Scientist have been conducting research to trace the source of underarm odour and have linked it to a particular enzyme.
They have isolated an enzyme in a particular microbe. Studies show that it produces odour. With more knowledge on how armpit odour is produced the focus is now to understand why. They believe this information will support the development of more effective deodorants. It is believed this microbe may have been inherited from our ancient ancestors.
It is understood that people themselves do not themselves produce body odour directly but it is the result of when microbes interact with other compounds on the skin.
We have two types of sweat glands. Eccrine glands which cover the body and open directly onto the skin and play a role in cooling our body. Apocrine glands differ in that they open into hair follicles, and are highly concentrated in the armpit region. There particular role is still not fully understood.
The common link is we all sweat. Also known as perspiration or diaphoresis it is one of the endless, amazing functions of the human body. When we sweat the core function of the body is to self-regulate temperature. Sweat cools us down. Basically, where skin exists so do our sweat glands.
The underarm region of our body has a high concentration of sweat glands, therefore is a primary sweat zone. We are likely to experience sweat in this region when our body engages in the thermoregulation process.
Sweat is triggered by a number of different situations. These can range from hot or cold temperatures, stressful situations, changing hormones, diet and exercise. Some of us are more prone to sweating than others. At this point I would like to acknowledge those with hyperhidrosis, as this condition can further increase the negative and stressful aspects of living with excessive sweat.
How much we sweat is personal to the individual and the situation. To get a perspective, when we exercise we produce generally between 0.8 -1.4 litres per hour.
Sweat removes toxins from the body and helps to promote good health. Sweat alone isn't the problem for many people. One of the issues is when sweat comes into contact with clothing, producing unwanted underarm sweat stains.
Our sweat proof undershirt offers a solution to the problem of visible underarm sweat marks.