Why does stress sweat smell

Try a stronger antiperspirant like Certain Dri, which is actually formulated for those suffering from extreme, clinical sweating—a condition called hyperhidrosis.

One such innovation is the medical device miraDry, which studies show reduces body odor by destroying sweat glands and hair follicles via mircowaves. While stress may be unavoidable, we can alter our reactions to it for calmer, sweeter days.

Learn more at SweatHelp. Founded in by an elite team of world-respected physicians in hyperhidrosis research and treatment, the International Hyperhidrosis Society is the only independent, non-profit, global organization that strives to improve quality of life for those affected by excessive sweating.

Its mission is to reduce the symptoms, anxiety, and social stigma associated with excessive sweating by improving the information, support, and treatment available to the millions of children, teens, and adults affected by hyperhidrosis worldwide. Certain Dri Clarion Brands and Dermira are proud supporters of the International Hyperhidrosis Society and its research, education, support, and advocacy efforts.

Patients Family and Friends. Medical Professionals. Linked to Breast Cancer? Laundry Solutions. Menu Know Sweat What is hyperhidrosis? Your Health. You're not imagining it: Stress sweat actually might smell worse than sweat you produce from exercising. Health's medical editor weighs in about why this happens.

A little background info: The purpose of sweating is to regulate body temperature; with stress sweat, a shift in hormones, such as adrenaline, causes the body to have a fightor-flight response that leads to excessive sweating. But there are two main types of sweat glands, and they produce different types of sweat. When you exercise, you produce sweat, consisting mainly of water and salt, from eccrine glands all around the body that open on the surface of the skin in order to cool you down.

Stress Sweat Explained Stressful situations like a looming deadline or public speaking activate your nervous system — known as the fight-or-flight center. Your body experiences two other types of sweat, which produce distinct smells: Exercise-induced sweat results from — you guessed it — being active. As sweat leaves your skin, heat goes with it — helping you maintain a normal body temperature.

Here are a few things to blame for that extra pungent body odor: Evolution Did you know stress sweat evolved out of necessity? Anatomy Your body contains two types of stress sweat glands that release different substances and smells. These include: Eccrine: Your body contains more than 3 million eccrine glands. The eccrine glands are responsible for exercise and heat sweat. If you suffer from some type of hyperhidrosis, your sweat primarily stems from these glands.

Apocrine : The apocrine glands are found beneath hair follicles. When stressed, your body secretes an odorless white, milky fluid consisting of water, proteins and fats.

Once the fluid mixes with natural bacteria on your skin, the bacteria eat sweat and produce a foul-smelling waste you know as B. These glands produce stress-induced sweat — which is why stress sweat smells extra. Worries About Stress Sweat To make matters worse, worrying about and smelling stress sweat can trigger you to sweat even more.

If you notice stress sweat smells worse than regular sweat, you're not going crazy! Facebook Email Twitter. The Original Sweat Proof Undershirt.