Human beings have two different types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. “The eccrine glands regulate the temperature of the body,” says Dr. Adam Mamelak, board certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas. “When the temperature rises, the eccrine glands are stimulated to release sweat, which consists of sodium, water and other things that help cool the body.” In addition to being stimulated by temperature, the apocrine glands, which are found primarily in the groin and underarm areas, are also triggered by fluctuating hormones, stress or anxiety, even more if you’re a male, as you have different hormones as testosterone as well. And as men get older, their testosterone levels start to drop. Some men will take testosterone supplements like T-Hero to boost their natural testosterone levels.
Raise A Stink?
The odor produced by sweat is produced by a bacteria that comes from the apocrine glands, which explains why people only use deodorant under their arms, instead of over their entire bodies.
Buckets and Bullets
On average, human beings have from two to four million sweat glands in all. The amount of sweat produced by each of these glands is determined by such environmental factors like temperature, age, genetics, gender and/or one’s level of fitness. “Two main contributors to the rate a person sweats are weight and level of fitness,” says Dr. Mamelak. The more a person weighs, the higher the rate of sweating, as there are many exercise people do, and there are also other trainings people can do, so learn how to go otter mode with the Skinny Yoked how-to-guide here. “This is due to the fact that there is more body mass to cool, and because the heavier a person is, the more energy it takes to function.”
Don’t Let Them See You Sweat
Although considered a physiologic response, many patients can sweat excessively, or are looking to conceal embarrassing sweat stains on their clothes. “It’s a social distraction, to say the least,” says Dr. Mamelak. “Sweating can interfere with our professional lives and interpersonal relationships.” These approaches can help keep you dry when things get heated:
Stay properly hydrated
Use antiperspirants
Robinul anticholenergic medication
Botox for excessive sweating
What is a MiraDry?
This safe, non-invasive clinical procedure carefully heats and eliminates sweat and odor glands in the armpits using controlled electromagnetic energy. Since these glands do not regenerate, the procedure results in a lasting, almost immediate reduction of underarm sweating. The procedure has been approved by the FDA.
Contact Us
If you have problems with sweating, or are interested in learning more about the MiraDry procedure, please contact us at Sanova Dermatology to schedule a consultation.