Perspiration is a normal bodily function of all humans, but sweating excessively is a big turn-off.
It can be tolerated if you had just done a good few hours at the gym. However, dancing at a party until your clothes are soaking wet - that's a big no-no. Also, turning up at work first thing in the morning all sweaty ... not acceptable.
Ever notice that some people (mostly men) tend to perspire profusely; even in cool weather their armpits and the backs of their shirt seem to be always sweat-stained.
Men, do not be disillusioned by everything you have heard, such as 'women like a sweaty man with his shirt off'. No! That only works if you have a six-pack, and face it, not everyone can pull off that look.
We understand that there are approximately two million sweat glands in our bodies, and we even perspire on a cold day without doing anything particularly strenuous. Also, sweat helps to keep the body cool and without it, we would not be able to tolerate the heat our bodies would produce. However, if you perspire excessively, it could mean a number of things.
Dr Patricia Dunwell, consultant dermatologist/cosmetic surgeon, said that this could be as a result of genetics, nervousness, or due to hormonal changes, and in a woman's case, menopause. Excessive sweating is normal if you have a fever, or if you are anxious; but when it's chronic, it could be as a result of low blood sugar, thyroid problems or nervousness.
She also said that, if you perspire excessively in the groin area, it could be psychological.
Two types of sweat
You see, there are two types of sweat glands on the skin: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are found on almost all areas of skin, while the apocrine glands are found in areas containing hair follicles, including the armpits, groin, and scalp.
Apocrine glands secrete a fatty sweat that contains pheromones, which respond to emotional stress and sexual activity. When the sweat touches the skin, bacteria on the skin start to break it down, and can cause an offensive odour.
When someone sweats more than average, the condition is called hyperhidrosis. Sweating too much may be embarrassing, if it is visible through the clothing, or if it causes an offensive odour.
1. Use a product that contains both deodorant and antiperspirant. The deodorant only helps control odours, whereas the antiperspirant helps block sweat. 2. Use cornstarch powder in problem areas to absorb moisture. 3. Dress in layers so you can control your temperature, thereby reducing your body's need to sweat. Wear a white or light-coloured hat to reflect sunlight on hot days, since your head is an important temperature-control point on the body. 4. Wear natural fabrics such as wool, silk and cotton that allow air to circulate around your body easily. 5. Drink plenty of fluids and stay fit. Fluids and a fit body help to regulate your temperature and reduce sweating. Also, persons who perspire more than others are advised to drink more than eight glasses of water per day, which will keep the body cooler. 6. Relax as much as possible using regulated breathing, yoga or meditation. This can reduce stress, a perspiration trigger.