Did you know that sweating is an essential function that helps us cool down?
The two main sweat glands; eccrine and apocrine are responsible for creating sweat. The eccrine glands cover most parts of the body and open directly on the skin’s surface.
Apocrine occurs in areas that contain a lot of hair follicles, in the groin and armpit. Instead of opening up to the surface of the skin, apocrine glands empty into the hair follicle and then open up to the surface.
When the body heats up, eccrine glands release sweat to cools your body. It’s odorless until bacteria on your skin starts breaking down. In addition to that, certain foods, medication, and drinks you have consumed can also cause eccrine sweat to smell.
Apocrine glands operate under stressful conditions so it secrets an odorless fluid. This fluid starts to develop an odor when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. These glands don’t start working until adolescence, which is why that’s the time the body odor is noticed.
There is a common condition called hyperhidrosis disorder which is an excessive sweating condition that can cause the armpits to stink.
The sweating occurs on the hands, feet, and armpits. If this condition gets worse seek medical attention so as to find a treatment for it.
To avoid having smelly armpits, watch on your body hygiene and use the right body deodorants.
For instance, use an over-the-counter deodorant( it contains a low dose of metal salt (usually aluminum) and are usually tried first because they are readily available daily). Use it after showering and there will be change in your armpits. It’s advised to try different kinds to know which one works best for you.
Antiperspirants are known to reduce the amount of sweat produced by blocking the skin pores temporarily which releases sweat. The less sweat that comes to the surface of your skin, the less odor you will experience.