Experts explain that sweat is essential for regulating body temperature; when in excess, it may be appropriate to seek medical attention
It is normal for the body to start sweating on very hot days or during sports practice. It can be on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under the armpits, or on the forehead near the scalp. Wherever you go, the sweat it is a real nuisance for many people, who see it largely responsible for uncomfortable situations, such as the “pizza” under the arm or the unpleasant smell.
However, this mechanism, which might seem like just a problem, is almost a “superpower” of the Human Body. And there is no exaggeration in saying this. It is thanks to the sweat eliminated by the sweat glands that the body temperature is regulated. This avoids, for example, complications in the functioning of human metabolism, as explained by Everardo Carneiro, professor at the Institute of Biology of the State University of Campinas (Unicamp).
According to the specialist, there is a tendency to increase the core body temperature during metabolic activities, which can be a problem in cases where this temperature exceeds 36 degrees Celsius. With the sweathowever, the body undergoes a cooling process, which expels heat, reduces body temperature and allows metabolic activities to take place without major complications.
How does sweating work?
“This process is called sweating,” explains Carneiro, who points out other forms of heat loss: convection and respiration. In the first case, in contact with the surface of the skin, the air currents absorb more heat from the body, which is usually hotter than the outside temperature. With breathing the process is similar. “It’s a mechanism for exchanging the warmer air that’s in the lung with colder air, which is in the external environment,” he explains. This happens during physical activities when the respiratory rate is more intense in an attempt to increase air exchanges and cool the body.
However, some points place sweating as the most important mechanism, especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. When the ambient temperature is higher than the body’s core temperature, such as above 36 degrees Celsius, convection and respiration are not sufficient for the body to lose heat. “In these situations, the only way out is through sweat,” he says.
Why does sweat smell bad?
Sweat consists almost entirely of water. “Also there are salts, such as sodium and potassium, and small substances that can be in the blood and the sweat gland manages to expel them out of the body,” describes Carneiro. Therefore, the unpleasant smell, popularly called “cecê”, does not come from sweat. In fact, it is the result of sweat interacting with bacteria and fungi that live on the skin.
When sweat is eliminated, it mixes with the residue of dead skin cells, where microorganisms live and feed on these dead cells and the moisture from the sweat. It’s as if the skin becomes a perfect environment for mushroom and the bacteria grow and maintain themselves. “And that produces a smell, which tends to annoy people,” she explains.
When is sweating a problem?
Sweating is a natural process and fundamental for human survival. However, if in excess and without being associated with an increase in body temperature, it can lead to very unpleasant situations. “It’s what we call hyperhidrosis,” explains Marcelo Arnone, dermatologist at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP). “This makes the person feel embarrassed either because his hand gets wet or because he needs to wipe the sweat off his forehead frequently,” he says.
In these cases, what happens is that the sweat glands get a message from the nervous system Self-contained nice to release sweat even when there is no rise in body temperature. Arnone explains that it is not possible to estimate the causes of this liberalization with certainty. Therefore, hyperhidrosis treatments focus on controlling excessive sweating rather than the factors that cause it. And there are several ways to treat the condition.
One of the options is the use of antiperspirants, which work under the sweat glands by blocking sweat. “The stimulation of the nervous system continues to exist, but the gland does not release excess sweat because it is under the action of a product,” he explains. These products can be used both on the underarms and on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. In general, they should be applied in the evening before going to bed.
Another treatment is the application of botulinum toxin (botox) – the same used in the treatment of expression lines -, which has a local action in the region of the sweat glands. “The effect of the toxin is temporary, lasting six to ten months. Therefore, reapplication is required.”
There is still a surgery, in which the nerves that send stimuli to the sweat glands are turned off. «It is a very effective treatment, but it has a side effect: about 80% of individuals who undergo this surgery begin to sweat in other areas. We call it compensatory hyperhidrosis,” she explains.
+The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Terra newsletter. Click here!
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
