This is Why One of Your Armpits Smells Worse Than The Other

1. You Forgot to Put on Antiperspirant or Deodorant

Sure, it's the most obvious culprit. But it's also the most likely, Dr. Garshick says. While antiperspirants and deodorants work a little differently — the former blocks the production of sweat (which becomes stinky when it mixes with bacteria on your skin) while the latter simply masks sweat's odor — forgetting to apply either under one of your arms could easily cause a difference in smell.

2. One Armpit Is Hairier Than the Other

Forgot to shave on one side or just didn't do as thorough of a job? Your fuzzier armpit may very well be a little smellier.

Because armpit hair traps more sweat than skin alone, there's more of an opportunity for sweat on the hairier side to mix with odor-causing bacteria, says Beth Goldstein, MD, adjunct clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and founder of the skin care brand GETMR.

4. You Have Some Extra Stinky Bacteria Under One Armpit

Just like in the gut, the surface of our armpit skin has a mix of good and bad bacteria that normally coexist in relative harmony. But sometimes the balance can become disrupted, leading to an overgrowth of certain bad bacteria that could potentially make body odor more potent, Dr. Garshick says.

And if the bad bacteria are more prevalent in one underarm than the other, that pit might start to get noticeably noxious.

Fix it: Using a dedicated antibacterial body wash can help bring the bacteria — and its accompanying smell — back in check. Dr. Goldstein likes Dial Complete White Antibacterial Bar Soap ($5.31 for 8 bars, Amazon.com) or Hibiclens Antiseptic & Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser ($25 for 2 bottles, Amazon.com). "Use it daily or twice daily, without scrubbing," she says.

5. You Have an Infected Wound

Our underarms are packed with hair follicles, which can become more exposed after shaving. These follicles have the potential to get infected with bad bacteria living under the arm, causing the follicle to become red, inflamed, tender and even pus-filled, Dr. Garshick says. And sometimes, that inflammation and pus can have an unpleasant odor.

Fix it: Stopping shaving may be enough to help mild infections heal, notes the Mayo Clinic. But if it doesn't seem to be getting better on its own, you may need to see your doctor for a steroid or antibiotic cream.

Read more on: livestrong