Sweat - The Good and the Bad

Sweating may seem unpleasant, smelly and maybe a little gross, but it's an essential part of your body's natural cooling process. If you're not exercising, you'd probably rather not sweat. It can be uncomfortable, but if you didn't sweat, you'd eventually be at risk for heatstroke, which can be fatal. Also, on its own, sweat doesn't smell. The odor comes after sweat mixes with bacteria or proteins present on your skin.

When you're physically active, or if it's hot, your core body temperature begins to rise. To bring your internal temperature back down, the four million sweat glands in your body release sweat, mostly a mixture of water and sodium. As sweat evaporates, it releases heat, cooling the surface of your skin and helping lower your internal temperature.

Though working up a sweat can be good for you, it's important to sweat smart.

Be conscious of the skincare products and makeup you wear. Products can clog pores, plugging your sweat glands. If you're going to exercise, wash away makeup or lotion to prevent skin irritation.

A wardrobe of loose-fitting, sweat-wicking clothing helps draw sweat away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate faster. Choose breathable shoes and avoid cotton socks if you're prone to blisters, foot pain or toenail conditions. Cotton holds in moisture.

There are times when you can sweat too much. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects 4.8% of the U.S. population—a total of nearly 15.3 million people. It may cause sweating during rest or sleep and is sometimes a sign of a more severe condition. Sweating while at rest or in social situations can make anyone feel self-conscious, but you don't have to accept excessive sweating or let it affect your professional or social life. Options for managing hyperhidrosis include:

• Botulinum toxin injections to the areas where you sweat most
• Electrical stimulation of the feet or hands
• Medication
• Prescription antiperspirant

If nothing else works, surgeons can remove the underarm sweat glands, but this option may affect your body's ability to stay cool.

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