Problems always arise from time to time, leaving many patients embarrassed and uneasy – fox odor. Although this problem is not a big problem in medicine, it can cause great psychological stress and social distress in daily life. I remember one time a young college student came to my office with his head bowed and his tone full of helplessness and anxiety. The student, Li Ming (not his real name), was plagued by fox odor problems, which even affected his social life and self-confidence. He told me that despite his daily cleansing and use of various deodorant products, the pungent smell always lingered like a stubborn shadow. As a result, he avoids any social activities that might get people close, for fear that others will find out his secrets.
Facing Li Ming, I realized that it is not uncommon for people like him to suffer from fox odor. Fox odor, medically known as axillary odor, is actually due to excessive secretion of sweat glands under the armpits, plus a special smell produced by bacteria decomposing sweat. Telling him that this problem can actually be effectively controlled with the right methods, I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
I shared with Li Ming some practical methods, from daily personal hygiene habits to dietary adjustments, to professional methods that may be needed. A few months later, Li Ming came to my office again, and this time, with a smile on his face, confidently told me that his fox odor problem had improved significantly. This change not only gave him back his self-confidence, but also made him willing to reintegrate into his social life.
The little details of everyday hygiene.
Bathing every day: Bathing at least once a day is the first step to preventing fox odor. Thoroughly cleaning the underarm area with antibacterial soap while bathing can effectively remove sweat and bacteria, thereby reducing the production of fox odor. Remember to bathe in lukewarm water, as overheated water can stimulate more sweat glands.
Keep dry. Dryness is key: after bathing, be sure to thoroughly dry sweat-prone areas such as underarms. Moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria, and keeping these areas dry can significantly reduce the risk of fox odor. Consider using an absorbent towel or a hair dryer on low heat for quick drying.
Pick the right product: There are many deodorants and antiperspirants on the market, but not all of them are suitable for the same product. Choose the right type of deodorant for you, which can effectively reduce sweat production and suppress odors. It is recommended to choose products with mild ingredients and non-irritation to avoid causing allergies.
Laundry selection and cleaning.
Breathable clothing: Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can help reduce sweat buildup, especially during the summer months or during exercise. Cotton or natural fibre materials are a good choice.
Change and wash your clothes regularly: Underwear and clothes that fit snugly under your armpits should be changed and washed daily to avoid bacteria growing on your clothes.
Dietary adjustments, inner departure.
Some foods, such as onions, garlic, spicy foods, etc., may produce a strong odor during metabolism in the body, which is excreted through sweat, thus aggravating the situation of fox odor. It is recommended to avoid such foods in your daily diet as much as possible to reduce the production of odor in the body.
Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can help clear the intestines, promote digestion, and reduce the accumulation of toxins in the body, thereby reducing odors caused by too many toxins in the body. At the same time, the rich vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables can also improve health and indirectly reduce the production of fox odor.
Adequate hydration can help the body detoxify better, reduce the amount of toxins in sweat, and reduce fox odor. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the internal environment clean and balanced.
Maintaining a balanced diet can not only avoid the imbalance of the internal environment caused by picky eating, but also ensure that the body receives adequate nutritional support. Moderate intake of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, and avoiding too much processed and high-sugar foods, can help maintain a healthy internal environment, thereby reducing the production of fox odor.
Professional**, targeting the roots.
Microwaves are a non-invasive way to precisely target the sweat gland area of the armpit by using a specific frequency of microwave energy. This energy gently destroys the sweat glands, which reduces the production of sweat and odor. **The patient feels comfortable during the procedure and does not cause harm to the surrounding tissues. Usually, after a few times**, the patient can clearly feel that the fox odor has decreased or even disappeared.
Laser** uses a specific wavelength of laser energy to act directly on the sweat glands in the armpits, destroying the structure of the sweat glands and thus reducing sweat secretion. This method is more accurate than microwave** and destroys the sweat glands more thoroughly, especially for those patients with severe fox odor. Lasers usually require local anaesthesia, after which patients can return to their daily routines without affecting work and study.
For the very small number of patients who have recurrent relapsed ineffectiveness or severe fox odor, surgery may be the last option. The operation achieves the goal of complete fox odor by removing the underarm part and the sweat glands below. Although this method is effective, it is invasive** and carries certain risks and downtime. Therefore, before choosing surgery, patients should fully discuss with their doctor to understand all the pros and cons. Which professional** method to choose depends on the patient's specific situation and the doctor's recommendation. Whether it's microwaves**, lasers** or surgery, the key is to find a safe and effective way to solve the problem of fox odor once and for all, so that patients can regain their confidence and enjoy a fresh life. Before proceeding with any specialty, it is advisable for the patient to undergo a thorough evaluation, communicate closely with the medical professional, and choose the most suitable regimen for him/herself.