Towards a bacterial treatment for armpit malodour

Abstract

Axillary malodour is a frustrating condition for many people. It can lead to significant discomforts and various psychological effects. The underarm microbiome generally plays a major role in axillary malodour formation. Not only the bacteria on the armpit epidermis, but especially those living in the sweat glands, sweat pores and hair follicles play a pivotal role in malodour development.

In order to treat underarm malodour, this viewpoint paper envisions a bacterial treatment. Replacing the autochthonous malodour causing microbiome with a non-odour causing microbiome, through an armpit bacterial transplantation or direct application of probiotics/non-odour causing bacteria could resolve the condition. Selective steering of the microbiome with prebiotics, biochemicals or plant extracts could likewise greatly help in improving the underarm odour. Elimination/inhibition of the 'bad bugs' and application/stimulation of the 'good bugs' should be part of the future treatment for axillary body odour.

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