BODY ODOR AND SWEATING

Complications

Complications associated with too much or too little sweating can range from annoying to life-threatening. Common complications of excessive sweating include:

• Fungal nail infections . People who sweat profusely are prone to many types of fungal infections. That's because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes. That's also why you're more likely to get an infection in your toenail than in your fingernail. A nail infection usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. As the fungal infection spreads deeper, your nail may discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. Sometimes your nail may separate from the nail bed and the skin around it may become red and swollen. You may even detect a slight odor.

• Athlete's foot. Sometimes sweaty feet just smell bad. That unmistakable foot smell, which occurs when sweat and bacteria mix, may or may not occur along with athlete's foot — a fungal infection that usually begins between your toes and causes your skin to itch, burn and crack. Athlete's foot can also affect the soles and sides of your feet, turning the skin thick and leathery. Remember, fungi live for warm, sweaty feet. The best way to keep your feet healthy is to keep them dry and change your socks frequently.

• Jock itch. This fungal infection causes an itching or burning sensation around your groin. You also may have a red rash on your inner thighs and buttocks. Jock itch is mildly contagious and can be spread by contact or shared towels.

• Bacterial infections and warts. Excessive sweating can contribute to bacterial infections, especially between your toes. It can also lead to warts — skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Heat rash or prickly heat. This harmless rash occurs when the pores around the sweat glands become blocked. As a result sweat becomes trapped under the skin, causing fine red spots or bumps — usually on the upper back, chest or arms. It most often occurs in hot, humid weather and generally affects babies and young children. Heat rash can also occur if your baby is dressed too warmly or has a fever.

 When you stop sweating or don't perspire enough to cool your body, the results can be serious or even fatal. Complications of a lack of perspiration include: