Sweat

By Tim Taylor

Everyone does it

Breast cancer?

Download this episodeNumerous articles in recent years have warned that the use of antiperspirants and deodorants can lead to breast cancer. The reports have suggested that these products contain harmful substances, which can be absorbed through the skin or enter the body through nicks caused by shaving. Some scientists have also proposed that certain ingredients in antiperspirants or deodorants may be related to breast cancer because they are applied frequently to an area next to the breast. In 2002, the National Cancer Institute published the results of a study looking for a relationship between breast cancer and antiperspirants and deodorants. This study did not show any increased risk for breast cancer in women who reported using an antiperspirant or deodorant. The results also showed no increased breast cancer risk for women who reported using a razor and an antiperspirant or deodorant, or for women who reported using an antiperspirant or deodorant within one hour of shaving.

Anhidrosis

Download this episodeAnhidrosis is the inability to sweat normally. When you don’t sweat, your body can’t cool itself. This can lead to overheating and sometimes to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition. Anhidrosis can be difficult to diagnose. Mild anhidrosis often goes unrecognized. Dozens of factors can cause the condition, including skin trauma and certain diseases and medications. You can inherit anhidrosis or develop it later in life. If you barely sweat, even when it’s hot or you’re working or exercising strenuously, or if you notice that you’re sweating less than usual, talk to your doctor. You may need to undergo certain tests that confirm that you have this condition. A thermoregulatory sweat test involves coating the patient with a powder that changes color when and where you sweat. They then enter a chamber that causes their body temperature to increase to a level that makes most people perspire. Digital photos document the results, and the whole body surface can be tested at once.

Hyperhidrosis

Download this episodeHyperhidrosis is abnormally excessive sweating that’s not necessarily related to higher temperatures or exercise. A person with this condition may sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes or drips off their hands. Besides disrupting normal daily activities, hyperhidrosis can cause social anxiety and embarrassment. Most people sweat when they exercise, are in a hot environment, or are nervous or anxious. The excessive sweating experienced with hyperhidrosis far exceeds such normal sweating. The type of hyperhidrosis that usually affects the hands, feet, underarms or face causes at least one episode a week. And the sweating usually occurs on both sides of the body. Treating hyperhidrosis usually involves prescription-strength antiperspirants on the affected areas. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to either to remove the sweat glands or to disconnect the nerves responsible for the overproduction of sweat.

Odor and perspiration

Download this episodeAn over-the-counter antiperspirant and deodorant is the simplest solution to sweat and body odor. Antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block the sweat pore, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin. Deodorants can eliminate odor but not perspiration. They’re usually alcohol-based and turn your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria. If over-the-counter products don’t help control your sweating, your doctor may prescribe aluminum chloride. For best results, apply the antiperspirant at night to the areas most prone to sweating. Prescription antiperspirants are strong solutions that can cause red and itchy skin in some people. If irritation develops, wash the medication off in the morning. You may also want to consider changing your diet. Caffeinated beverages and spicy or strong-smelling foods may make you sweat more or have stronger body odor than usual. Eliminating these foods may help.Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as the host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.