Overview
Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise or you're too warm. They're also a natural response to hormonal changes and stress. Most people have a natural body odor, even if they don't sweat much.
A change in your body odor or how much you sweat can signal a health problem. The medical condition of sweating too much is called hyperhidrosis.
For sweating and body odor that isn't caused by a health problem, self-care habits often can help ease the symptoms.
Symptoms
Sweating and body odor most often affect the underarm and groin areas, the palms, the bottom of the feet, and the head, face and scalp. It's common for some people to sweat more or less than other people. Body odor also can vary from person to person. It might smell tangy, oniony, sour or some other strong odor.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor or other healthcare professional if:
- You suddenly begin to sweat more than usual.
- Sweating disrupts your daily life.
- You have night sweats for no clear reason.
- Your body odor changes for no clear reason.
- You have a family history of hyperhidrosis.
Causes
Sweating is the body's way of cooling itself. The nervous system activates the sweat glands when you're too warm. Sweating also occurs when you're under stress.
The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands occur over most of the body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. When your body temperature rises, these glands release fluids that cool your body as they evaporate.
Apocrine glands are found in areas where you have hair, such as the armpits and groin. These glands release a milky fluid when you're stressed. This fluid is odorless until it combines with bacteria on the skin.
Risk factors
Risk factors for sweating and body odor are:
- Body hair.
- Hormonal changes.
- Fever.
- Stress.
- Heat exposure.
- Being overweight.
- Taking certain medicines.
- Using too much alcohol.
