Where does armpit odor come from? A proportion of patients with axillary odor have a significant family history of the condition, and children have a higher incidence of the condition if their parents have it. Therefore, it is possible, but not absolute, that armpit odor is related to genetic factors. Why does it smell so bad? This is mainly because the sweat excreted by the sweat glands (also called parietal glands) in the armpits, vulva and corners of the mouth of patients with axillary odor is thicker and more yellowish in color than that of ordinary people. When the fatty acid reaches a certain concentration, the bacteria on the skin surface (mainly staphylococcus) decompose it, producing unsaturated fatty acids and emitting an odor. What is the principle of botulinum toxin injection for armpit odor? Botulinum toxin is very effective in inhibiting the secretion of the nerve conduction substance acetylcholine by nerve cells, so it can well inhibit the excitability of sympathetic nerves that govern the sweat glands and promote sweat secretion by sweat glands. The secretion of our human sweat glands is also controlled by the sympathetic nerve through acetylcholine as a conductive medium. Many patients do not sweat when the sympathetic nerves are not excited, such as when they are sleeping, resting and relaxing. When they exercise or are stressed (sympathetic excitement), they will sweat. Therefore, local injection of botulinum toxin in the armpit can achieve a good effect of stopping sweating, and the odor in the armpit will be removed because the bacteria will no longer decompose and produce odor when there is no sweating. Which patients with armpit odor are suitable for Botox injections? Patients who are younger than 18 years old and have not fully developed armpit odor, young and unmarried patients who do not want to leave scars, patients with armpit odor who sweat a lot, patients with armpit odor when they sweat, and patients with hyperhidrosis. How long does it take to work after injection? How long can I stay odor-free? How long is the interval between injections? Generally, the effect can be seen in about 5-6 days after injection and can be maintained for 5 months to 6 months. In principle, injections should be given twice a year, but if you do not sweat a lot in winter and do not have a heavy odor, you can get injections once a year in June and July in early summer to get through the hottest and most sweaty season. How long does the injection take? Do I need to avoid menstruation? The injection takes about 20 minutes and can be done during menstruation. Do I have to recover after surgery (e.g., no exercise or bathing), and can’t others see it? After the treatment, there is no effect on the activities and life, just be careful not to touch water in the armpit for 6 hours after the injection. You can exercise and take a shower the day after surgery. Others can’t see it at all.