Virtually all over our body are found sweat glands, which are responsible for producing sweat and, consequently, control our temperature. Despite their important function, sometimes these glands cause unpleasant situations, such as the odor in the armpits and feet.
To understand how body odor develops, we must first understand that there are two different types of glands sweating: the eccrine and the apocrine. The first ones have as main function the thermoregulation, with the elimination of sweat rich in water and salts. Apocrine ones, on the other hand, are those that produce secretions that contain, in addition to water and salts, cell debris and metabolism products.
Due to the presence of cell debris and metabolism products, several bacteria and fungi develop in these regions to decompose sweat, producing an unpleasant odor. Sweat with a strong and bad odor characterizes a problem, which occurs mainly in the armpits and feet, called bromhidrosis, popularly called cecê (armpits) and stinky feet (foot).
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Bromhidrosis is usually related to excessive sweating, diabetes, alcoholism, use of hormones and some antibiotics. It can also be influenced by the type of shoes and fabric of clothes used. This is due to the fact that synthetic shoes and clothes with fabrics with this characteristic promote the reduction of perspiration and help in the development of fungi and bacteria.
The treatment of bromhidrosis varies from person to person, as its causes differ between individuals. However, in addition to treating the base of the problem, some hygiene measures can help reduce odors. Here are some tips:
→ After taking a shower, dry your body thoroughly;
→ Always use deodorants and antiperspirants;
→ Change clothes daily;
→ Only wear socks once;
→ Avoid frequent wearing of closed shoes;
→ Whenever possible, opt for clothes that encourage perspiration, such as those made from 100% cotton.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Bromhidrosis and body odors"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude-na-escola/bromidrose-os-odores-pelo-corpo.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
