How To Get Rid of Armpit Odor, Plus the Deodorant Dermatologists Say Works Best

Ever give your neighbor a wave or reach for something overhead only to catch a whiff of unpleasant aroma? If so, you probably wanted to figure out how to get rid of armpit odor fast. As much as we’d love to freshen up by hopping in the shower whenever armpit odor strikes, that’s not always possible. Fortunately, there are easy ways erase funky odors and prevent them from returning.

What causes armpit odor?

Underarm odor is caused by the interaction of sweat and bacteria on the skin, says Mary Alice Mina, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery, LLC , and an adjunct assistant professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. “The bacteria breaks down the sweat into acids, which can produce a characteristic sulfur-like smell,” she says.

Sweat is excreted throughout the body via two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. The apocrine sweat glands are primarily found in areas such as the armpits, groin and scalp. They’re typically the ones responsible for armpit odor, says Dr Mina, who is also the host of The Skin Real podcast .

Why? “These sweat glands make a thicker, fat-laden sweat. When this sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin, it produces body odor,” Dr. Mina explains.

What increases the odds of armpit odor?

1. M enopause: A decline in estrogen can bring on night sweats and hot flashes, increasing sweat production. And during menopause, women can have increased amounts of testosterone, which may draw more bacteria to sweat, causing underarm odor. In fact, a study in Frontiers in Psychology found those with higher testosterone levels emanated a stronger-smelling body odor.
2. Certain health conditions: Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues and metabolic disorders can cause or exacerbate body odor, says Dr. Mina.
3. Some meds: “Certain drugs such as specific antidepressants, migraine medications, prescription pain medicines and even some OTC pain relievers (NSAIDs) can cause physiological changes where sweating is a side effect, which can lead to increased body odor,” says Eva R. Parker, MD , a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
4. Stress: “ Emotional stress increases cortisol levels in our body and can also activate apocrine glands,” says Dr. Mina. A review in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found sweat from stress leads to a higher output of sweat in the apocrine glands, contributing to unpleasant armpit odor .

How to get rid of armpit odor: 5 easy tricks

Sweaty, smelling armpits don’t have to be the bane of your existence. While most of us will automatically reach for deodorant (see below for which type is best!), there are also ways to outsmart funky scents even if you don't have your trusty deodorant handy. Here, our experts' best advice on how to get rid of armpit odor:

1. Use an antiperspirant and deodorant combo

“A deodorant alone is only going to mask odor, versus an antiperspirant containing aluminum chloride that’s made to reduce sweat, ” s ays Dr. Parker. “Most people are going to find a combination of both are going to be the most effective.”

Worth noting: “Clinical antiperspirant deodorants are more effective, however they are more expensive and have the potential to be more irritating to skin,” Dr. Parker adds.

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When you apply your deodorant can make a big difference

For best benefits, apply your deodorant at night. “Our sweat glands are generally less active at night, allowing the active ingredients to form a more effective plug within the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of sweat produced the next day,” Dr. Mina explains. Of course you can still continue to use an antiperspirant deodorant in the morning as well as at night, too, for added protection.

2. Do a soap swap

This may be obvious, but good hygiene is perhaps the best way to get rid of armpit odor. “Poor hygiene practices can lead to an accumulation of sweat and bacteria, resulting in stronger odor,” cautions Dr. Mina.

Using antibacterial soap in the shower can help. “This type of soap can help remove bacteria on the skin and could be effective in stopping body odor,” Dr. Mina notes. Just be aware that a ntibacterial soaps can irritate or cause dryness for some people. If that’s a concern or you have sensitive skin, look for an antibacterial soap that also contains moisturizers. One to try: Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Beauty Bar .

3. Swipe with alcohol

You know those small alcohol pads the nurse rubs on your arm before you get a shot? They can help get rid of armpit odor, too. “The rubbing alcohol in the pad will reduce any bacteria on the skin and any microbes producing the odor,” says Dr. Parker, who reports she’s had a lot of patients try this method and they’ve found it works really well for underarm odors.

If you’re wondering how to use the pads to get rid of armpit odor, Dr. Parker says you can swipe them on your skin once or twice a day. Just note that the alcohol will remove any antiperspirant deodorant you already have on, so you’ll need to reapply it afterward. One to try: CareTouch Alcohol Prep Pads .

Wellness

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A podiatrist explains why a quick saltwater soak wards off excess perspiration

4. Consider reaching for your razor

Removing underarm stubble, if you so choose, will keep bacteria from adhering to the hair and finding a home. “Hair in the armpits can be a surface for bacteria to grow and multiply. And the more hair, the greater chance of having body odor,” says Dr. Parker.

5. Wear a moisture-wicking top

Clothing made of wicking fabrics such as polyester, nylon or bamboo draws sweat away from your skin. This allows moisture to evaporate into the outside air, keeping you dry and helping minimize body odor, says Dr. Parker.

“One brand I often recommend to my patients is Columbia, because their shirts are lightweight, vented and block the sun so they help keep you cooler,” she says, adding she regularly wears the brand’s shirts herself. One to try: Columbia Women’s Sun Trek™ T-Shirt .

How to get rid of armpit odor: Rx options

If the above remedies aren’t doing the trick, your doctor may suggest a prescription antiperspirant and deodorant or a topical medication that can help with excessive sweating. An oral medication may be prescribed if the topical one isn’t tackling the problem.

Botox administered in the underarm area can also help curb excessive sweating, says Dr. Mina. “It works by blocking the nerve signals responsible for activating the sweat glands, reducing sweat production.” Dr. Mina says the number of injections required depends on severity of your sweating. For most people, the injection for sweating lasts about 3 to 6 months, says Dr. Parker. Since Botox is FDA-approved for excessive sweating, health insurance companies generally cover it, she adds.

Another treatment method is iontophoresis. This involves the use of a medical device that sends a low electrical current through water or a wet pad to reduce excessive sweating, explains Dr. Mina. “Some individuals may experience a significant reduction in sweating after just a few treatments, while others may require more sessions before noticing improvements.”

For more ways to outsmart excessive sweating:

Embarrassed by Sweaty Feet? Doctors Say These 6 Genius Tricks Keep Them Dry

16 Best Cooling Gel Mattress Toppers for Hot Flashes and Sweaty Sleepers

PJ’s Made From This Fabric Help Prevent Night Sweats and Sleep Disruptions, Study Shows

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan