Research news · underarm odor
Osmidrosis: what new ultrasound research shows about underarm odor glands
Axillary osmidrosis is abnormal underarm odor, and the study authors describe it as a common dermatological condition in Asian populations that can cause significant social and psychological distress. A Nov 1, 2026 open-access study used 33 MHz ultra-high-frequency ultrasound to map the apocrine glands linked to it. Here is what it measured and what it does not show.
Key findings
- 30 patients (60 underarms) were scanned; 1,543 glands were identified, an average of 25.7 per underarm (range 12–55).
- Glands sat about 0.76 mm to 2.62 mm below the skin surface. No treatments were given and no efficacy or safety outcomes were measured.
Apocrine glands
The odor link
The authors cite histopathology studies showing the number and size of apocrine glands are strongly correlated with the severity of osmidrosis (CCID).
Treatment options
What the authors list
The paper lists topical antiperspirants, botulinum toxin injections, surgical excision and liposuction among current treatments for axillary osmidrosis. The study itself tested none of them.
FAQ
Osmidrosis: quick answers
What is osmidrosis?
What causes underarm odor in osmidrosis?
What did the ultrasound show?
Does antiperspirant treat osmidrosis?
Is osmidrosis the same as heavy sweating?
What the study measured
This retrospective single-center study included 30 patients with axillary osmidrosis (14 male, 16 female; mean age 19.3). Each underarm was divided into a 3×3 grid and scanned with a 33 MHz transducer (CCID full text).
For the largest gland in each underarm, mean long diameter was 2.90 mm, front-to-back diameter 1.32 mm, and area 3.05 mm². Gland size showed no significant left-right differences; depth showed mild left-right differences. Gland area correlated moderately with vertical distribution range (r = 0.52).
Why gland depth matters
The authors say the depth and size data could provide anatomical guidance for injection therapy and may inform the choice of injection depth. They are clear that no ultrasound-guided injections were performed, there were no efficacy or safety endpoints, and the clinical value needs prospective validation.
Limits of this study
It was small and single-center, with no histology to confirm each gland. The authors note current ultrasound cannot definitively distinguish apocrine from eccrine glands by echo pattern alone. Patients were asked not to use antiperspirant or deodorant on scan day.
Odor vs wetness
Strong odor and heavy sweating are related but different concerns. Deodorants target odor; antiperspirants reduce sweat. For everyday odor, see deodorant BO: body odor causes and control and antiperspirant vs deodorant. For persistent, distressing odor, see a dermatologist.
Sources
Educational information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Sources were opened and read on Nov 9, 2026. Research summaries are based on the published abstract or full text as noted; they are not evidence for any Maxim product.
Worried about strong underarm odor?
A dermatologist can check whether osmidrosis or another cause is involved and discuss treatment options.
What the study measuredRead the sourcesEducational information only, not medical advice. This study did not test Maxim or any product, and Maxim makes no claim to treat osmidrosis.
