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Bromhidrosis is excessive or abnormal body odor caused by decomposition by bacteria and yeasts of apocrine secretions and cellular debris.

Apocrine secretions are lipid-rich, sterile, and odorless but become odoriferous when decomposed. Eccrine bromhidrosis is not as fragrant because eccrine sweat is nearly 100% water. The cause of apocrine bromhidrosis is poor hygiene of skin and clothing.

In some people, a few days of washing with an antiseptic soap, which may be combined with use of antibacterial creams containing clindamycinSome Trade Names
CLEOCIN
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or erythromycinSome Trade Names
ERY-TAB
ERYTHROCIN
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, may be necessary. Shaving the hair in the armpits may also help control odor.

Last full review/revision October 2007 by Daniel W. Collison, MD

Content last modified October 2007