"Armpit Odor Information Page" for patients suffering from armpit odor
About the underarm odor treatment at Kamogawa Clinic (Osaka/Tenroku):
This "Armpit Odor Information Page" provides information for those who are suffering from armpit odour, including an explanation of armpit odour, its causes, treatments for armpit odour, and surgeries covered by insurance for armpit odour.
Body odor, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis, refers to a condition in which the armpits emit a strong odor. The odor of body odor is caused by sweat secreted from the apocrine sweat glands, which are broken down by certain bacteria, resulting in a unique strong odor. Apocrine sweat glands are found in large numbers in the armpits, around the nipples, and in the pubic area, and tend to become more active after puberty.
The intensity of body odor varies from person to person, and is thought to be largely influenced by genetic factors. Diet, hygiene, and physical constitution are also known to affect the strength of the odor.
Treatment methods include maintaining daily hygiene, using antiperspirants and deodorants, using specialized creams and medicines, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the apocrine sweat glands. However, the appropriate treatment method varies depending on the individual's condition, lifestyle, and odor strength, so it is important to decide after consulting with a specialist.
Here are some ways to reduce underarm sweat/odor:
- Use of antiperspirantsOne method is to use an antiperspirant that contains aluminum chloride to physically block sweat secretion, or to use an ointment that contains an anticholinergic drug to prevent the sweat glands from receiving the nerve signals to produce sweat.
- Choosing the right clothing: Choose clothing made from breathable, natural materials (such as cotton) to prevent excessive sweating.
- Use of body powder: Use body powder to absorb sweat and keep skin dry.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Maintain a healthy weight as being overweight encourages excess sweating.
- Stress Management: Stress can increase sweating, so manage your stress with relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing, etc.).
- Balanced diet: Limit your intake of spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, and avoid foods that induce sweating.
- Regular exercise: Regular exercise improves your physical condition and helps control sweating.
- Keep it clean: Shower regularly and keep your armpits clean to prevent sweat and bacterial growth.
- Underarm hair managementShaving or trimming your underarm hair reduces sweat and bacteria buildup, helping to reduce odor.
Combining these methods can effectively reduce underarm sweat. However, the effectiveness varies from person to person, so it is important to find the method that suits you. The above methods can reduce the amount of underarm sweat, but they cannot be expected to have a significant effect on the odor-causing sweat (apocrine sweat glands) that is unique to underarms.
Underarm odor surgery treatment costs(In the case of Kamogawa Clinic, 6-chome Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture):
1. Insurance Coverage
For those who pay 30% of the cost under health insurance, the surgery for both the left and right side costs approximately 52,000 yen. This includes anesthesia costs. In addition to the surgery fee, consultation fees, blood test fees, etc. will be required, but all of these treatment costs for underarm odor are covered by insurance. We will not recommend expensive treatments that are not covered by insurance.
2. You may be eligible to receive insurance benefits from your insurance company
3. You can use Osaka City's child medical expenses subsidy system
(Osaka City: Subsidizing children's medical expenses (...> Financial support> Financial support for childcare) (osaka.lg.jp))
There are systems that subsidize part or all of the self-paid medical expenses for children, such as the Children's Medical Expense Subsidy System and the Single-Parent Family Medical Expense Subsidy System. The age of the child eligible for the subsidy, the self-paid amount, and the application method vary depending on the city, ward, town, or village where you live. For details, please check with the city, ward, town, or village office where you live.
Kamogawa Clinic's Features:
・ We perform 950 (during COVID-19 period) to 1,200 surgeries under local anesthesia per year.
・ We started providing medical care in Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto. We have been providing medical care that is closely connected to the local community for many years.
・ The department is staffed by multiple doctors who have taught medical students and interns at university hospitals and general hospitals.
・Registered as a regional medical training hospital for a program to become a plastic surgery specialist
For those who have received treatment for underarm odor at other medical institutions but have had no success:
We also see patients who have undergone treatment for body odor but have not seen much effect. This is because the apocrine sweat glands that cause body odor remain. Kamogawa Clinic in Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome, Osaka City, offers retreatment for those who have been treated at other clinics but still have body odor symptoms, and is covered by insurance. Please feel free to consult us if you have noticeable scars after body odor treatment.
