Sweating is a natural process in which the body produces moisture in response to an increased body temperature. This can be due to physical exertion, a high ambient temperature, or emotional stress. Here is an in-depth explanation of excessive sweating:
Sweating is the way our body regulates its temperature. By secreting sweat on our skin and then allowing it to evaporate, natural cooling takes place. This process is vital to keeping our internal body temperature stable, which is crucial for the optimal functioning of numerous bodily functions.
Sweat glands play a crucial role in our body’s regulatory system. Here we explain exactly what they do:
Temperature control: The main task of sweat glands is to help control our body temperature. If our body gets too hot, for example due to exertion, heat or fever, they come into action. They make sweat, which then evaporates on our skin. This evaporation acts as a natural air conditioner, cooling our body.
Secretion of waste: In addition to water, sweat glands also contain small amounts of waste products such as urea, salts and glucose. By sweating, our body helps to get rid of these substances.
Protection: Sometimes sweating makes our skin a little moist, especially in places where the skin rubs against each other, such as under the arms or between the legs. This prevents friction and irritation, like a kind of natural lubrication.
pH balance: Sweat has a slightly acidic pH, which helps to maintain the correct acidity on our skin. This acidity can also help to ward off harmful bacteria on the skin.
Emotional response: Sweating can increase with certain emotions, such as fear, stress or nervousness. This is known as “emotional sweating” and occurs mainly in places such as our palms, soles of the feet and armpits.
In our body there are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are spread all over and are responsible for most of our sweat. The apocrine glands are mainly located in the armpits and groin, and they produce a thicker sweat that, when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, can lead to body odor.
Eccrine sweat glands are like small cooling masters spread throughout your body, except in a few places such as your lips and certain parts of your external genitalia. They play a crucial role in regulating your body temperature and fluid balance. Let’s take a look at some characteristics and tasks of these sweat glands:
Where do you find them? Eccrine sweat glands can be found on the entire surface of your body, with the exception of a few areas. They are mainly concentrated on places such as your palms, soles of your feet and forehead.
What do they look like? These glands have a tubular structure and lead directly to the surface of your skin via small channels, where they release sweat directly onto your skin.
What do they do? Their main task is thermoregulation. When your body temperature rises, these sweat glands produce a watery liquid, or sweat. This sweat then evaporates from your skin surface, helping to cool your body.
What’s in that sweat? The sweat produced by eccrine glands consists mainly of water, but also contains some salts such as sodium and chloride, as well as small amounts of other substances such as urea and lactate.
How are they activated? Eccrine sweat glands are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which means you have no conscious control over when they become active. They can be stimulated by internal factors, such as an increased body temperature, or by external factors, such as warm weather.
How much sweat do they produce? The daily amount of sweat that a person produces via eccrine sweat glands varies depending on factors such as the weather, physical activity and individual differences. It can range from approximately 500 ml to several liters per day.
Thanks to these small cooling masters, we can effectively deal with warm conditions and physical exertion, and ensure that our body remains within a safe temperature range.
Apocrine sweat glands form an intriguing contrast to their better-known counterparts, the eccrine sweat glands. Here are some notable characteristics and functions of the apocrine sweat glands:
Where do you find them? Apocrine sweat glands have a specific preference for the armpits (armpit cavities), the area around the nipples and the area in the groin. You can also find them near the ears, where they produce cerumen (earwax), and around the eyes, where they contribute to the production of tears.
What do they look like? Compared to the eccrine sweat glands, these guys are larger and they open into hair follicles instead of directly onto the skin surface.
What do they do? The exact function of apocrine glands in humans has not yet been fully deciphered, but they come to life during puberty and their secretion may play a role in spreading pheromone-like signals.
What’s in that sweat? The sweat that comes from the apocrine glands is thicker and contains fatty acids. In the beginning it is odorless, but when it is broken down by skin bacteria, it can develop those characteristics of smelly sweat and a ‘body odor’.
How are they activated? While eccrine glands are activated by heat and body temperature, apocrine glands often respond to emotional stress, anxiety, or hormonal changes.
Development: These glands begin to develop during puberty under the influence of hormones and become larger and more active as you become an adult.
Because the secretion of apocrine glands can form a fertile breeding ground for bacteria, it is essential to wash regularly, especially in areas where these glands accumulate, to prevent unpleasant body odors. They may be mysterious, but with the right care you can keep their fragrant secrets under control.
Excessive perspiration, also known as hyperhidrosis, is a condition in which the body produces more sweat than is necessary to regulate temperature without an underlying condition. Here are some symptoms and characteristics of excessive sweating:
Soaked clothing: You regularly have wet patches on your clothing, for no apparent reason, especially around your armpits, but it can also occur on other parts of your body.
Wet palms and soles: This can cause discomfort in daily life, such as when shaking hands or wearing certain shoes.
Constant sweating: Excessive sweating can be persistent or occur in episodes, even when it is not hot or when you are at rest.
Night sweats: You wake up at night with sweat-soaked bedding or nightwear, for no apparent reason such as fever or nightmares.
Skin problems: Prolonged moisture can lead to skin problems such as skin infections, rashes or irritation.
Unpleasant odor: Although sweat is naturally odorless, the combination of sweat and bacteria on your skin can lead to body odor. Excessive sweating can amplify this odor.
Emotional and psychological effects: People with hyperhidrosis may feel self-conscious, isolated, or depressed because of their condition. It can affect social activities, work, and general daily life.
Cold or clammy skin: Constant moisture can make your skin feel cold or clammy.
White, soft and painful skin: This can occur after prolonged exposure to moisture and is often seen on the soles of people who suffer from excessive sweating of the feet.
If you suspect that you suffer from excessive sweating, it is wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist. They can determine the cause of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Excessive perspiration, also known as hyperhidrosis, can have various causes. Here are some of the most common triggers:
It is important to remember that everyone is different. What may trigger excessive sweating for one person may not for another. If you are concerned about excessive sweating, it is advisable to contact a doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.
Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, can be a distressing condition that causes both physical and emotional discomfort. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to relieve the symptoms of excessive sweating. Here is an overview of some commonly used treatment options for hyperhidrosis:
Antiperspirants:
Some antiperspirants, especially those with aluminum chloride, may be more effective than regular products. They work by temporarily blocking the sweat glands, reducing sweating.
Medication:
Iontophoresis:
This is a procedure in which hands and feet are immersed in water, followed by applying a weak electrical current through the water. This can help to temporarily block the sweat glands.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections:
Botox can block the nerves that activate the sweat glands, which is especially effective for treating excessive sweating in the armpits.
Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS):
This is a surgical procedure in which certain nerves that control the sweat glands in the palms are cut. This procedure is usually only considered if other treatments are not effective, due to possible side effects.
Laser therapy:
In this method, laser beams are used to destroy the sweat glands, especially effective for the armpits.
Microwave therapy:
A device that uses microwave energy can be used to destroy the sweat glands, usually applied to the armpit areas.
Newer treatments:
New treatments and medicines are constantly being researched to help people with hyperhidrosis. It is wise to consult a dermatologist regularly to stay informed about the latest treatment options.
The choice of the right treatment depends on the severity of the hyperhidrosis, the specific area of the body that is affected, and the patient’s personal preference. A dermatologist or other medical specialist can help determine which treatment is most appropriate for each individual.
Washing daily is important to combat the smell of sweat, and it’s also nice to start the day feeling fresh.
Make sure you keep your armpits and feet clean in particular, as this is where unpleasant odors quickly become noticeable.
After washing, you can apply an aluminum chloride-containing deodorant or antiperspirant. This ensures that the sweat glands are pinched off so that they let less sweat through. Apply this to excessively sweaty body parts such as armpits and feet.
Try to avoid synthetic clothing as much as possible. This does not breathe well, which can lead to heat build-up, which can lead to excessive perspiration and a bad odor.
