Sweat Glands

Why do we sweat? Though excessive sweating can be a cause of embarrassment for many and you would try all types of products to get rid of sweat, you must understand that perspiration or sweat is our body's mechanism for regulating the body's temperature. More than 2 million sweat glands are spread out in a human body. These glands are also referred to as sudoriferous glands. The dermis contains millions of coiled tubular glands which open on the skin's surface. The sweat is produced in the coiled part and it is connected by a duct to the pores on the surface of the skin. These glands are responsible for the watery secretions, which we call as sweat. When this sweat evaporates, it produces a cooling effect. These glands are located in the lower layer of the skin along with hair follicles and nerve endings. The nerve cells from the sympathetic nervous system that are connected to these glands control them.

Eccrine and Apocrine Glands

The sudoriferous glands are classified into eccrine and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are responsible for the watery secretions that are responsible for regulating the body's temperature. The eccrine glands perform the important functions of thermoregulation and excretion. These glands are active since birth, whereas the apocrine glands become active after puberty. The thick and viscous secretions along with fats and proteins collect on the skin's outer surface and become a playing ground for the bacteria. This is what causes the bad odor problem. Most people try to counter the bad odor problem by using products such as deodorants or antiperspirants.

Problems Associated with Sweat Glands

Excessive Sweating: Sweating is extremely important because many prescription drugs, electrolytes and water find a way out of the body by way of sweating. However, some people sweat profusely when these glands become overactive. This can be a cause of concern. Those people who suffer from the problem of excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis need to take certain precautions. Don't we all hate those yellowish stains caused due to sweat. The secretions from the apocrine glands are responsible for such stains. Sweating is also linked to our state of mind. We sweat even more when we are nervous because at that time the sympathetic nervous system might be overactive. Excessive sweating can also be caused due to hormonal imbalances. Sometimes our diet also might have a role to play. In cases of excessive sweating, your dreams of looking presentable are completely dashed. To counter this problem, it is extremely important that you take care of your personal hygiene. You should use an antibacterial soap to reduce the chances of an infection due to bacterial action.

Inflammation: Sometimes these glands could become inflamed thereby causing the formation of lumps in the armpit area. You must consult a doctor if you observe an abscess. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a medical condition that is characterized by multiple abscesses due to inflammation of the sudoriferous glands. These are generally formed under the armpits and in the groin area. Antibiotics are used for treating this condition, but sometimes, a surgical procedure might be required for the removal of the infected glands to curb further inflammation. So, if you see red boils or armpit lumps, you must consult a dermatologist soon. It would also be advisable to wear loose clothing and refrain from vigorous activities that cause profuse sweating.

Those who suffer from excessive sweating must take all precautions and maintain good personal hygiene. Sometimes excessive sweating might be caused due to other medical conditions. So, consult a doctor to determine if profuse sweating is caused due to a medical problem. Lifestyle-related changes might also be able to help in tackling this problem of overactive, swollen or infected sudoriferous glands.