One smelly armpit

United Kingdom
July 27, 2012 6:50am CST
I have been suffering lately with an embarrassing condition which is ruining my work and social life - one smelly armpit. I shower every morning and use antiperspirant, have a quick sniff and all is well, but within no time at all, my right armpit begins to niff. My left one can smell like roses all day, but my right one refuses all attempts by me to cover the smell of sweat. I haven't been to the docs yet, and I am loathe to as it seems like a silly complaint. Any ideas how I can prevent it from happening (or cover it up) and feel comfortable again mingling with other human beans?
7 people like this
17 responses
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
6 Jul 17
Not certain what could have caused this @Orson_Kart , but the human body is a mystery. I hope you have found a solution and are mixing with other beans
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
6 Jul 17
These old posts are not to be sniffed at. Thankfully I am all sorted now. Thanks for asking.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
6 Jul 17
@Orson_Kart you're only welcome. Good it has been sorted out.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 Jul 12
Hmm...just one side? Maybe you could try an antibacterial wipe. Wipe down and redeodorize. Wow...I think that is a new word! I once read that the scent is caused by the output of bacteria after feeding on sweat.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
18 Aug 12
Well...I have heard that a real friend tells you when you have something on your face...I suppose that might apply to armpits too
• United Kingdom
16 Aug 12
Hi Jen :) Yeah, redeodorize... I like that one, and I do it all the time, if it is what I think it is. I think I am getting better and if you were right here right now I would let you sniff me to confirm.
• United States
27 Jul 12
Hmmm ... knowing you, I would say to try to remember to put the deodorant/antiperspirant on your right armpit first, because you probably just get distracted and keep forgetting to put it on both armpits. Seriously, though, if this is a real problem, then I would suggest talking with a doctor. It might sound like a "silly complaint", but as others have pointed out it could really be an indicator of a much more serious issue. It is better to be safe and sound a bit "silly" than to ignore the issue and find out later that it was more serious than you had imagined, especially if it is something that can be corrected before it turns into an even bigger problem.
• United States
29 Jul 12
Oh no, I don't really think that Lily believes that you have cancer, and I definitely hope it is not something that serious, but I think that she is concerned about you and wants you to get it checked to make sure that it is not something serious. I really do think that you should go to the doctor and get it checked, especially since it is only on the one side.
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
It's like you're quoting Alan Partridge here "Knowing Me, Knowing You" aha I've taken to 'doing' only my right armpit to try and give it a chance, and yes, I do know my right from my left. It's the one that does like me. :( I might have to admit defeat and go to the docs. Lily thinks I might have cancer and that wouldn't be good.
1 person likes this
@NailTech (6874)
• United States
27 Jul 12
You might need to alternate your diet, avoiding such products like cheese, milk and dairy for awhile and see if that helps. Also products such as meat and processed foods. You do need to supplement your diet though if you do that with alternative foods that are adequate in the same vitamins and minerals you will lose if you take them out of your diet, somehow.
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 12
Hi Nailtech, I've not altered my diet at all, maybe I should give it a go. I do gag often after drinking dairy produce, so maybe that a sign. I do like a bit of cheese, especially cheddar and often gorge myself on it. What could I have instead of cheese to satisfy my hunger? I get the munchies something terrible at nights and whatever is in the fridge often isn't in there any longer.
@NailTech (6874)
• United States
27 Jul 12
rajanitishnaik and Orson_Kart, yes give it a try for maybe a week or two and see if it helps. If it shows some signs of improvement then I would think it has something to do with that. I would suggest that you don't end up lacking in the vitamins and minerals though from not eating these kinds of foods by using supplements or perhaps eating some interesting vegetables with the same nutrients so you don't have any deficiencies in your diet cause of lack of calcium and such when you cut back on the dairy, and protein as well, etc. Perhaps be a vegetarian for a few weeks in other words, with lots of added protein, calcium, vitamins, etc. from other sources.
@chicgale (2982)
• Philippines
27 Jul 12
Try different deodorant.
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 12
Behave Lily, she(is it a she?) is trying to help. Plus she looks cute!
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 12
Thanks chicgale I have tried lots of different deodorants. Bols and aerosol
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 12
Yes, and I've got the armpit to prove it! haha
@porwest (85053)
• United States
9 Nov
I have no idea what the problem could be. But it seems like something quite odd nonetheless. I would assume, though, that by now, some 11 years past that you at least were able to get to the bottom of it. If not, perhaps, have you tried simply plugging your right nostril or simply standing to the left toward people?
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
10 Nov
It was the pits! Literally. I can’t remember much about it now as it was so long ago and only lasted briefly. I think I used some special soap or something which killed the bacteria. I’ve certainly not had a problem recently, but then again I don’t work up much of a sweat these days.
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
22 Oct 15
You could have a sebaceous cyst from a gland that over-produces and as the oily substances build up, it gets rather rancid and smells more. But you might not notice it because it's below skin surface.
• United Kingdom
22 Oct 15
I posted this 3 years ago and it had cleared up not long after I cleared off. Thanks for your concern. Smelly armpits are definitely not to be sniffed at.
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
27 Jul 12
you may think this is unique but im having the very same problem and i think it has something to do with my frozen shoulder on that side. every since i got bursitis and my arthritis was hurting me and making my shoulder un movable on that right side last year and i got a cordizone shot in that shoulder, ive been noticing its hard to keep it from smelling. im so ashamed, that i go and wash there 2 or 3 times a day. just to stop it. and yes, like you its just my right side.
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
Hi bunny, nowt new under the sun eh? I am sorry to here you suffer the same. It's bad enough for me, but worse for a lady. I am right handed and wondered if it had anything to do with my daily routine and not enough air getting around the right pit area. I too wash more regular than I think I should have to, but it's better than smelling bad.
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
28 Jul 12
Maybe you really should see the doctor as normally it can be taken cared of with deodorants but since you tried it and it didnt work then you should really go see professional help.
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
It's not the first time I have been told to seek professional help. Thanks for the advice.
@hsofyan (3446)
• Jakarta, Indonesia
27 Jul 12
Some plants are nutritious, among others: 1. Piper betle. The leaves are boiled with water and drunk. Or mashed with lime, and then smeared in the armpit. 2. Pluchea indica. The leaves are eaten, or boiled with water, and drink. 3. Ocimun baliscium. The leaves are eaten immediately. 4. Curcuma xanthorrhiza. Roots are cut into small pieces, boiled with water, and drink. 5. Nicolaia speciosa. Leaves and flowers cooked as a vegetable. 6. Citrus bystrix. Her skin is smoothed with water, then drink. 7. Citrus aurantifolia. Squeezed and rubbed on the armpits. 8. Zingiber Officanale. The root is boiled with water, and drink. 9. Cucumis savitus. Discard the skin, and rub the underarms after bathing. 10. Eugenia aromatika. The flowers are soaked in water, then drink. Latin names are used in order to find the name used in your country. Happy trying...
• United Kingdom
27 Jul 12
Thanks, I am off to Tesco in a bit and have scrubbed out cheese and yogurts and added all those to my list. Not sure what aisle they'll be on but I have sprayed my armpit with a double dose of sure for men, just in case it takes longer than my usual 30 minute dash around the store.
@Graceekwenx (3160)
• Philippines
27 Jul 12
Woah! that's odd... They usually smell ugly together hehhe! Anyway... why wont you try changing your antiperspirant and see which fits best? Good luck...
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
Yep, I've tried a multitude of other products but the result is the same. My poor right armpit. :(
@kayoks (26)
• Philippines
28 Jul 12
smelly armpits are cause by bacteria through sweating or profuse sweating. so i suggest you keep your underarm dry all the time because bacteria likes moisture and another one is to wash your clothes properly,use anti-bacterial detergents.
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
It's a vicious circle.
• India
28 Jul 12
I am also a one who suffers from such problems. I just used to carry a good smelling perfume with me and I jut used to make use of it when there arises something bad. I think you can do the same
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
I carry a can of deodorant with my when I am at work and if I am out for a time.
@Apathy0 (26)
27 Jul 12
I would say try a different deodorant. If that doesn't work, get some help. Good luck!
• United Kingdom
28 Jul 12
Wit a name like Apathy I am honoured you bothered replying. haha Yes, been there and done that, but thanks anyhoo.
@shaggin (71909)
• United States
15 Nov 17
I believe it is natural for one of our armpits to be smellier then the other. I know mine is this way. I used to sweat terribly bad and clinical strength anti-persiprant works great but is costly.
• India
20 Nov 12
Lol, just one armpit smelly? I wonder, do you have much hair there or clean shaved? Have you ever tried sandal wood paste or sandal wood oil? You can take alum , dip in water rub there, it will help, another thing turmeric paste, neem paste helps
@riempie9 (1021)
• South Africa
12 Sep 12
Smelly armpits are dreadful and I know that there are certain foods you should avoid eating. One of them is garlic, which is good for your health but bad for your breath and bad for your pores on arms and whole body as one who eats too much of it has a smelly smell of sweat. The sweat pores will make the smell more noticeable. You do not even have to go and see a specialist. Go online and read about it and decide what to do that is best for you.