Bromhidrosis, apocrine L75.0

Pronounced secretion of unpleasant smelling sweat mainly by apocrine axillary sweat glands.

Decomposition of organic sweat components of apocrine sweat by coryneform rod bacteria. Short-chain fatty acids and ammonia are responsible, among other things, for the smell of sweat. Lack of hygiene favours the occurrence.

Occurring at the age of sexual maturity. Blacks are more frequently affected than whites. East Asians are extremely rarely affected (population-related differences in the development of apocrine sweat glands).

Regular washing with antibacterially effective acidic soaps or washing lotions (e.g. Hydroderm washing lotion, Dermowas N liquid concentrate). Shaving of the armpit hair, laser depilation if necessary. Use of a commercially available deodorant, which reduces the bacterial flora and in some cases also diminishes the apocrine gland function. Solutions or gels containing aluminium hydroxide can also be helpful (e.g. 20% aluminium chloride hexahydrate solution R005 or R006 or gel R004 ). At the same time use drying powders (zinc, talcum) or powder sprays. Alternatively tannic acids like tannin (Tannosynt Lotio/Powder). Clarify whether medication or food is the cause of the odour formation.