et al study skin and lower genital tract microbiomes, respectively, with the promise of clinical translation of microbial-based biomarkers and therapeutics to treat axillary osmidrosis and improve in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Axillary osmidrosis is a condition of offensive order resulting from the bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretions in the armpits (Morioka et al, 2020 ). Detrimental psychosocial effects often accompany individuals with this condition.…”