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Sweat is not tolerated by contemporary aesthetic norms. Sweat does not evoke unpleasant associations only in the sauna and gym, but it is strictly forbidden to enter business or social meetings. Therefore, we fight against sweating by all means.

Potquickly starts to emit a pungent, unpleasant odor. Its scent permeates clothes, resists perfumes and even deodorants. Therefore, it can reveal many secrets about our personal hygiene to people with a sensitive nose. But whilepotcan be irritating, it has some very important functions in the body.

First of all, we cool down the body by sweating. Moreover, sweat frees the body of toxic substances almost to the same extent as urine. It also cares for the proper moisture of the skin and that is why we release it even in winter. Without it, any effort would be impossible, and unsightly wrinkles would appear almost immediately after birth.

What is sweat?

Sweat with a colorless s alt solution, therefore it has a specific, s alty taste. In 99 percent. it consists of water in which many chemical compounds are dissolved, mainly urea, lactic acid, carbohydrates, fats, minerals (e.g. potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron). This set may slightly change, because it depends, among others from diet, climate, and hormonal factors. The smell of sweat becomes disgusting only when it is partially broken down by bacteria that live on the skin.

Sweat - sweat glands

The sweat glands are responsible for the production of sweat. Depending on their location and function, they are divided into eccrine and apocrine. The former are scattered by the thousands over the entire surface of the skin, with the exception of the glans and foreskin. The largest clusters of eccrine glands are found on the inner surfaces of the hands and feet. They are all connected by thin secretory channels (sweat ducts), which have openings in the pores of the skin for the excretion of sweat. These glands play an important role in regulating body temperature. As it heats up, neurons in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus send a signal to them to increase the production of sweat.

Research shows that irritation of the hypothalamus causes vasodilation and sweating, and damage to the hypothalamus causes the body to overheat. Under natural conditions, the hypothalamus sends signals to increase sweat production when the ambient temperature risesabove 30oC. We also sweat more during exercise - it causes the internal body temperature to rise. Increased secretion is also associated with the work of the central nervous system. That is why our hands, feet and face sweat so clearly under the influence of strong emotions.

The second type of sweat glands, the so-called apocrine, they are located around the armpits, groin, genitals, anus, nipples and eyelids. Their openings are in the hair canal or epidermis. These glands start their activity only in adolescence. Scientists have not yet learned all their secrets. It is known that they do not take part in thermoregulation and release sweat mainly under the influence of hormonal and emotional stimuli.

Important

We usually excrete about 40 g of sweat per hour, but in hot weather we can lose up to 12 liters. If we do not replenish the water deficiency in the body, we will quickly run out of mineral s alts - sodium, magnesium, potassium and chlorine. Then, the progressive dehydration of the body may lead to heat stroke in a short time (the higher the degree of air humidity, the faster). One in five people dies as a result, and the rest suffer from nervous system ailments of varying severity.

Sweat - Sweating Disorder

The cause of excessive sweating is sometimes disturbances in the thermoregulation center. The affliction also accompanies some diseases, e.g. tuberculosis or chronic diseases - diabetes, obesity, hyperthyroidism, malignant neoplasms. Sudden hot flashes and increased sweating are also one of the hallmarks of menopause. Increasedsweatingmay be associated with emotional problems, e.g. a state of prolonged stress.

If it primarily affects the hands, feet, armpits, groin and face, psychological causes can be found in it. This type of sweating usually begins at puberty and decreases after the age of 25.

Sometimes the glands do not produce enough sweat. This ailment usually accompanies other skin diseases or systemic diseases such as leprosy. The main problem then is excessive drying of the skin.

Sweat - heat rash and inflammation of the apocrine glands

The most common symptom of this condition is heat rash - small bubbles visible on the trunk under the epidermis. They arise as a result of increased sweating. They do not cause any discomfort and disappear after a few days.

If they are located in slightly deeper layers of the skin, they are called red pot heat. Then they have the form of red lumps, in adults located ontorso, and in children, on the nape, groin, armpits and face. They are accompanied by a burning sensation. Adults prickly heat can take its toll in tropical climates, while children suffer from overheating.

Increased sweating sometimes causes bacterial infection of the apocrine glands. It is characterized by purulent, painful lumps usually in the armpits. The disease is chronic, often recurring. The treatment uses antibiotics and antibacterial preparations.

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Category:

Dermatology