My one arm pit seems to smell just about all the time. Even after showering. Do you know what causes this?
Jonathan from London, Ealing Broadway
The smell is actually caused by bacteria found on our skin, it is a normal thing. Our society has decided that this "stinks". If deodorant does not help, you may want to go to your doctor to make sure your sweat glands are working okay. (08/16/2006)
By krista
I like wyoKrista's answer :) and I agree with her. Another thing you can try is to wipe under your arm with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball after a bath and during the day if necessary.
(08/17/2006)
By SL Edens
I have 1 underarm that stinks. I wipe it off with vinegar before and after a shower using anti bacterial soap. Sometimes the vinegar doesn't get it all the 1st day, but you would be amazed at how it does work. I also take vinegar pills that are sold over the counter. (08/17/2006)
By sandy
I had a skin infection under one arm once that caused the same problem. Never hurts to check with the doc and have a skin test, just in case. I'd use the vinegar in the meantime, though.
(08/17/2006)
By Carla Gilby
Check with your doctor. Some people are just made this way. You may require a prescription antiperspirant/deodorant (08/17/2006)
By Diana
I have a similar problem. Only mine isn't a stink, it is a discoloration. There is a brown tinge to my skin like dirt but they are clean. (08/17/2006)
My grandson could take a bath or shower and he would still smell. My mother had the same problem and her doctor told her to get Mitchum deodorant. You can get it at Walmart, Walgreen's, just about anywhere. It did the trick. He does not have the odor anymore. (08/17/2006)
By Byron Tindle
The odor could be from the hair under your armpits. Wash them with strong soap or bacteria killing soaps or shampoo. Sweat during the day builds up and needs to be washed out thoroughly. Also it's important to dry the area well before you apply deodorant. My dad always used old spice and did not
"Only mine isn't a stink it is a discoloration."
Do you have darker skin in other areas like on your neck? Or patches on upper inner thighs? Check out the symptoms of PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). A lot of women have this and are not treated. It is worth looking into. Laura (08/17/2006)
By Laura
Laura, I will check into this. I did have darker areas around my thighs a while back but it went away and I thought nothing of it. (08/19/2006)
Laura, I went to the website for PCOS. I took the test and I scored a 15. I am very grateful to you for pointing me in this direction. I am going to make a doctors appointment on Monday. Again Thank You (^_^) , Bonnie (08/19/2006)
If you have no biological problem, use an antibacterial rinse such as liquid hand wash during your bath. Dry underarms with blow dryer then use something made for women from Dollar General called, Lady's Choice. I prefer Melon/Cucumber fragrance. I have had terrible body odor and use it where I have it. It has no aluminum in it and works just great. Good luck and God Bless. (08/19/2006)
By Lynda
Hi. From experience, I found out the only thing that keeps my underarms dry is Mitchum deodorant (and no I don't skip a day like it says you might do on the bottle). I've found our local Walgreen's doing a buy one get one free on it a couple of times this summer and stocked up then (like 2/3.49 plus tax). Years ago I had a close friend who always went to smelling during the day.
By Lori
Commercial deodorants just do not agree with me. I will try a new deodorant and it works well for a about a week (secret, mitchum, lady speed stick, tussy, suave, etc). Dial and Avon worked months. Men's deodorants are worse, they seem to sour under my arm. Finally after reading some of the posts on this site, I tried one of the remedies shared. Now, after my morning shower, I swab under my arms with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol. It's been a bit over a week and this works fine. Actually after an intense workout, i.e. a five mile run, I smell a lot better without deodorant than I do with it. Go figure. (05/11/2007)
By Nadia
One stinky armpit and one fresh. I know that one, and I had a good laugh when I figured out why.
I'm right handed. I hold the shower handle with my right hand. This means the right armpit is in a "dead angle" from the general flow of water, with the result that the left armpit automatically got plenty of extra rinsing when I washed my hair while the right one only got enough water to remove the soap. Pointing the shower into the right armpit for a minute solved the problem.
(09/04/2007)
By Veronica
I had the one underarm stink problem for a while. I finally realized that I always slept on that side. Once I started varying my sleep position, the more distinct one-sided odor subsided.
(12/29/2007)
By Anon
I had that problem too. The bacteria that causes this odor culminates in moist, warm areas. My fiance and I have a heavy duvet cover that makes us sweat at night. I find that the side I sleep on the most (my left) is the side that sweats the most, and thus stinks the most. The remedy? It's been said before, I'll say it again: rubbing alcohol, 70% isopropyl three times per day for 14 days. You'll find it works after day one, but keep using anyway to stabilize the odor causing bacteria. (01/07/2008)
By anon
I found that taking a Zinc supplement really helped me. Also, whenever my pits start to stink between showers, I just slap on some rubbing alcohol then some more deodorant. The alcohol kills the germs, which really helps with the odor. If you exfoliate once a week with a hand full of sugar on your arm pits, this removes dead skin cells, & that helps too. While you're in the shower or bath, soap up your pits as usual then simply take a handful of plain sugar in one hand & use this to scrub you pits clean. Only do this once or twice a week.
One more thing, with me, I found switching from an Antiperspirant to a plain Deodorant made all the difference. My body was "back firing" with the antiperspirant and sweating more. Once I switched to a plain Deodorant this made the difference. I now avoid antiperspirants like the plague. My favorite is Tom's Natural brand deodorant made with herbs and other goodies. (02/02/2008)
By Cyinda
I can take a shower and 5 minutes later my right underarm will smell like a skunk. My left arm does not stink. When I shower I take extra care on cleaning that underarm. I do not use deodorants because of the Aluminum that causes breast cancer. I use the deodorant that has no Aluminum. I workout everyday. I make a point to wash underneath my arms with the Olay soap wipes 2 to 3 times a day. I have tried rubbing alcohol, I am lost and my husband said that my friends are going to start talking about me. I am very embarrassed with this problem. It is a good thing that I drive a school bus for a living. I have 150 kids to blame it on. I had a 7 year old boy tell me that one of the other students smelled like a skunk. It was me. I wasn't going to tell him it was me. I was wondering, maybe my body is toxic. I don't know, I just need help. I watch what I eat. I am mostly organic no preservative kind of person. I am very health conscientious. Help. Rainbowhutch AT aol.com (02/25/2008)
By Kathy
Use Ginger. It work amazingly. (03/10/2008)
By ami
I'm currently having an underarm odor problem as well. It seemed to have started one day while I was using the product "Veet". It started to burn, so I took it off. Now it gives off this really nasty odor. I'm trying all kinds of things, but it doesn't seem to work. Is there a way to restore my underarms back to normal? It is also prohibiting me from doing the things I would like to do :[ (04/30/2008)
By anon.
I am suffering from underarm odor and have tried just about everything and every home remedy out there, still to no avail. I have just accepted this but there is not a day that goes by that I am not searching on the internet to try and find a cure or remedy. Good luck to all who share this problem because it can be very humiliating, but I just take it one hour and day at a time.
(05/15/2008)
By karen thompson
I suffer with underarm odor as well. I have had the problem since I was a teenager. I am now 42. It is very embarrassing because I just know people think I don't practice good hygiene. I wash well, I try to overdo it in fact. But even as I step out of the shower I can smell my underarms.
I have tried the new Clinical version of Secret. The scent from that, like most deodorants, just mixes with my own odor and magnifies. It is worse than using nothing at all. I have tried cleansing with alcohol or peroxide then using deodorant. I still can't make it to Noon without odor. The most effective thing for me has been a mixture of baking soda and corn starch, but my arm pits became very irritated and the skin literally turned black as if burned. It's just very frustrating.
(05/23/2008)
By kharris
My sister has an underarm problem. I told her to use a deodorant, but it seems that its not effective. So I buy her a soap name deo cologne and use a deodorant. She is only 11 years old and I want her to be happy, doing the things that children can do. I don't want people talking about her behind her back about her odor. So how can I help my sister with her problem? (05/26/2008)
By chauri
Ask your sister's doctor to prescribe Clindamycin Pledgets and HyperCare (dabber). The Clindamycin will help remove the bacteria from the armpits and the HyperCare will stop the sweating for up to 3-4 days at a time. To remove the dead bacteria skin from your armpits, Tazorac will help too, but it's very expensive, but it works! I hope this helps everyone! (06/04/2008)
By Redd.
This is my second post. I have come back to share something that is working for me. It is Milk of Magnesia. I know it sounds weird, but it really works. It does not control sweating, but I have never been much of a sweater. But even when I do sweat, I still don't have odor. It is amazing to me after all these years to have found something that actually works! I hope it works for others that are suffering too. (06/08/2008)
By kharris
I am having the same issue - my right armpit is worse. I did try the shampoo to wash out the hair, but it really doesn't work 100%, although it does help a bit. I use some of those gloves that can assist in scrubbing harder. I will try the alcohol tonight. BTW - how is the Ginger used - orally? (06/09/2008)
By HC
I found a product from dermadoctor that seems to work really well on the odor (I don't sweat much). It's a bit pricey but worth it to me for not having the issue. They have a product that helps lighten the underarm area too if this has become discolored from "over-cleaning". Check it out if you can. (07/28/2008)
By Courtney
I have the same weird problem and it just started 1 year ago. I switched from Secret to Dove and it worked for a while. I went to the doctor and she told me to use some Witch hazel. It works. You can also use like some Seabreeze, or an astringent like you would put on your face. I also have to squeeze my armpits because they are pores, just like on your face. If you squeeze you'll see old deodorant coming out of your pores. It's gross but that is part of the problem. Squeeze the pores, then apply the witch hazel, and pat dry. Do this after washing with regular Dial antibacterial soap. It works. (08/01/2008)
By cutie pie
I am having the same problem with under arm odor. I bathe on a daily basis at least twice a day. As soon as my body temperature heats up, I begin sweating and my armpits emit an offensive odor. I use deodorant after every bath. I've tried the vinegar method and it did not work. I've also tried the hydrogen peroxide and it did not work. I'm running out of options. This problem is really interfering with a personal life and I dread to see summer coming because of the embarrassing odor. What should I do? Can a dermatologist help with this issue? (08/03/2008)
By frustrated
My husband has battled that same thing for years. I noticed him one evening putting on deodorant and I noticed he wasn't really working it in to the skin, he was kind of just flicking it under his arm.
One thing you have to do is get all the old deodorant off, and it doesn't just wash off with a few swipes of a soapy cloth. Deodorants have that waxy substance that helps them stay put. As you sweat, bacteria will grow and that causes the odor. If you don't get all the old deodorant off, it stands to reason there is still bacteria there and it makes itself known as soon as you heat up.
Make sure your arm pits are squeaky clean, then dry them really well. Someone else mentioned Witch Hazel, wipe your pits down real well with it, let it dry all the way, then apply the deodorant and make sure it goes all the way to the skin.
I don't know if you're a man or woman, but if you're a man, you have hair under there and you'll have to work a little harder at it. When my husband changed to "Men's Degree Clinical Protection",
his problem cleared up.
I'm a woman and I notice when I use deodorant in the morning, take a shower in the evening, even after I soap my pits, when I start to shave them I can feel the razor drag, and that tells me there is still deodorant under there, the stuff just doesn't wash away, I have to really scrub them to get all the deodorant off.
Good luck (08/03/2008)
By Susan
I used to sweat very bad in my armpits (not a bad odor as much as embarrassing wetness), but someone recommended "CERTAIN DRY" antiperspirant and I have no more underarm sweat. I swear by this stuff. I'll even tell total strangers in the deodorant isle that this is the stuff to get. It takes care of embarrassing wetness, and I believe if you take care of the wetness, you will automatically take care of the odor. I can now wear anything I want and not feel shy to raise my arms up to grab something or have wet marks on clothes anymore. Hope this helps! (08/14/2008)
By heresmysolution
I know that this is pricey, but it's the best remedy, and if you can afford it, you'll no longer spend tons of money on products that just do not work! Botox, believe it or not, is great, because it slightly paralyzes the nerves under your arm, that; 1. It controls sweating, and 2. because the pores can't open all the way it controls the smell. I know it's a lot of money, but think about all the benefits. Talk to your health care professional about it. (Oh yeah, it also works great for the face if you have chronic sweating). (08/18/2008)
By Smiley625
I don't sweat a lot but always had underarm odor minutes after showering. I kept drying different deodorants but finally found something that works. I started using Crystal Body Deodorant, it's like a stone that you wet and rub on and it's cheap, I found it for $1.60. No odor! I bought at IHerb.com and there is a $5 off for New Customers by using code HAZ996. (09/02/2008)
By V
A few years back a dermatologist prescribed Drysol for me which is a liquid that prevents sweating when applied under your arm. This really worked for me although excessive sweating has never been a problem for me but even a light sweat would cause an odor. I am sure there are dozens of other remedies but this works. It's strong enough that you won't have to use any deodorants. I could generally go about 3-4 days without reapplying. However it's not for people with sensitive skin. (09/21/2008)
By Tiffany
(submitted via email)
use crystal body deodorant
nasro (10/14/2008)
By Jess
I tried a combination of the advise offered here instead of just one, and it worked. First I sprinkled baking soda on a damp washcloth and scrubbed my underarms. Rinse, and dry well. Then I used a cotton ball and swabbed on alcohol, hold your arms up and let dry for a few seconds. Lastly I swabbed with a cotton ball some cider vinegar, and let dry while finishing up other toiletries. No deodorant whatsoever! The first day I had to reapply the alcohol swab and the vinegar 1/2 way through the day. After that I am odor free. I have had this problem for years, so I strongly urge others to try it! (10/24/2008)
By frugalgramma
The one thing that has helped me with my underarm sweating and odor, my doctor prescribed it. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, etc only helped for a few hours or so. Sweat doesn't smell, but the bacteria on the skin does. Try the method (1-2 per prescription only)
1. Clindamycin Pledgets - topical antibiotic that removes the bacteria from the skin.
2. Hypercare (dab bottle) - stops the sweating for a few days at a time.
3.Wash underarm area with Safeguard Soap or any other anti-bacterial soap.
I hope this helps. (10/24/2008)
By Redd
I have been dealing with this since I was a little girl. I have been wearing Mitchum since I was 7 and now I am 27. Some days it's fine, and some days it's like "whoa". Another thing to watch out for folks is fabrics. No polyester shirts! I realized a while back that Polyester is your worst enemy if you sweat heavy. The odor never comes out even when you wash it a zillion times. Some fabrics do not breathe and as a result once you start smelling or sweating its going to be a bad day. When I was a flight attendant my uniform was polyester, I used to wear a cotton t-shirt underneath to avoid the polyester touching my skin. (10/26/2008)
By Stinkylillady
I've had the same terrible problem, I would smell even after I stepped out of the shower. Went to the dermatologist, who had nothing but topicals that would stop the wetness - that can't be healthy in the long run. So I started taking 2 apple cider vinegar tablets three times per day. Really, in a short while, around two weeks, I stopped smelling.
Now I use Secret Clinical Strength antiperspirant/deodorant advanced solid. I like the 'power protection scent'. Good luck to you - I'm sorry to see you upset, but I really understand from my own experience. God bless you from Smoochie (11/06/2008)
By metroplex
2-3 Chlorophyll Tabs with Mint will stop the odor (read up on the tabs on the Net). They work great, you'll see! (11/18/2008)
By DR
Try zinc oxide cream. It works wonders. It's typically found in diaper rash ointment like Desitin but I'm sure the generic version works as well. (11/20/2008)
By Anonymous.
Adidas makes an aluminum free deodorant for those worried about cancer, it works well for really bad odor but doesn't last very long, just a few hours. So I have to keep a moist towel and a stick of the deodorant with me all the time. (12/17/2008)
I'm a 20 year old female and I have really bad underarm odor. It all started when I was around 16 maybe. I can shower twice a day and it doesn't help. I've tried certain dry (and others) and I've been through so many men's and women's deodorants you wouldn't believe it.
I'm so embarrassed to lift up my arm, or reach for something, or even hug someone. It seems like my armpits get worse if I use a deodorant that has that antiperspirant aluminum stuff in it.
I'm not sure what to do. It depresses me and I feel disgusting all the time. It's even worse in the summer. I sweat easily and sometimes have sweat marks on my shirts. Someone please help me :(
I've considered the zinc tablets, tom's natural deodorant and rubbing alcohol. I'll report back in a week or two, but if anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know. (01/16/2009)
By Karen
I had an infection in the hair follicles in my armpit. It smelled really bad. The dermatologist prescribed a gel to use twice a day, but the infection kept coming back. A new doctor told me to use HIBICLENS. You can buy it in the first-aid section in the drugstore. It is in a blue-green bottle containing 8 oz. of a miracle. It is an antibiotic/antimicrobial cleansing red liquid.
I wash my armpits ONLY with it every time I shower and then use a spray antiperspirant. I don't want to risk re-infection by using a roll-on or stick. Problem solved. Read the label carefully. (02/01/2009)
I find that using vinegar after baths helps with B O. Also take Zinc tablets, in a Doctor's office a sign says "Don't stink, take zinc". It works. Good luck. (02/01/2009)
By k w
My case is worse. I am allergic to commercial antiperspirants and deodorants. They would give me horrible red rash in seconds after application. For many years, I used foot powder to lessen the odor. It helped only to a certain degree. During really hot days, I would stink. These days however I am odor free.
Try this - white vinegar - it's the next best thing to sliced bread. I've seen testimonies on internet before but had never really tried it because I thought the vinegar scent would linger. Once it dries, you are odor free the whole day. It works for me. No harm if you try this. Not only that - this is so inexpensive. (02/05/2009)
By Peter D.
I had one underarm that smelled bad even after a shower. I had read a suggestion on this site somewhere to massage the armpit and surrounding areas. That the problem could have to do with the lymph nodes there. I haven't been able to find the original article I read but I want to thank the writer. I massaged for a while and when I stopped the smell was gone. Please try it before you go out and buy all sorts of stuff. It doesn't cost a thing and it honestly worked for me. It might help you too. (02/06/2009)
By Mrs. C. B.
Thank you everyone for making me feel that I am not alone with the underarm odor. For some reasons I am feeling more confident now, thanks guys. (02/18/2009)
By fatemah
This is a temporary solution, but it works for at least a period of time. It's a quick fix for this cosmetic problem. I did it before my wedding and before any vacations. Go to a spa that has a really good steam room. The underarm smell will sweat itself out. Stay in there long enough (for me about 20 min) to truly unclog all of the pores in order to "start over". This works so well for me, and I wish I had the money to build a steam room in my home so I could do this every other week. (04/16/2009)
By Lauramf
I'm so glad I found this and all the possible solutions to my problems. I sweat moderately (I live in Miami so it is impossible not to) but I shower and right after the shower my armpit smells, specially the right one.
I tried normal deodorants: Arid, dove, suave, almay, neutrogena, adidas, lady speed stick....all of them! And the first 2-3 days it was good, but by the 4th day the smell was back. It is a rather sour smell, its not like onions. But anyway, I just bought this Arid deodorant cream, and to my surprise it worked for a week or so, but no longer working. So I have to go with new ideas.
I have some questions for the people that said they use vinegar. Do you apply with a cotton ball and then let it dry? Or wait for it to dry and wash it off? Does it smell like vinegar? I don't want to fight the problem with another problem, you know? (05/18/2009)
By fernanda
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