What is sweating?

Sweating or perspiring is the common condition in human beings. Sweating scientifically means the production and evaporation of the sticky and watery fluid that is produced by the sweat glands of the mammals. Sweating mainly happens through the skin of human beings. The human sweat contains the chemicals called as the odorants which include 2-methylphenol and methylphenol. The sweating function in humans is for the regulation of temperature. When the sweat evaporates from the skin it gives a cooling effect for the person. When the human body experiences hot temperatures it automatically starts secreting sweat from the sweat glands so the total temperature of the body remain stable. Perspiration increases when one is nervous and under great stress. The temperature control in animals like the dog is done by the panting action which is constant in the animals. The temperature control mechanism of primates and horses is the same and it happens through their armpits. The human body has two kinds of sweat glands that secrete sweat but which is different in its make up and the purpose it creates sweat.

Eccrine sweat glands

These sweat glands are scattered all over the body and they are found in great concentration on the on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and on the forehead. The sweat these glands produce consists of water and other different salts and this sweating mechanism helps to control the temperature of the body.
Apocrine sweat glands: These sweat glands produce a very different kind of sweat that is made up of fatty materials.  The apocrine glands are situated in the armpits of the humans and around the region of the genitals. The sweat produced from these glands becomes the reasons for the much despised sweat odor. The sweat odour is the result of the bacteria that breaks down the organic compounds in the sweat from these glands.

Excessive sweating or Hyperhydrosis

There are many individuals in the world who suffer from over sweating, this occurs in the palms of the hands, in the armpits area and in the feet. The reason for hyperhydrosis in specific individuals cannot be determined. Sweating is directed by the sympathetic nervous system in the human body.