Can you use PanOxyl for underarm odor?

Does PanOxyl help with odor?

Sweat itself does not smell. Underarm odor develops when sweat meets bacteria on your skin, and benzoyl peroxide can reduce those bacteria. A benzoyl peroxide wash can also help reduce body odor after exercise. The amount you sweat does not necessarily determine how much you smell: the bacteria and their interaction with sweat matter, too.14

Deodorant masks odor with fragrance, while antiperspirant reduces sweating. Odor control and sweat control are different jobs, even when the products share a bathroom shelf. Sweating helps your body cool itself, so the aim is to manage unwanted odor or excessive wetness, not treat all sweat as a problem.15

How to use the 4% wash

1. 1Wet the underarm area.
2. 2Apply the wash and gently massage for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This is a wash, not a product to leave on.
4. 4If sweat control is also needed, apply antiperspirant to dry skin. Before bed is a suitable time to apply antiperspirant.

Start with one application daily. PanOxyl's current product directions allow an increase to twice daily if needed or directed by a dermatologist, but that is an acne schedule, not a reason to wash your underarms more often for odor. If bothersome dryness or peeling develops, reduce use to once daily or every other day.23

Who should be careful?

Do not use the 4% wash if you have very sensitive skin or are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide. Irritation can include redness, burning, itching, peeling or swelling. Stop and ask a doctor if irritation becomes severe. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.3

Avoid using benzoyl peroxide at the same time as other drying ingredients, such as salicylic acid. Another topical acne medication, including a prescription acne treatment, increases the likelihood of irritation and dryness; if irritation occurs, use only one topical acne medication at a time. Keep the wash away from eyes, lips and mouth, and avoid contact with hair and dyed fabrics because it can bleach them.34

What else helps underarm odor?

Keep your underarms clean and dry, change and wash clothing regularly, and avoid tight clothing. Clean clothes matter too, because washing your armpits does not count as laundering your shirt. After a workout, shower to remove sweat, oils and bacteria, and change into clean clothes. Loose clothing reduces rubbing; workout fabrics that move moisture away from skin can help keep it from staying wet.46

When should you get medical help?

See a doctor if self care has not helped and odor affects your self esteem, your usual smell changes, or you suddenly sweat much more than usual. Heavy sweating at rest or in cool conditions also deserves assessment. Frequently wet skin can develop chafing or infections; pain, swelling, discoloration or leaking pus or fluid are reasons to seek medical care rather than keep trying an odor wash. A pharmacist can help you choose a stronger antiperspirant or a gentler soap substitute.67