Sweating due to stress: Causes, smell, control methods, and additional insights
Stress sweat, unlike sweat produced during exercise, has a distinct odor that is often stronger due to its protein- and lipid-rich composition. This type of sweat is produced by apocrine glands, which are larger glands that secrete a thicker fluid, and it interacts with bacteria on the skin to produce stronger, sometimes onion-like odors [1, 5].
On the other hand, exercise sweat is mostly from eccrine glands and is mostly water and salt with less odor potential [1].
Managing stress sweat odor involves several strategies.
Firstly, using antiperspirant deodorants, preferably applied at night, can help reduce sweat production and control odor [2].
Secondly, choosing breathable, moisture-wicking clothing such as cotton or technical fabrics can prevent trapping sweat and bacteria. It's best to avoid tight synthetic fabrics that worsen odor by creating a humid environment [5].
Thirdly, maintaining good hygiene by laundering clothes regularly can help remove sweat and bacterial buildup [5].
Fourthly, managing stress through relaxation techniques can help reduce apocrine sweat activation [5]. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can be effective in this regard.
Lastly, staying hydrated and balancing your diet can also help. Dehydration and high protein or low-carb diets can worsen sweat odor by increasing compounds like ammonia [1, 3].
Other strategies include removing underarm hair, which may help sweat evaporate faster, reducing body odor [4]. Using sweat pads can absorb sweat and help reduce body odor, especially during stressful events [6].
It's important to note that stress triggers the body to sweat as a means of cooling [7]. Regular exercise, talking with loved ones, getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, challenging oneself, and limiting caffeine intake can all help manage stress [8].
For those having difficulty coping with stress or finding that symptoms do not resolve when the trigger goes away, it might be helpful to speak with a mental health professional [9].
Bathing regularly can also help reduce body odor by removing bacteria from the skin [5]. Yoga, which revolves around stretches, slow movements, and deep breathing, can also help manage stress [10].
In a small study, participants identified neutral faces as angry more often when they could smell stress sweat, but not exercise sweat [11]. The stronger odor of stress sweat may serve a purpose as part of a person's survival instinct [12].
References:
- Stress Sweat vs. Exercise Sweat: What's the Difference?
- How to Get Rid of Body Odor: 10 Easy Tips
- How to Reduce Body Odor: 11 Tips
- Does Shaving Underarms Really Help Reduce Body Odor?
- How to Prevent Stress Sweat: 9 Tips
- How to Prevent Stress Sweat: 9 Tips
- Why Do We Sweat When We're Stressed?
- How to Manage Stress: 14 Tips
- When to See a Mental Health Professional
- What Is Yoga and Why Is It Good for You?
- The Smell of Stress: How Our Senses Influence Our Emotions
- The Smell of Fear: Olfactory Cues Signal Threat and Evoke Fear-Related Behavior
- In addition to antiperspirant deodorants and manageable hygiene practices, people can consider breathable 'clothes' for preventing trapping sweat and bacteria, thereby reducing body odor causing by stress sweat.
- Apart from regular exercise, which can aid in managing stress, certain 'health-and-wellness' strategies such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can also help in reducing the activation of apocrine sweat and, subsequently, the odor produced.
- Balancing one's diet and maintaining regular hydration play crucial roles in managing stress sweat odor, as excessive protein intake or dehydration can increase the concentration of odor-causing compounds like ammonia. Focusing on 'skin-care' and 'mental-health' aspects are equally important when it comes to managing sweat odor and improving overall well-being.
