Disagreeable human body odour

Antiperspirant use, necessarily applying aluminium, changes the balance of bacteria in the armpits, encouraging the growth of Actinobacteria that create unpleasant odours.

The Chinese physician recognizes two main kinds of bodily odours that are present during illness. One is characterized as foul, rotten and nauseating, like the odour of rancid meat or rotten eggs, and signifies heat. The other is less nauseating but more pungent or fishy. It indicates cold and deficiency.

More than 90 percent of Americans use some sort of armpit cosmetic, creating a worldwide deodorant bonanza worth US$18 billion.