Why do my armpits have so much bacteria?

Author: Frederic Rosenbaum  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

We all have natural bacteria on our skin and that's totally normal. However, when our sweat interacts with that bacteria, it can cause the production of compounds that can have a strong smell. This is especially true in the armpits, where the warm and moist environment encourages more bacteria to grow.

How do you stop bacterial growth in your armpits?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

What causes bacterial infection in armpit?

Poor hygiene, obesity, and excessive sweating are common contributors to trichomycosis. Generally, any circumstance or habit that allows bacteria to build up on the hair follicles can cause or worsen the infection.

What is a bacterial overgrowth in the armpit?

Trichomycosis is a bacterial infection that happens due to an overgrowth of types of bacteria called Corynebacterium. Corynebacterium grows most efficiently in moist areas of the body, such as the: armpits.

What kills odor causing bacteria on skin?

Answer: Yes, benzoyl peroxide can help prevent body odor. It is a bactericidal agent, meaning that it kills bacteria. The bacteria on the surface of our skin, especially in the armpits and groin, break down sweat and can produce a foul odor.

What causes body odor? - Mel Rosenberg

How to remove bacteria from armpits?

Keep your skin clean by taking a daily bath or shower with antibacterial soap. Focus on the areas where you sweat the most, like your armpits and groin area. Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor.

How do you get rid of bacteria under your skin?

Treatment may include:
  1. Antibiotics (oral, injection, IV)
  2. Keeping the area clean and applying dressings as instructed.
  3. Surgery.
  4. If your arm or leg is affected, elevating the arm or leg may help.
  5. Rest.
  6. Time to heal.
  7. Pain medicine as needed.

Why do I have so much bacteria in my armpits?

In humans, armpits offer a moist, warm environment where microbes can thrive, making them a microbial hotspot. The composition of the skin microbiota varies from one individual to another, and between locations on the same host; sometimes, even the left armpit can have a vastly different flora compared to the right.

How do you fix bacterial overgrowth?

Antibiotic therapy

For most people, the initial way to treat bacterial overgrowth is with antibiotics. Doctors may start this treatment if your symptoms and medical history strongly suggest this is the cause, even when test results are inconclusive or without any testing at all.

How to properly clean armpits?

PRACTICAL TIPS TO COMBAT ODOR
  1. Use an antibacterial soap. Switch to an antibacterial soap to help kill the bacteria that cause odor. ...
  2. Dry off completely. After you wash, make sure to dry your underarms completely. ...
  3. Apply deodorant or antiperspirant correctly. ...
  4. Wear breathable fabrics. ...
  5. Stay hydrated.

When I squeeze my armpit, liquid comes out.?

An armpit lump such as an abscess or cyst, or hidradenitis suppurativa are usually the causes of pus coming from the armpit. Pus may come out when you squeeze your armpit if lumps (cysts or abscesses) under the skin are present.

How to drain lymph nodes under the armpit?

Place hand in the left armpit against the ribcage, slowly gently stretch the skin toward the back and then up towards the armpit (stationary circles), repeat 5 times. Complete on the right side if directed by therapist.

How do you unblock sweat glands?

Start with a gentle exfoliation. Use a soft brush or a mild scrub in a circular motion. Follow up with warm compresses—a warm, damp cloth pressed gently against the skin can coax those stubborn glands open, soothing the inflamed area and encouraging a natural flow.

What deodorant kills underarm bacteria?

NIVEA Antibacterial Deodorant

NIVEA MEN Silver Protect Anti-Perspirant Roll-On fights and kills up to 99% of bacteria that cause body odour using innovative silver ions to help you feel fresh all day. This antibacterial deodorant also provides you with 48h anti-perspirant protection and even contains 0% ethyl alcohol.

What removes bacteria from lymph?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped masses of lymphatic tissue along lymph vessels. They store lymphocytes and filter waste, bacteria and damaged cells (including cancer cells) from lymph. The lymphocytes inside the lymph nodes also attack bacteria and viruses that they find in the lymph.

What vitamins help bacterial overgrowth?

The Best Supplements For SIBO Treatment
  • Berberine. ...
  • Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum. ...
  • Iberogast. ...
  • Peppermint Oil. ...
  • Oil of Oregano. ...
  • Probiotics. ...
  • Vitamins and Minerals.

What naturally kills bad bacteria in the gut?

Oregano. Oregano oil is one of the most common substances used to treat SIBO. One study found it to be even more effective than pharmaceutical antibiotics for killing off wayward microbes in the small intestine (Source: NCBI).

What are the signs of bacterial overgrowth?

Symptoms of SIBO include:
  • Abdominal bloating: Bloating is a common symptom of SIBO, and is reported by most patients.
  • Flatulence: Having some gas is a normal part of the digestive process. ...
  • Diarrhea: The excess bacteria in the small intestine break down bile salts needed to digest fats.

How do you neutralize armpit bacteria?

Use Antibacterial Soap: Choose a soap that has antibacterial properties to further reduce the bacteria on your skin. Shave or Trim: Consider shaving or trimming areas with dense hair growth, such as your underarms. Hair can trap sweat and bacteria, creating an environment for odour to develop.

Which ethnicity has the least body odor?

The characteristic human axillary odor is formed by bacterial action on odor precursors that originate from apocrine sweat glands. Caucasians and Africans possess a strong axillary odor ,whereas many Asians have only a faint acidic odor.

What product kills bacteria on skin?

Dettol Liquid is a effective concentrated antiseptic solution that kills bacteria and provides protection against the germs which can cause infection and illness. It can be used for gentle antiseptic wound cleansing and antiseptic skin cleansing. Dettol Liquid. Contains Chloroxylenol.

How do you know if you have a parasite under your skin?

Parasite infection can cause itching. Some parasites also dig tunnels under your skin and lay eggs in them, which leads to itching. Specific parasites like pinworms can produce localized itching, while they can also cause itching around your anus.

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