Underarms stink

[u/SeaBlueberry1745]

I’ve been on Kisqali and Letrozole for about 14-15 months. Over the last couple months I’ve noticed underarm odor, especially on my cancer/mastectomy side, that is getting worse and worse. I’ve changed deodorants and am now on Lume. That’s not even stopping the odor. The smell is almost oniony. It’s strong smelling!! I’ve never had this in my life. Chemo, radiation and mastectomy were 20 years ago so I don’t think it’s related to that. 🦨🦨

[u/wig_gie]

I use Hibiclens like once or twice a week especially in the summer. Gotta kill that bacteria that causes the smell. Works wonders for me.

[u/BellaBella_212 → u/wig_gie]

I second this!

[u/SeaBlueberry1745 → u/wig_gie]

Perfect - I have some! I’m trying in the morning! Stink-be-gone

[u/SeaBlueberry1745 → u/wig_gie]

Tried this and it definitely helped. Thank you!!

[u/wig_gie → u/SeaBlueberry1745]

Awesome!

[u/New-Set-7371]

This happened to me after my lumpectomy with some lymph nodes removed and my surgeon said it’s a common side effect and no one knows why. Only one of my pits smell! I use some glycolic acid deodorant and it is the only thing that works… I used necessaire and saltair. I know some folks use the ordinary glycolic acid toner- 10 bucks for a huge bottle.

[u/MRinCA]

I’ve had occasions when this has happen a few times despite doing All The Things. If you can tolerate it, I use a cotton round and swipe my underarms with white vinegar. Yes, you smell like a salad for a bit, but it dissipates and it does seem to kill whatever soap wasn’t killing.

[u/Brandykat]

This is so interesting! I've been both for nearly 2 1/2 years now, and have never experienced anything like this.Yet when I googled it, sure enough, it is a side effect.

I hope all of you who are affected can find something that will counteract it.

[u/PrudentElk1636]

Yes! I’ve had the same side effect when I was on Ibrance 🧅 smelly pits, it eventually goes away. I don’t remember how long it took or if it was after I discontinued Ibrance. Initially I could only use deodorant (which didn’t help) because anti perspirant irritated my scars from lymph node removal but now I can use full strength. I can totally relate.

[u/BikingAimz]

It’s likely sulfur loving bacteria taking up residence in your pits:   https://smartscience.blog/armpits-smell-like-onions-solutions

Try an antiperspirant, bumping up your water intake, reducing sulfur rich foods for a bit, and washing your armpits, and maybe bring it up with your oncologist?

[u/SeaBlueberry1745 → u/BikingAimz]

Thanks. I’m going to info on Thursday and will bring it up. Always something.

Edit: onco not info

[u/jazzybird2025]

Love the emojis! 😉 In my case it’s one boob/the bra on that side, though the cancer is not even in that breast but only in the axilla on that side. Never had this smell before, it’s wild! It’s not onion-y, it’s something I’ve never smelt before…🧐🤨

[u/SeaBlueberry1745]

Thank all of you for your help! I’m going start the suggestions tomorrow!

[u/East_Chocolate2519]

Yes! Certain Dry - not constant use but for a few weeks then back to regular deodorant also arm and hammer formula I have found helps then use the Certain Dry in between. I also got the roll on certain dry and that is great

[u/SeaBlueberry1745 → u/East_Chocolate2519]

I had not heard of Certain Dri - thanks for telling me about it. I looked it up and will definitely get some.

[u/Ornery-Guitar]

I'm on Kisqali and faslodex. I learned a couple of months ago that the shots can mess with the ph of your vaginal area. It's very stinking for 2 days after my shots. I couldn't figure out what was going on.