Bromhidrosis is a condition that causes a bad smell in the body, usually in the armpits, popularly known as cê-cê, on the soles of the feet, known as a cholé, or in the groin. This bad smell arises due to the production of sweat by glands called apocrine, very concentrated in these regions, which favors the multiplication of bacteria and causes an unpleasant odor.
These glands that produce foul-smelling sweat appear in early adolescence, around 8 to 14 years of age, and there are people who have a higher number and, therefore, these people have a more unpleasant smell.
To treat bromidrose, there are options such as removing hair from the region, avoiding repeated clothes and using long-lasting deodorants, which decrease the production of sweat. In addition, in cases where necessary the physician may prescribe the use of antibiotic ointments, such as Clindamycin, or even surgery or laser treatment to decrease the apocrine glands.
How to treat
The bromidrose has a cure, and to treat effectively, it is necessary to reduce the amount of bacteria in the skin, since the bacteria are responsible for the fermentation of secretions that produce the bad smell, preferably with methods directed by the dermatologist.
A good option is to use antiseptic or anti-bacterial soaps. Even in cases where bromidrosis is a consequence of excessive sweating, it may also be necessary to use antiperspirant or antiperspirant deodorants, such as those containing aluminum, to decrease sweat production by the glands and prevent foul smelling.
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In severe cases, where none of the products show the expected results, the doctor may prescribe the use of ointment antibiotics, such as Clindamycin or Erythromycin, which may decrease the bacterial population of the affected region. However, these products should only be used last because they can cause the bacteria to create resistance, making them more difficult to eliminate.
Another good option for people who sweat a lot is performing procedures that can decrease the number of sweat glands, such as gland removal surgery or laser treatment, which should be indicated by the dermatologist after the previous alternatives have not been effective .
What to do to avoid
Some simple ways to control the problem of bromidrose are to use natural techniques that decrease bacteria in areas of higher sweat production, such as:
- Wash the skin daily, soaping well the area of the feet, underarms or groin;
- Dry the skin thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes and under the folds of skin;
- Always wash clothes well and avoid repeating them;
- Remove the hair from the regions such as armpits and groin, as they are responsible for accumulating dirt and sweat;
- Prefer to wear cotton clothes, cooler and not too tight;
- Change daily socks and underwear;
- Use antiperspirant or antibacterial sprays or powders for the feet;
- Wear open shoes whenever possible.
In addition, another very important tip is to keep the regions with the worst smell free of hair, because the hairs facilitate the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, intensifying the smell. However, if these techniques do not improve the smell of sweat, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to begin using some products that help reduce the amount of sweat and therefore avoid the unpleasant smell.
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