What Makes Our Sweat Stink?
You may be wondering what it is exactly that causes foul-smelling perspiration and body odour. The team at Perth Sweat Clinic has all of the information you need to understand, manage, and eliminate unpleasant sweat smells. Browse the following article to gain tips and insights into the world of human sweat.
Why Does Sweat Smell?
Sweat is made up of 95% water and it doesn’t have a scent. That body odour smell that we are all well-acquainted with is caused by dirt and bacteria that break down in the sweat secretions. Body odour comes from the apocrine glands in the underarms – these glands release proteins and lipids for bacteria to feed on.
Releasing massive amounts of sweat can lead to even worse body odour, especially in those who suffer from axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive armpit sweating). The warm, damp parts of the armpits are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to survive in.
As we age, our apocrine glands slow down their functions, meaning elderly people are less likely to suffer from body odour.
These Triggers Can Make It Much Worse
There are a few factors that have an impact on the way our sweat smells. Being aware of these triggers may assist you with managing and reducing your body odour.
Stress and Anxiety
When humans are stressed, the body reacts by kicking the sweat glands into a higher gear. Nervous sweats are quite normal but they can increase your body odour if you haven’t applied appropriate deodorant.
Inappropriate Fabrics
Polyester, nylon, and silk are all culprits for repelling water and heightening a person’s smell. These fabrics aren’t breathable and will keep the bacteria trapped on your skin’s surface. Instead, choosing cotton, wool or linen will mean your clothes are more absorbent and protective.
Poor Choice of Deodorant
Some brands of deodorant can encourage stinky bacterial growth by giving the bacteria more fuel. Switch to natural deodorants or focus on cleaning your armpits well with water and lemon juice instead of choosing artificial ingredients to stop sweat.
Dietary Factors
Depriving your body of necessary nutrients in leafy greens and nuts will create a worse body odour than those with a balanced diet. Bacteria love to snack on sugar as much as we do, and high-protein diets require more active metabolic breakdowns by the body. These factors only increase our sweat levels. The oils in fried food can cause poor digestion and heighten body odour.
Eliminating Sweat and Smell Glands in the Underarms
If your excessive armpit sweating started when you were a teenager and has continued into adulthood, you may have axillary hyperhidrosis. At Perth Sweat Clinic, we help our patients take control of their lives by offering state-of-the-art treatments.
miraDry is a non-invasive treatment that can end excessive sweating permanently. Our skilled technicians use microwave energy to destroy the glands responsible for odour, hair, and sweat in the armpits.
If you’re sick of dealing with sweat marks and body odour, speak to the experts at Perth Sweat Clinic. We will assess, diagnose, and treat your condition. To find out more, call 1300 079 328 or contact us online.