Why Do I Sweat So Much?
Why do I sweat so much? The skin is composed of three types of glands which
produces secretions called sweat. Generally speaking,dermatologists believe that
normal secretions of all three glands are odorless,or nearly so,until they are
decomposed by normal skin bacteria. The odor Potential is different for each gland.
The eccrine glands are the major source of perspiration but are relatively
unimportant as a contributor to body odor. These glands contain very low amounts
of organic materials for which bacteria can act upon. Eccrine glands primary job is
to help control body temperature,and are usually inactive until: the temperature is
high,exercising,nervous tension,emotional stress,or embarrassment comes into
play. They produce perspiration in certain parts of the body such as the axillae
(underarm),palms,soles,and may be triggered by certain foods containing hot
spices.
The next gland is the apocrine gland. These glands become active after puberty
and remain so as long as sexual activity continues. They are rich in organic
material which makes them a major source for bacteria interaction and body odor.
These glands are concentrated in the axillae,around the nipples,and genital area.
An Idea places for bacteria growth due to perspiration and lack of quick
evaporation of moisture. "There is some evidence that in women the activity of the
apocrine can vary with the menstrual cycle. These gland are stimulated by
emotional stress,such as fear or pain,and especially by sexual excitement; their
activity is not increased by hot weather or exercise."
The Sebaceous glands are the third type of skin gland. It's main purpose is to keep
the skin lubricated with an oily material called sebum.They play a relatively small
role in body odor for people that bathe regularly. So in view of what is known about
body odor,there are two obvious approaches to preventing it: Impede bacteria
action,and reduce sweating. Deodorant soaps were good for the removal of
bacteria;antiperspirants did both. But according to an old Consumers Union (CU)
report,antiperspirants on the market at that time were not very affective for people
having a condition known as hyperhidrosis, an abnormality in which large amounts
of sweat is produced by the underarm glands and sometimes by the glands of the
hands and feet. This kind of abnormal sweating was thought to be due to over
activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Medications were usually of no
use,and in rare instances surgery may have been required. At that time,no
satisfactory solution was known.
Excessive sweating,particularly of the feet, can be a serious problem for many
people. It has been known to break up friendships as well as marriages. Odor of
the feet is cause by bacteria interacting with sweat on the feet,and since the feet
tend to retain moister,they're a prime breeding ground for fungi,which can cause
inflammations such as athletes foot. People that have overly sweaty feet "should
whenever possible,wear sandals or open weaved shoes,and hose of cotton or
wool rather than nylon. Liberal dusting of the feet with plain talc helps to absorb
sweat and discourage the growth of fungi. Lambs wool tucked between the toes
keeps them apart and aids in the evaporation of perspiration." But for general
perspiration control,an antiperspirant would be a better selection than a simple
deodorant,since it does all the same things and reduces perspiration as well. Most
people find one of the aluminum salt formula satisfactory,although it may be
necessary to try several brands to determine which works best for you.
Information found on this site has been collected
from old documents and various other sources.
We are not doctors.
from old documents and various other sources.
We are not doctors.
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