QUESTION: I have really sensitive skin and I don’t know how to keep my armpits completely dry. When it gets hot it gets sweaty and itchy and has a perspiration odour. It got so bad and then I realised I had a bacterial infection.
That has subsided a bit but can you tell me what I can use to stop it from coming back? I had problems where using a roll-on started leaving yellow smelly stains on my shirts and made me really uncomfortable.
I have no idea what to do anymore. I bathe twice a day and wash my armpits properly. I exfoliate them and sometimes they are a bit raw as I, perhaps, scrub too hard. And when the sweat absorbs on the shirt it’s uncomfortable.
I eat properly and exercise, and have no idea what is going on.
As far as I can remember, the problem wasn’t as prominent during my school years. My mother says that my late father suffered with the same issue, but claims his was worse.
I have tried to research the topic and am stressed that I might have some underlying medical condition.
ANSWER:Sweating and body odour certainly is a cause of much distress. Besides the obvious damp, poorly aerated and mouldy smell, there is a lot more to it.
The acidic nature of sweat and the varying pH levels add to the smell.
Dust and sweat combinations reach pungent levels when accompanied by shedding dead skin cells.
Certain organisms release offensive smells. However, the perfect cultivating ground is necessary for it to flourish. Some of them thrive in dark, moist, clammy conditions. They are happy in poorly oxygenated environments.
Sweaty armpits can be due to overheating, which is the body’s way of cooling you down. But when it is excessive and sweating becomes debilitating we describe hyperhydrosis.
People often sweat when nervous, resulting from the overstimulation of sweat glands. Sweat secretion is controlled by the nervous system which sends signals to the gland to stimulate secretions. Anxiety adds to the problem. There is also an association with the thyroid hormone and oestrogen.
* Dr Darren Green, a trusted figure in the field of media medicine, is a University of Stellenbosch graduate who adds innovative spark to health and wellness issues. He features on 567CapeTalk.
If you’ve got medical problems, contact the doctor at [email protected], 021 930 0655 or Twitter @drdarrengreen.
The advice in this column does not replace a consultation and clinical evaluation with a doctor.
Cape Argus