Sydney specialist dermatologist Dr Ritu Gupta was interviewed on ABC Radio Darwin for her expertise on sweating. She explained what sweat is actually made of, why it matters more than most people assume, and what happens when the body produces too much or too little of it.
Sweating is important to the body as it helps cool it down and excrete harmful substances through the sweat glands. Sweat is primarily water with electrolytes and chemicals. Dr Ritu states that the smell in sweat is due to the apocrine glands, which do not become active until an individual reaches preadolescence (between 9 and 12). This is why parents often start to notice their teenagers starting to “smell.”
She described anhidrosis, a genetic condition wherein a person is unable to sweat, usually associated with other medical issues related to the hair and teeth. On the other hand, hyperhidrosis or excess sweating, is when an individual is unable to stop sweating, causing them to change clothes often, wear dark clothes to hide sweat stains, and lose confidence in daily interactions. Dr Ritu mentioned that hyperhidrosis is treatable with medications, Botulinum toxin injections, and technologies such as microwave technology (miraDry) to eliminate hyperactive sweat glands.
Excessive sweating is common in people with an overactive thyroid (hypermetabolic state), those with excess weight, pregnant women, and those with conditions where hormones fluctuate. Individuals suffering from excessive sweating have treatment options and thus should not let their condition ruin their confidence.
Listen to the full interview here: Dr Ritu Interviewed On The ABC Darwin Radio Show About Sweating
To consult with Dr Ritu, please make an enquiry online, WhatsApp at 0493 766 096, or call (02) 8014 6500
