Axillary Osmidrosis: Past, Present, and Future

Axillary osmidrosis is characterized by offensive odor resulting from bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretions in the axillae, and individuals with axillary osmidrosis suffer detrimental effects to their psychosocial functioning. We searched the literature in January 2019 for all English-language publications discussing axillary osmidrosis to identify previous reports, present trends, and emerging treatments. Studies were listed chronologically by the country of the first author's institution. Publications were also classified regarding the study type (literature review), pathophysiology, and treatments. We identified 133 publications on axillary osmidrosis, and of these, 120 were from East-Asian countries. Before 1990, there were only 9 publications, but after 2000, publications increased in number. One hundred of 133 reports discussed treatment, namely, 39 reports on suction curettage, 28 reports on open surgery, and 8 reports on subdermal laser. Other studies focused on the pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis. This literature review revealed unique trends in the identified studies. Because control of axillary odor is a universal subject, the etiology and pathophysiology of axillary osmidrosis have been studied throughout the world and are clearly described. However, almost all studies of surgical treatments have been performed in East-Asian countries. After the year 2000, various surgical and nonsurgical treatments, namely, laser therapy and suction curettage, have been attempted. Emerging treatments for axillary osmidrosis include ethanol injections, microwave therapy, and microneedle radiofrequency technologies; however, further studies of these treatments are needed.