Q: I would like to know the importance of underarm and pubic hair. Is removal of hair a hygienic measure or only for cosmetic purposes? Do they increase odour? Do they have any role in sexual stimulation?

A:Underarm and pubic hairs are sign of secondary sexual characters. They appear after adolescence. Odour in these areas is because of the bacteria acting on the body secretions- sweat (eccrine and apocrine) and sebum. Hairs in these areas reduce friction and their removal is done for cosmetic reasons. To reduce irritation in these areas, trimming is better than shaving or chemical hair removal in these areas. The hairs in these areas do not perform any sexual function, but protect body orifices.