Towards a bacterial treatment for armpit malodour

Axillary malodour is a frustrating condition for many people. It can lead to significant discomforts and various psychological effects. The underarm microbiome plays a major role in axillary malodour formation. Not only the bacteria on the epidermis, but also and especially those living in the sweat glands, sweat pores and hair follicles play a pivotal role in malodour development. To treat underarm malodour, this viewpoint article 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 can likewise greatly help in improving the underarm odour. Elimination/ inhibition of the "bad bugs" and application/stimulation of the "good bugs" will be part of the future treatment for axillary body odour.

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