We all know that sweating is a natural function of the body as this is the way in which the human body regulates its temperature cooling it down when it gets over heated. Generally, sweating happens when the body has undergone any form of physical activity. The temperature of the surroundings also contributes to sweating as hot and humid temperatures lead to excessive underarm sweating.
It is only when the body starts producing sweat in excessive amounts, then it becomes a medical condition and the sufferer has to resort to treatments. This condition is called hyperhidrosis and although it affects the entire body the underarm region is especially vulnerable.
The sweat glands which are responsible for perspiration are the eccrine and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are present throughout the body and give out a watery solution which is odorless. The apocrine glands are present only in specific regions of the body like the armpits and the genital skin. Sweat is secreted by the apocrine glands through hair follicles and this why the underarm area tends to drip. The sweat produced by these glands also has a distinct smell.
According to research, about one in a hundred suffer from excessive underarm sweating with the condition ranging from mild to moderate to severe. The most severe cases can be traumatic on both the physical and emotional level. A low self-esteem, fear of social stigma or a bad social image, lack of confidence are only some of the issues which the sufferer has to grapple with. Excessive underarm sweating affects the person’s work, school, friendships, romance, and the normal social interactions. Thus, the problem’s side-effects are more damaging than the problem itself.
Some of the ways to handle this problem are by the usage of antiperspirants and wearing the right clothes. Most people confuse antiperspirants with deodorants thinking them to be the same but in fact, antiperspirants specifically arrest underarm sweat whereas deodorants only cover up the odor.
The antiperspirant should contain any aluminum based compound as that is the main ingredient which stops sweat. The cells lining the sweat glands absorb the ions of the aluminum compound which forces the water to enter the cells which then swell up thus blocking the glands from producing too much sweat. Although normal antiperspirants are quite effective for mild cases of excessive underarm sweating, a prescription one may be required for more persistent cases.
Very little thought is given to the types of clothes worn by sufferers of this condition but the right clothes can alleviate the discomfort to a certain extent. Avoiding synthetic clothes and opting for natural fibers and light colors will help the body keep cool and thus minimize the sweat production.
Extreme cases of excessive underarm sweating may have to resort to surgery where the nerves involved in sending sweat signals are either clamped down or cut up to stop the sweat transmissions.
Although treatments for excessive underarm sweating have been successful, the psychological ramifications in the patient may take longer to heal.
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