Define Perspiration
Although sometimes unpleasant, breaking the occasional sweat is a natural and essential part of being human. Perspiration is how the body cools itself, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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What is Perspiration?
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Perspiration, or sweat, is comprised largely of water and salt but also contains minute amounts of other electrolytes and urea, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Sweat Glands
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There are two types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands cover most parts of the body, while the apocrine glands are located in parts of the body that are dense in hair, such as the armpits, scalp and groin. Apocrine glands release a fattier type of sweat that's largely responsible for body odor.
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Normal and Excessive Perspiration
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Perspiration occurs during exercise and physical exertion or simply during hot weather. But it can also be triggered by strong emotions, such as anxiety, embarrassment and stress. When sweat glands release more perspiration than is needed to cool the body, this results in a medical condition called hyperhidrosis.
Generalized Hyperhidrosis
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According to the Mayo Clinic, generalized hyperhidrosis has an underlying cause. This might be a medical condition, such as hyperthyroidism, hot flashes during menopause or low blood sugar. Excessive sweating can also be a side effect of taking certain medications
Focal Hyperhidrosis
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Those with focal hyperhidrosis sweat excessively for no medical reason, usually during the daytime. Sweating subsides during sleep. The Mayo Clinic notes this type of hyperhidrosis can be hereditary.
Other Perspiration Facts
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The Mayo Clinic notes that sweat itself is odorless. However, once perspiration comes into contact with bacteria on a person's skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor. Many people use antiperspirants, which temporarily plug the sweat glands, to inhibit perspiration and body odor.
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