Sweating in the heat: What you should know about it!

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Beads of sweat on your forehead, rivulets in your armpits – at what point is too much sweating no longer normal and how can you combat the smell?
When the clothes are soaked, the fun probably stops for most. Especially in summer, many people can’t get out of sweating. Moisture on the skin is a natural and essential process of the body.

The German pharmacist newspaper describes this phenomenon also as the “body’s own air conditioner.” Because only by sweating does the body cools down naturally. Up to four million sweat glands all over the body ensure this, producing at least 200 millilitres of sweat daily. On average, an adult sweats 0.5 to 1.5 litres per day. However, this amount can vary due to physical activity, ambient temperature and predisposition.

Do men sweat more than women?
Predispositions also lead to the biggest sweating myth, such as that men sweat more than women. But this is not true: In 2017, a study published in the journal “Experimental Physiology” by the University of Wollongong refuted this assumption – drop by drop. According to the study, the amount of sweat depends not on gender but on body size. The Australian research team studied 36 men and 24 women with similar fitness levels and health conditions but very different body sizes. According to the study, only less than five percent of the differences were due to gender.

According to Prof. Nigel A.S. Taylor of the University of Wollongong, there are two ways the body cools down: Through sweating or increased blood circulation at the skin’s surface. He said the study shows that short people are likelier to choose the second way, while tall people sweat more. Whether it’s leisurely city strolls, culinary highlights or baroque castles – if you’re looking for coziness and well-being, the 11-day feel-good route through Germany is just the ticket. Not only do magnificent landscapes and historic buildings await you, but you’ll also discover 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way on this trip – the perfect mix of sightseeing and relaxation!

Sweating anxiety: too much is too much
In medicine, sweating is also considered to fall into two categories: thermal and emotional sweating. While thermal sweating is the natural regulation of body temperature, emotional sweating is associated with inner turmoil or stress. In some cases, this can lead to hyperhidrosis. In the so-called sweating disorder (hyperhidrosis), for example, excessive sweating, strong odour or cracked skin, even in relaxed environments. In individual cases, hyperhidrosis also leads to psychological stress. In these cases, sufferers should always consult a doctor who can recommend suitable treatment options.

On the other hand, if you usually sweat, you can get by just fine with deodorant or antiperspirant. Sweat in itself does not have an unpleasant odour. The typical acrid body odour develops only when bacteria break down the work. Deodorants and creams inhibit bacterial growth, while antiperspirants reduce odour and even wetness. This is because they contain aluminum chloride, which closes the sweat glands. The European Food Safety Authority has set a limit for the weekly aluminum intake. However, recent studies show that the absorption of aluminum through the skin is unlikely, as confirmed by the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment.

Experts generally recommend healthy and gentle body hygiene and airy clothing, especially in summer, to minimize odour. Nothing should go wrong with a bit of deodorant, yet times change underwear for safety.