One smelly armpit

[Backtosani]

After a lifetime of nil problems with BO and able to have days between showers at times I find that my left armpit permanently smells of BO so matter what I do..even after long soaks in the bath. Would this be some kind of emerging health problem. Im a granda now and post menapausal for some years.

[gamerchick]

You're a grandad?

Use a bar of soap. It works much better than any soapy wash out of a bottle.

[Backtosani]

*grandma

[Backtosani]

Tried this...its the fact that its only one armpit thats concerning me....the other is perfectly fine and fragrant as ever.

[FairyJuice]

Op I have a similar problem but it only happens at certain stages during my cycle so I assume it's something to do with hormones. For a few days between ovulation and my period, my left armpit will inexplicably smell of bo, even if I'm just out of a soapy shower. Tried loads of different soaps but it doesn't help.

Sorry no solutions, but good to know I'm not the only one!

[11hairylegs]

It’s very unlikely to be any sinister, more likely it’s an imbalance of bacteria on the side that’s smelly (Sweat and bacteria = BO). Are you left handed? It could be you’re simply using that arm more?
Have you changed your handbag? Some handbags promote you keeping one arm still whilst the other moves around when walking.

[SpoonBlender]

It happens - your skin flora and fauna changes over time, as different bugs get the upper hand. Hormonal changes can certainly cause it, different pH benefitting different bugs. You can get them from other people or the environment. Picked up a new lover recently, or borrowed a top that might not have been washed?

I used to have scentless feet, until about age 40 when I spent six months on antibiotics - afterwards, the new bugs were more cheesy. Siiiiigh. My armpits have always been one sweet, one a bit funny - different families of bugs.

[Backtosani]

Good to know its not likely to be sinister and others have had similar. Might mention to my GP on my next visit just to be sure.

[Busy77]

I have this too, had it for years. It's just so weird when you know you've washed properly and it's only one armpit. How do you introduce new bacteria to take over? I have literally tried every soap going.

[NeurotrashWarrior]

Try eating fermented foods eg kefir? Regularly, it might take a month or two. I know I got on top of mild persistent thrush in my vulva and under arm pits by eating lots of natural yogurt.

There's some stuff around on the Internet about skin flora and a few things that have been produced to support it but I can't remember what.

[Otterseatpuffinsdontthey]

Good to know I'm not alone, or imaging it!
I shower daily + use bar of soap.
I had came to the conclusion that it was because I always sleep on my left side (foetal position)

[Otterseatpuffinsdontthey]

*imagining

[LookToTreblesGoingTreblesGone]

Right armpit here. And has been for years.
I figured it's just the way I'm made

[MyKingdomforaNameChange]

Right armpit for me! I use antibacterial hand wash on a flannel for the first scrub/wash, then bar soap for the second wash.

[Backtosani]

Thanks for all your contributions. Cant believe this is so common as Ive never heard of it before in all of my 67yrs. Used a vegetable based bar soap yesterday and thought I'd cracked it as the offending pit stayed nice and fresh for a few hours then a quick check in the afternoon had my heart sinking again. I'll have a go with the anti-bacterial handwash. Many thanks..

[thirdpassport]

Dettol does a good anti bacterial soap that DH found helped a lot during last years heatwave.

[TashieWoo]

@thirdpassport when I had this problem I used Dettol soap too and it was the only thing that worked. Now I always use it under my arms.

I also find that roll on deodorant is better.