The BBC reports that teams from York and Oxford Universities have deciphered the first step of how skin bacteria acts on virtually odourless armpit sweat to cause unpleasant body odour.
The link to the article is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-44680255
A new generation of deodorants could soon be developed to tackle this unpleasant problem by targeting this pathway.
Current deodorants utilise perfume to mask the smell, and contain ethanol or an antibacterial agent. Antiperspirants contain a chemical called aluminium chloride, which plugs the pores in skin that lead to the sweat glands, thus temporarily reducing the production of perspiration. However, aluminium chloride can be irritant to sensitive skin.
An effective and safe way to combat excessive underarm sweating is by using injections of the same chemical used in anti-wrinkle treatment. Through a series of very tiny injections in the sweat-producing areas of the armpits, this results in the reduction of sweat being expressed to the skin surface, leading to dry, odour-free armpits. The treatment is very well tolerated, takes about 15-20 minutes and the effects last from 4-6 months.
This allows people to avoid the constant use of deodorants and antiperspirants, which are not consistently effective. It also avoids the need for costly invasive surgery which can have serious complications.
Call or email The Minster Clinic to see how injectable treatments for excessive underarm sweating could work for you!