Bromhidrosis is a condition that sometimes accompanies excessive sweating where the sweat smells bad. A lot of people simply referr to it as “body odor.” It is a common phenomenon in postpubertal individuals.
People who suffer from bromhidrosis will take baths or showers just like everybody else, but their sweat still carries this distinct odor. The odor can be an unpleasant one depending on who smells it. The levels of the severity of the odor can vary and can range from very mild or very severe.
There’s actually two different types of bromhidrosis that have subtle differences. Indeed, not many people know of this distinction. It has to do with the types of sweat glands that are affected.
There are two types of sweat glands: Eccrine and Apocrine. The Eccrine sweat glands produce almost all of the sweat. Their main purpose is for the thermoregulation of the body (regulating body temperature) and they are distributed all over the body.
The Apocrine glands on the other hand are not distributed all over the body. They are localized only in certain areas such as the armpits, the genital area, the chest or breast area, and around the facial area. Apocrine sweat glands are not used in the thermoregulation of the body. Rather, their function is to produce pheromones.
Unfortunately, bromhydrosis can substantially impair a person’s quality of life.
In my case I suffered from bromhidrosis when I was under constant stress for weeks on end whilst working away from home. It would take up to two weeks for the smell to disipate from my body once I was back home. Unfortunately, my clothing also took on the smell and my wife would throw them away.
The condition which causes excessive sweating is defined as Hyperhidrosis. Research shows that about 4% of the population has symptoms which are typical to hyperhidrosis. The symptoms which include sweaty face, hands, feet and palms can be a reason of embarrassment and social issues. Everyday existence can be challenging for a person suffering from this condition and physical proximity could be challenging. Yet, this condition can be cured and all these issues can be easily avoided.
What causes Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperdidrosis is a medical condition that needs serious and focused handling and it will not go away if you think that it is something that can be ignored.
The hypothalamus – a part of the brain – is responsible for all sweat related functions. The sweat glands, which are responsible for producing sweat, are triggered by the hypothalamus which sends signals to it via nerves. In normal circumstances, a person would sweat when there is warmth or when the person undergoes any physical activity. As opposed to this, the sweat glands of a person suffering from hyperhidrosis produces surplus of sweat always.
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two main categories into which hyperhidrosis can be divided into – primary hyperhidrosis or focal hyperhidrosis and secondary or generalized hyperhidrosis.
. Primary or Focal Hyperhidrosis. Suffers of primary or focal hyperhidrosis complain of excessive sweating around the arm area, hands, feet and even the face. This kind of hyperhidrosis is triggered by problems in the nervous system, hence the sweat glands end up producing excessive sweat.
. Secondary of Generalized Hyperhidrosis. As the name suggests, this kind of hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating across the whole body. This condition results from some health conditions such as metabolic disorders, neurological disorders and menopause.
How to treat hyperhidrosis?
The good news is that hyperhidrosis can be treated. Simple lifestyle changes like using antiperspirants , wearing comfortable and loose clothing, avoiding clothing like nylon, lycra and a diet which excludes spicy food can cure mild cases of hyperhidrosis. Keeping yourself clean and following simple hygiene norms can offer respite to the condition.
The odds change however if a person is suffering from severe hyperhidrosis. This happens when a person is sweating excessively. One common treatment process is electrical stimulation or Iontophoresis which consists of approximately four sessions per week and a maintenance treatment every four weeks. This treatment albeit has its limitations.
Botox injections – which is considered as a treatment might be successful in reducing armpit sweating. Botox simply stops the sweat glands form producing sweat and hence less sweat but it comes with associate side effects like freezing muscles in the injected area. And since the effect wears off in a few hours making the treatment repetitive.
Besides these two treatment options surgery and medication can also be considered and the best option can only be decided upon consultation with a doctor.
A long-term solution for hyperhidrosis should address the internal causes of excessive sweating by tackling all hyperhidrosis contributing factors. Only by controlling the nutritional, hormonal, psychological and environmental triggers of hyperhidrosis, using a multidimensional and holistic approach to healing you can reverse the “internal excessive sweating environment”- the only, safe, natural and effective way you could ever achieve lasting hyperhidrosis freedom.
This article is based on the book, “Sweat Miracle” by Miles Dawson. Miles is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated his life to creating the ultimate Hyperhidrosis solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root cause of excessive sweating and naturally and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting his website: Sweat Miracle
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