BODY ODOR AND SWEATING

What Are Body Odor and Sweating?

Sitting in the heat of the sun, working out at the gym, giving a presentation at work — all of these things can make you sweat. It's both natural and healthy to sweat under these conditions. In fact, when you're exposed to heat, exercising strenuously or under extreme emotional stress, you may lose several quarts of fluid in perspiration. A pea-sized bead of sweat can cool nearly one liter (about 1 quart) of blood 1 F.

Sometimes, however, the complex mechanism of perspiration goes awry, resulting in either excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or little or no perspiration (anhidrosis). Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and may sometimes signal a more serious health problem. Anhidrosis is potentially life-threatening.

Yet for most people, sweating is simply a minor nuisance. The odor that sometimes occurs when you sweat is probably more upsetting. Although perspiration is basically odorless, it can take on an unpleasant smell when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. If you find this offensive, you're not alone — Americans spend close to $750 million a year on antiperspirants and deodorants.

Signs and Symptoms
Causes
When to Seek Medical Advice
Complications
Treatment
Self Care