Back to Search Start Over

Deodorants and antiperspirants affect the axillary bacterial community.

Authors :
Callewaert, Chris
Hutapea, Prawira
Wiele, Tom
Boon, Nico
Source :
Archives of Dermatological Research; Oct2014, Vol. 306 Issue 8, p701-710, 10p
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

The use of underarm cosmetics is common practice in the Western society to obtain better body odor and/or to prevent excessive sweating. A survey indicated that 95 % of the young adult Belgians generally use an underarm deodorant or antiperspirant. The effect of deodorants and antiperspirants on the axillary bacterial community was examined on nine healthy subjects, who were restrained from using deodorant/antiperspirant for 1 month. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to investigate the individual microbial dynamics. The microbial profiles were unique for every person. A stable bacterial community was seen when underarm cosmetics were applied on a daily basis and when no underarm cosmetics were applied. A distinct community difference was seen when the habits were changed from daily use to no use of deodorant/antiperspirant and vice versa. The richness was higher when deodorants and antiperspirants were applied. Especially when antiperspirants were applied, the microbiome showed an increase in diversity. Antiperspirant usage led toward an increase of Actinobacteria, which is an unfavorable situation with respect to body odor development. These initial results show that axillary cosmetics modify the microbial community and can stimulate odor-producing bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03403696
Volume :
306
Issue :
8
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Archives of Dermatological Research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
98371871
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-014-1487-1