Where is sweat odor come from?
If we want to understand where odor comes from and how to control it, we need to know a bit about sweat glands. There are two kinds of sweat gland: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands are found in large numbers on the soles of feet, palms, forehead, cheeks, armpits. Whereas apocrine only exist in small quantities found in the armpits and genital region. Eccrine glands produce large volumes of watery, odorless sweat that responsible for cooling. Apocrine glands are different, They produce a thick, viscous fluid that comes into contact with bacteria on the skin’s surface to create an intense smell.
What causes the odor in sweat?
Sweat itself does not smell but body odor may occur when bacteria on the skin break down acids contained in the sweat produced by apocrine glands, which are located in the armpits, and genital-anal area. The bacteria’s waste products are what produce the smell.
Body odor is more prominent during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become active. It can also be exacerbated by obesity or certain medical conditions like diabetes.
Relationship between hyperhidrosis and sweat odor
In fact, People who suffer from excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, may not have body odor problem because the large volume of sweat their bodies produce comes from eccrine glands and washes away bacteria. People with hyperhidrosis experience exponentially increased levels of wetness, odor is similar to that seen among non-hyperhidrosis sufferers.
How to control and remove sweat odor?
Even a person sweats sporadically, body odor can occur. As the sweat is allowed to dry on the skin. In this circumstance, apocrine sweat would have the opportunity to react with bacteria on the skin and produce odor. If you are experiencing an odor problem, even without hyperhidrosis, the first step is to keep your body dry. Washing daily with antibacterial soap like Dial, Safeguard or Zest can help reduce body odor. Antiperspirants and powders also work well to keep the skin dry during hot weather conditions. Iontophoresis treatment also can help with sweaty hands and feet.
To mask odor and stay fresh, using deodorant is helpful. Swapping out some of your diet can also help with this issue. If these methods don’t work for you though, it’s always best to consult a medical professional or dermatologist!
Foot odor is different
If you are experiencing severe foot odor, bacteria may not be the sole problems. Besides bacteria, fungus may also cause you to have smelly feet. Fungus grows and thrives in warm, moist areas. When your feet sweat inside your shoes and socks, this creates an environment where fungus can grow. These bad-smelling fungi are commonly known as athlete’s foot.
To solve the problem, both the bacteria and the fungus must be addressed. It will most likely be necessary for you to see a dermatologist or podiatrist.
