Why do we sweat?
Sweating is one of the body’s thermoregulation mechanisms. The brain contains a center that regulates body perspiration. Factors influencing it include: physical activity, fever, obesity, anxiety, stress, alcohol, spicy foods, and certain conditions like thyroid dysfunction or diabetes. Medical history, clinical examination and blood tests can rule out these pathologies. Excessive sweating may also indicate general body imbalance or internal emotional expression.
Our body has 2 types of sweat glands:
Eccrine glands: Distributed across all skin but concentrated in armpits, they produce sweat.
Apocrine glands: Located in groin folds, armpits and genital area, they secrete sweat responsible for body odor.
When produced excessively, sweat can quickly become embarrassing due to its associated odor. Sweating is completely natural, with odor resulting from skin bacteria (non-pathogenic) whose growth creates characteristic smells. Even perfect hygiene doesn’t always solve this issue.
Moist palms may wrongly suggest discomfort or lack of confidence. Damp armpits or socks can cause embarrassment… Currently, about 1 in 100 people suffer from these problems.
Excessive sweating results from overproduction by sweat glands, typically in armpits, palms, feet or face.
What can be done?
General body care: Wash twice daily and after sweating, avoid alcohol/spice abuse, manage weight and stress. Medications exist (atropine derivatives) but have limiting side effects. For armpits: hair removal, deodorants, aluminum salt antiperspirants are first-line solutions – though some studies now question aluminum products.
For hands: Iontophoresis may help.
For feet: Glutaraldehyde (10%) baths are effective but stain skin brown.
Remember feet sweat constantly, but shoes promote bacterial growth causing persistent odor.
A medical solution exists: Botulinum toxin injections (BOTOX©, DYSPORT©, VISTABEL©, AZZALURE©) can temporarily paralyze these sweat glands. Sweat production decreases significantly, restoring real comfort and wellbeing.
