#Middlebury
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 77-year-old female. I had a left-breast lumpectomy (with some lymph nodes removed) about 15 years ago, leaving me with a much heavier right breast. I don’t know whether this plays an important role with my problem.
Since the surgery, I have had a problem controlling underarm odor. I do not use any aluminum-based products. I have tried vinegar, milk of magnesia and a deodorant made from milk of magnesia. Within a matter of just a few hours, I notice quite an odor, particularly in my right armpit, which gets worse as the day goes on. I do not perspire profusely, but do develop some underarm moisture.
Can you think of any reason this is happening, or any remedy that might work for me? I would appreciate your comments. – D.M.M.
ANSWER: I would start by trying a non-antiperspirant deodorant. These are not aluminum-based and work well for most people.
If the deodorant doesn’t work, you should consider another old-fashioned remedy that you haven’t tried: baking soda. It changes the pH of the armpit and helps to keep it dry, and both of those things help get rid of odor.
Underarm odor is caused by bacteria that live on our skin; the sweat itself is odorless. Thus, if you get rid of the bacteria, you can get rid of the odor. I have prescribed topical antibiotics on occasion. Some people have told me that an alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gel helps. It might be that it dries out the skin and also kills bacteria. I would be cautious about overusing this as a solution. The underarm is a sensitive area that can get irritated.
I’d be happy to hear from readers about other solutions for this common problem, and I will report back on the most successful methods.
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have severe halitosis. I have had my sinuses, teeth and gums checked to see if they are the cause of the odor, but the dentist and ENT found nothing. I was referred by my primary doctor to a G.I. specialist, who found I had a sliding hiatal hernia, which was causing acid reflux. He recommended surgery to push the stomach back into its normal position below the diaphragm. I decided to pass on the surgery. He recommended taking over-the-counter medications such as Nexium, but after several days my lower back started to hurt, so I stopped taking them. I am reconsidering the surgery and was wondering if this is a good idea. Is it possible that the hernia has nothing to do with the halitosis? – E.H.
ANSWER: Experts believe that 90 percent of the time, halitosis comes from the mouth. What your gastroenterologist is suggesting as the cause of the halitosis is plausible. I found several anecdotal cases where surgery cured the halitosis. However, it’s not only possible that the hiatal hernia has nothing to do with the halitosis, I think it is unlikely that it does. Since surgery would not otherwise be recommended for a sliding hiatal hernia, I can’t recommend surgery.
Dr. Roach regrets he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu. To view and order health pamphlets, visit www.rbmamall.com, or write to Good Health, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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