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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffMost people sweat when they exercise or exert themselves, are in a hot environment, or are nervous, anxious, or under stress. This type of sweating is both natural and healthy.
Sweating is usually only a minor nuisance. The odor is probably more troublesome. Although perspiration is practically odorless, perspiration can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin.
Unusual changes in sweating — either excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or little or no perspiration (anhidrosis) — can be cause for concern. Likewise, changes in body odor may be a sign of a medical problem.
For normal sweating and body odor, however, lifestyle and home treatments can effectively manage your symptoms. In some cases, a prescription antiperspirant or deodorant may be needed.
- Rados C. Antiperspirant awareness: It's mostly no sweat. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/405_sweat.html. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Biology of eccrine, apocrine, and apoeccrine sweat glands. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/popup.aspx?aID=2956362&print=yes_chapter. Accessed Oct. 14, 2008.
- Smith CC, et al. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 15, 2008.
- Morelli JG. Disorders of the sweat glands. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108020522-2/761896310/1608/1544.html. Accessed Oct. 20, 2008.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 27, 2008.
- Kitabchi AE, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Mitch WE. Chronic kidney disease. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109232365-3/767978930/1492/501.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50136-1--cesec17_5590. Accessed Nov. 4, 2008.
