Tiny glands called sweat glands that are spread throughout the surface of the skin and are responsible for producing perspiration.
Inner skin structures responsible for generating sweat, which consists primarily of water along with certain dissolved components, including salt.
Two categories of sweat glands exist: namely, eccrine and apocrine glands. Among these, eccrine glands are the most abundant, directly connecting to the skin’s outer layer. On the other hand, apocrine glands discharge their secretions into hair follicles. Emerging during puberty, apocrine glands are found exclusively in hairy regions, predominantly the armpits, pubic region, and around the anus.
Regulated by the autonomic nervous system, the sweat glands generally secrete sweat to maintain the body’s temperature, yet they can also do so in reaction to anxiety or fear. Initially odorless, sweat develops a scent when bacteria interact with it, resulting in body odor.
Sweat gland disorders encompass hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), hypohidrosis (inadequate sweating), and hidradenitis suppurativa (a condition affecting apocrine glands, characterized by painful and persistent papules, nodules, and scars in the armpit and groin areas).