Sweat glands facts

Sweat glands

There are millions of glands in the human body. Each type of glands has its role, which is very important for the proper functioning of the whole body. Sweating is normal in human beings and the sweat glands are responsible for that. They are over two millions sweat glands in a human body. They are scattered out through the entire body. Although it is usually embarrassing and unpleasant, perspiration is one of the body’s ways to regulate the temperature of the body.

The coiled tubular glands are located in the dermis of the skin. These glands open on the surface of the skin. The coiled part is responsible for producing of the sweat. The coiled part is linked to the pores on the skin’s surface. When the sweat reaches the surface of the skin, it evaporates and causes a cooling effect. The sweat glands are controlled by the nervous system, since they are placed in the lower layer of the skin where hair follicles and nerve endings are.

Types of sweat glands

The sweat glands can be divided into two types: eccrine sweat glands and apocrine sweat glands. The main role of the eccrine sweat glands is to manufacture watery secretions that regulate the temperature of the body. They are active since our birth. On the other hand, the apocrine sweat glands activate themselves after puberty. The foul smelling of the skin occurs when the sweat thickens on the surface of the skin along with fats and proteins. When it occurs, the skin becomes prone to the bacteria and consequently to many infections.

Sweat glands problems

Two main problems that occur when the sweat glands are in question are excessive sweating and swollen sweat glands. Perspiration is very important to regulate the body’s temperature, but also for the ejection of many prescription drugs, electrolytes and water. However, in some people, it occurs that the sweat glands are overactive. Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for the excessive sweating. The excessive sweating is usually caused by nervousness and hormonal imbalance. For the yellowish stains, the apocrine glands are responsible.

Swollen sweat glands occur when they are inflamed. In such case, the lumps in the armpits may appear. It is very important to go and visit a doctor when the swollen sweat glands are noticed. Hidradenitis suppurativa is the condition marked by the swelling of the sweat glands in the armpits and in the groin. It is usually treated with antibiotics, although in certain severe cases, even a surgery is necessary.