Armpit Smell, and treatment of Underarm fish-like Odor

Table of Contents

Pathophysiology of underarm smell
- Who suffers from the underarm smell?
- Treatments of Underarm, fish-like armpit smell
  - Reference

You are not the only one, almost 5 out of 10 people suffer from underarm or armpit smell. This is also known as a fish-like smell. This is more common in summer. You know the sweat secreted by the body has no smell until bacteria grow on it.

Pathophysiology of underarm smell

Two types of sweat glands exist in your body. One is the Eccrine gland which secretes clear watery secretion on the body’s surface. Another one is the apocrine gland which secretes thick secretions on the body surface especially under covered body places e.g., underarms. When bacteria start growing on apocrine secretion then smell produces. Both of these glands become active after puberty.

Who suffers from the underarm smell?

This is observed in some individuals who are suffering from stress. Some people who suffer from hormonal imbalances¹ may face the same problem. In some people, the body is unable to metabolize the triethanolamine² in the lumen and it travels in the blood, which is secreted in the sweat glands to cause a fish-like odor on the body. Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition where you sweat excessively, especially from your hands, feet, and armpits. This can lead to more bacteria growth and more odor¹

But it’s not a big complication if you read the following treatments for underarm smell

Treatments of Underarm, fish-like armpit smell

There are several ways to treat and prevent it, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the odor. Here are some possible options:

Natural deodorant, the most magical treatment of underarm smell is Potash Alum, Potash Alum is the most ancient, effective, and easy way to get rid of the underarm fish-like smell in armpits. Potash Alum is used since long ago in old ages in the Ayurvedic era. Rub the Potash Alum just after taking every bath on wet body for 5-10 seconds. these 5-10 seconds of rubbing will be effective until the next bath.
Antiperspirant or deodorant Use an antiperspirant or deodorant to reduce sweating and mask the smell¹ ².
Practice good hygiene: Wear clean clothes, and change them after exercise¹ ².
Shave your armpits: Shave your armpits to reduce the amount of hair that can trap sweat and bacteria².
Apply natural remedies: you may apply natural remedies such as tea tree oil, sandalwood powder, or lemon juice to your armpits to kill bacteria and neutralize the odor³ ⁴.
Avoiding foods that trigger trimethylamine production
Taking medication: antibiotics or supplements that can lower trimethylamine levels
Using soaps, lotions, and deodorants that mask or neutralize the odor
Managing stress and anxiety that can worsen sweating