衛教單張

The human body has a special sweat gland called apocrine gland, also known as large sudoriferous gland, which is located at the bottom of the dermis and opens at the root of the body hair. It secretes sweat containing carbohydrates, proteins, pyruvic acid, etc., which is greasy and emulsified and easy to be decomposed by bacteria to form an unpleasant odor. For those who sweat more or are in adolescence susceptible to hormones and emotions, the apocrine glands produce more sweat, which smells worse.

The operation is to remove and reduce the number of apocrine glands as far as possible by scraping off subcutaneous apocrine glands with suction and a rotating scraper, so as to minimize its secretion and ease bromhidrosis. The operation is generally effective at 90 to 95 %.

Notes after surgery

• Smoking, drinking alcohol and eating stimulating food should be avoided as they are detrimental to wound healing.
• The wound at the surgical site is compressed with elastic gauze to prevent swelling and blood stasis, so that the skin can adhere and recover after operation. Do not take off the elastic gauze, if it is too tight and feel uncomfortable, you can ask your family to help loosen it and tie it again after some time.
• Shoulder movement should be limited after operation: Do not lift your hands over your shoulders, do not lift heavy objects, do not hold the bus ring, don't support your body vigorously when you are to sit up from bed. Activities below the elbow such as eating, face washing and writing are not restricted.
• Taking a shower is allowed following 3 days of a sponge bath after the operation. Keep the wound dry, and apply ointment after gently cleaning the wound with normal saline solution.
• It is advisable to wear button-down shirts and keep the arms slightly bent to prevent excessive underarm clamping and abrasion of wounds.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy stuff for 4 weeks after surgery.
• The axillary hair is reduced by 60 - 80% after operation.
• Regular living habits: Get plenty of rest after surgery. Avoid lifting heavy stuff or strenuous exercise to reduce bleeding.
• Wound healing may take 1 to 2 weeks, and scar care after stitches are removed is very important. Continuous massage is needed for about 3 to 6 months after removal of stitches to reduce scars and ease tight, prickly feeling.
• Avoid smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke to avoid poor wound healing.