Unexplained Underarm Odour

[DJMCG]

i am a 30 year old woman who for the past 18 months has been suffering from an unexplainable musty,acidic almost underarm smell. the odour does not involve any perspiration as i do not have a sweat issue. this issue seems to have started a few months after i underwent laser hair removal on my underarm. until that i never had such an issue, i have tried all types of deoderants, powders, baking powder, vinegar and scrubs however the odour eventually returns to various strengths an has caused me lots of stress and worry as i can never be totally comfortable now in social settings.
Can anyone please give me some advice as to how to prevent this or what may  be causing the issue?

[caregiver222]

And lastly, but not leastly, (1) wash your underarms with soap, then water, then rubbing alcohol and (2) rub on a bactricidal non-prescription cream.

[DragonHater]

Hi it may be changing hormones....instead of using girly soap and underarm deodorant try using mens brands, they tend to be stronger & last longer. Old Spice deodorant has some good smells that won't make you smell like you are wearing men deodorant.
Good Luck

[DJMCG]

Thank you for the feedback. The odour has actually become more standard BO smelling in the past weeks. I was wondering whether the laser treatment may have triggered some reaction in my system?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Vinegar like smell in sweat is due to an acid called propionic acid. Since this acid is chemically similar to acetic acid in vinegar, the sweat smells of vinegar. This happens due to excess amino acids in sweat (which are breakdown products of protein), seen common with a high protein diet. Also if the diet is rich in cheese, then bacteria of staphylococcus type acts on the sweat and causes this smell of vinegar. Hence to avoid this smell you would need to carefully look at his diet and lower the protein and cheese content in it. Take care!