It turns out that we actually have two different types of sweat glands, the ecrrine and the apocrine. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. As the bacteria eat the fatty sweat molecules, it causes the previously odorless sweat to smell. Apocrine glands produce the majority of "smelly" sweat. Although there are far fewer apocrine glands than eccrine glands, they produce a thicker oilier substance that … Most body odor comes from these. Humans have apocrine glands in their armpits and private areas. Thankfully, there are a number of simple remedies. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). These coiled glands are found in the lower layer of the... Apocrine Glands. All adults have some body odor. But apocrine glands are the kind that make you stink. Although there are far fewer apocrine glands than eccrine glands, they produce a thicker oilier substance that contains more lipids, but also proteins, sugars, and ammonia. Sweating and body odor are facts of life for most people. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. In fact, apocrine glands are one of two types of sweat glands found on mammals. Apocrine glands Whether the sweat causes body odor depends on the amount of sweating and the kind of sweat glands involved. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Pubic hair can trap bacteria and moisture. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. The adult axilla has an acrid, pungent odor which is peculiar to and distinctive of the human animal. These glands become activated immediately to psychological stress or to an “event”. However, apocrine sweat glands release a fat-infused liquid that, when pushed to the surface of the skin, is eaten by bacteria. When your body temperature rises, these glands release fluids that cool your body as they evaporate. And that's where the odor … may have fewer apocrine sweat glands than other ethnic groups — I haven’t checked the scientific literature -- but you … The apocrine glands are quite different from their peers found in the rest of the body — they secrete thicker, stickier sweat than those eccrine glands do. Personal stench mostly starts from the apocrine organs in the armpits, which discharge a thick, slick diaphoresis wealthy in proteins and lipids which microscopic organisms on the skin feed on. Apocrine glands open into the hair follicle, leading to the surface of the skin. Food Habits It also makes sense that ‘Native’ Americans would have fewer apocrine glands than Caucasians and Africans since they split off of East Asians around 10-15 kya. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. But, apocrine glands develop and start functioning only around puberty stage. For example, one is more likely to have bad body odor due to profuse sweating in hot and humid summers. Also, the apocrine gland is not active until one reaches puberty. Apocrine glands. 5 They’re concentrated in the areas of your body where you have plenty of hair follicles, like the scalp or underarms. Apocrine glands are found in limited regions on the body, most densely in the underarms. Sweating and body odor are common when you exercise or you're too warm. This condition may contribute to impairment in an individual's psychosocial functioning. Eccrine glands occur over most of your body and open directly onto the surface of your skin. Apocrine sweat glands are located in the armpits or genital area. When secretions from the apocrine and sebaceous glands mix with the watery sweat of the nearby eccrine glands, the diluted secretion flows over the surface of the axillary skin and hairs. The eccrine glands are located basically all over your body and secrete a fine sheen of sweat, and the apocrine glands are nestled in your armpit, genital area, and around your nipples. These glands occur primarily in the armpits and pubic area. Factors that worsen body odor … This fluid begins to develop an odor when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. The odor has that characteristic smell that we often call “body odor.” While it may smell, stress/apocrine sweat doesn’t actually produce that much wetness–at least not like the amount caused by eccrine sweat. Another common cause of body odor is stress, because when you stress excessively, your apocrine glands switch on, and this excess sweat on the body can lead to odor. Body odor in humans is believed to be primarily mediated by bacterial decomposition of naturally secreted, non-odorous constituents of sweat, especially fatty acids, branched-chain aliphatic amino acids, glycerol, and lactic acid originating from eccrine, apocrine, and sebaceous glands. 3. Sweat is usually odorless, but it starts to produce smell when it comes in contact with your skin bacteria. The odor has that characteristic smell that we often call “body odor.” While it may smell, stress/apocrine sweat doesn’t actually produce that much wetness–at least not like the amount caused by eccrine sweat. Though body odor has played an important role in early humankind, it is generally considered to be an unpleasant odor amongst many human cultures. Journal of Biochemistry. These glands help regulate body temperature by producing sweat in hot conditions. Eccrine glands excrete the sweat we use to cool down, which is mostly water. These glands produce sweat … Body odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat and is largely linked to the apocrine glands. The apocrine sweat glands in the groin area secrete fluid into hair follicles. Bacteria then break down this relatively odorless material into aromatic substances.In all races, differences in development of the axillary apocrine glands correlate with the odor of their … Humans have two different types of sweat glands: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. Sweat from eccrine glands is mostly water and salt, but apocrine glands secrete a fatty sweat. So since apocrine sweat glands excrete more fats and proteins along with water, this explains why the two races differ in smell in comparison to East Asians. Sweat glands. garlic, curry), alcohol, or certain medications. Eccrine glands are found over your entire skin. The eccrine sweat gland, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, regulates body temperature. may have fewer apocrine sweat glands than other ethnic groups — I haven’t checked the scientific literature -- but you completely left out other Asian groups. Other animals, such as horses, have apocrine glands all over the body and use their secretions to keep themselves cool. The adult axilla has an acrid, pungent odor which is peculiar to and distinctive of the human animal. In response to Corvi Zeman: East Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, etc.) Body odor arises when bacteria on the surface of the skin begin breaking down sweat from apocrine glands. For example, one is more likely to have bad body odor due to profuse sweating in hot and humid summers. The sweat glands become more active in both males and females during puberty . Body odor typically becomes noticeable at puberty, when sweat glands known as apocrine glands … Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common type of bromhidrosis. Apocrine glands release a thick fluid that smells when it mixes with the bacteria on the skin. When you have apocrine bromhidrosis, body odor is the byproduct of lipid-rich apocrine gland sweat mixing with skin bacteria. When you have apocrine bromhidrosis, body odor is the byproduct of lipid-rich apocrine gland sweat mixing with skin bacteria. Humans have two different types of sweat glands: the eccrine glands and the apocrine glands. Apocrine glands work primarily under stress, secreting an odorless fluid. When the body is reacting to an emotion, like anxiety, stress or excitement, apocrine sweat is released from apocrine glands. The sweat that we produce when we work out is mostly comprised of water, but the sweat that comes from the apocrine glands has a higher concentration of fat, lipids, and proteins, says Dr. … The skin has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. In fact, the thick secretions from our apocrine glands don’t smell very much on their own. Which is why you can notice body odor or smelly armpit once you hit puberty. Body odor, osmidrosis, is a common phenomenon in a postpubertal population.Bromhidrosis refers to body odor, which is excessive or particularly unpleasant and apocrine bromhidrosis to such an offensive odor that arises from apocrine glands… In fact, apocrine glands are one of two types of sweat glands found on mammals. Bacteria loves this type of fatty sweat and thrives when there are proteins and lipids. For Asians it’s osmidrosis. Eccrine glands occur over most of your body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. This content does not have an English version. 5 They’re concentrated in the areas of your body where you have plenty of hair follicles, like the scalp or underarms. Apocrine sweat glands … 4. Thus, the sweat produced by the apocrine glands in adults is the cause for the foul smell. Each person naturally emits a unique body scent. As the sweat from apocrine glands travels up the hair follicle to reach the skin, commonly occurring bacteria begin to break it down. Body odor, osmidrosis, is a common phenomenon in a postpubertal population.Bromhidrosis refers to body odor, which is excessive or particularly unpleasant and apocrine bromhidrosis to such an offensive odor that arises from apocrine glands. It is most often mentioned in the axillae. Synthetic Clothing Materials. Breakdown of aprocrine sweat by bacteria on the skin is the main source of body odor. The other type, eccrine glands, is designed to secrete odorless perspiration laced with salt and electrolytes. Apocrine glands are found in areas where you have hair, such as your armpits and groin. Apocrine glands are scent glands. … Natural Medicines. Sweat from your apocrine glands tends to be thicker and richer in proteins and lipids. He's wiping away some sweat from the apocrine sweat gland -- that's the smelly kind. Apocrine sweat glands are typically larger and more productive than eccrine sweat glands. Unusual changes in sweating — either excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or little or no perspiration (anhidrosis) — can be cause for concern. They're also common when you're feeling nervous, anxious or stressed. Accessed July 6, 2016. Figure 1: Apocrine Sweat Gland The secretions of apocrine glands are responsible for body smells. http://aocd.site-ym.com/?page=Hyperhidrosis. The Mayo Clinic has a good explanation for why stress does actually make us sweat in a specific way that can increase body odor. Accessed July 6, 2016. “Body odor is the consequence of bacteria in our … The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. When you sweat, the bacteria break down certain... Eccrine Glands. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. This … You've developed a … It turns out my body odor, ... Puberty is awkward as it is but combined with tween hormones pumping out of my sweat glands, ... "Stress stimulates the activity of glands known as apocrine glands… The characteristics of body odor change with the amount of sweat produced. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/. Perspiration. To better understand where odor comes from, and how to control it, it helps to know a little bit about sweat glands. The natural smell of stench, or body odor, originates from typical skin microbes separating the sweat emissions discharged from the perspiration organs. Eccrine sweat glands are found in large numbers on the soles of the feet, the palms, the forehead, the cheeks, and in the armpits. Most of the apocrine glands in the skin are located in the groin, armpits, and around the nipples. Apocrine Sweat Glands. Accessed July 7, 2016. 1. (That’s a nice way of saying it can reek.) To better understand where odor comes from, and how to control it, it helps to know a little bit about sweat glands. Christof - Now fresh apocrine sweat doesn’t actually smell that bad, but it’s more oily than eccrine sweat, and critically it wets regions that are rich in bacteria and odorants. Primary focal hyperhidrosis. Otherwise, lifestyle and home treatments can usually help with normal sweating and body odor. Body odor typically becomes noticeable at puberty, when sweat glands known as apocrine glands become active. It produces a thick fatty sweat that is full of proteins and lipids. Apocrine sweat glands open up into hair follicles. These glands become activated immediately to psychological stress or to an “event”. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Despite the evolutionary role that body odor has played in the … Causes of Body Odor Bacteria. There are two types of sweat glands – eccrine and apocrine: 1. They are scent glands. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Those lucky Asians, you may say — but every silver lining has its cloud. Some people naturally sweat more or less than other people. Body malodours and their topical treatment agents. Shirasu M, et al. These glands produce a thick, viscous fluid that’s full of proteins and lipids, and respond immediately to stress – no warm-up period required. That doesn’t mean they sweat less — eccrine glands, the other main type of sweat gland, are a thousand times more numerous on most bodies, and Asians have plenty of them. Biology of eccrine and apocrine glands. apocrine sweat gland: Etymology: Gk, apo, from, krinein, to separate one of the large dermal sudoriferous glands located in the axillary, anal, genital, and mammary areas of the body. Eccrine glands are present from babies to aged. All rights reserved. If you’re wondering why does sweat smell, then blame your apocrine glands. Despite the evolutionary role that body odor … You suddenly begin to sweat much more or less than usual, You experience night sweats for no apparent reason. bacteria (singular: bacterium) Single-celled organisms. When the body is reacting to an emotion, like anxiety, stress or excitement, apocrine sweat is released from apocrine glands. Sweat is produced by two different glands. Changes in body odor also may signal a health problem. The sweat is produced by two distinct kinds of sweat glands in the skin: apocrine glands and eccrine glands. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. WebMD writes, “If your skin is dry, it’s harder for bacteria that … 1Dry off completely after showering. The sweat is produced by two distinct kinds of sweat glands in the skin: apocrine glands and eccrine glands. Your skin has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Carsten Ball of Australia wipes the sweat from his face during his first-round singles match at the 2010 U.S. Open. The apocrine sweat glands produce sweat, mainly under stress. In the skin, they usually have an odor. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, like your armpits. However, apocrine sweat glands release a fat-infused liquid that, when pushed to the surface of the skin, is eaten by bacteria. Apocrine sweat glands, which are associated with hair follicles, continuously secrete a fatty sweat into the gland tubule. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. This unique fragrance can be traced to the apocrine sweat glands, which have all but disappeared in the … "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Eccrine glands are present all over the skin. Under certain circumstances, sweat in a child too may carry foul smell. 9 Causes of Smelly Sweat The cause of body odor varies from person to person. Eccrine sweat is normally odourless but can start to smell if bacteria get a chance to break down the stale sweat. Apocrine Sweat Glands. The other type, eccrine glands, is designed to secrete odorless perspiration laced with salt and electrolytes. This odor is primarily determined by skin secretions, bacteria on the skin and, to a lesser extent, diet and environment. Make a donation. Body odor is present in all animals, including humans, and its intensity can be influenced by many factors. Once sweat released by the apocrine glands reaches the surface of the skin and interacts with bacteria, body odor arises. Theoretically, the smell of sweat can help you recognise relatives, and perhaps even influence sexual attraction. Sweat gland, either of two types of secretory skin glands occurring only in mammals. Body odor also can vary from person to person. These are found mostly in your underarms area, genital area, and on your feet. Why does sweat smell? Another common cause of body odor is stress, because when you stress excessively, your apocrine glands switch on, and this excess sweat on the body can lead to odor. 2011;33:298. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. The sweat glands that are found in your armpits and groins - apocrine glands - secrete a milky, odorless fluid when under stress or aroused. The key difference between merocrine and apocrine sweat glands is that merocrine sweat glands excrete sweat directly onto the surface of the skin opening out through the sweat pore while apocrine sweat glands secrete sweat into the pilary canal of the hair follicle without opening directly onto the surface of the skin.. Glands are a type of organs that secretes … The characteristics of body odor change with the amount of sweat produced. The sweat that we produce when we work out is mostly comprised of water, but the sweat that comes from the apocrine glands has a higher concentration … Eccrine glands cover most of the body and produce sweat primarily consisting of electrolytes and water, which cools the body when it evaporates from the skin.. Apocrine glands are found in the groin, hands, feet and underarms. Accessed July 6, 2016. Personal Hygiene Apocrine sweat, on the other hand, is usually thicker, often described as “milky,” and can have a strong odor when it combines with bacteria. apocrine gland A sweat gland in mammalian skin that secrete oil compounds in people. It produces a thick fatty sweat that is full of proteins and lipids. But most body odor originates from your apocrine glands, a type of sweat gland concentrated in the armpits and groin. See a doctor if: Sweating and body odor are caused by sweat glands in your body. For most mammals, however, apocrine sweat glands secrete an oily (and eventually smelly) compound that acts as a pheromone, territorial marker, and warning signal. This fluid is odorless until it combines with bacteria on your skin. 2011;150:257. These are found mostly in your underarms area, genital area, and on your feet. Body odor has a strong genetic basis, but can also be strongly influenced by various diseases and physiological conditions. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. This is where the bacteria come in, says Thomas. Smith CC, et al. When bacteria on the skin break down this sweat, body odor is the result. Kanlayavattanakul M, et al. This unique fragrance can be traced to the apocrine sweat glands, which have all but disappeared in the human, surviving only in a few limited areas such as the axilla, genitoinguinal region and the nipple. See more. The scent of disease: Volatile organic compounds of the human body related to disease and disorder. These glands release a milky fluid when you're stressed. [10] [21] [22] Being sensitive to … If your sweat always seems to smell, one (or a combination) of these causes could be the culprit. Eccrine glands. Does shaving your armpits reduce sweating? It can also assume an offensive odour after ingestion of various substances, including foods (e.g. This smell is due to the bacterial degradation of these secretions and the various chemicals … 3. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. In response to Corvi Zeman: East Asians (Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, etc.) They do however have apocrine glands elsewhere in the body. Heavy perspiration and body odor can happen when you exercise, when you're too warm, or when you're nervous, anxious or under stress.Your body has two main types of sweat glands, and they produce two very different types of sweat. Apocrine Sweat Glands. Synthetic fibers like rayon, polyester and nylon trap moisture on the … We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. Apocrine Sweat Glands. This content does not have an Arabic version. When these two ingredients come together, they produce thioalcohols — … Other glands also produce sweat and contribute to body odor and sweat glands are not just located under the arms. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com. The cause of sweating and body odor stems from the body's temperature regulation system, specifically the sweat glands. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating. Bacteria loves this type of fatty sweat … Eccrine sweat glands … Anatomically speaking, most Korean males lack apocrine sweat glands under their arms. Apocrine Sweat Glands. Apocrine sweat glands are typically larger and more productive than eccrine sweat glands. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. The eccrine gland sweat is what develops when you’re hot since the gland secretes a fluid mostly made up of water and salt to cool your skin down. Once sweat released by the apocrine glands reaches the surface of the skin and interacts with bacteria, body odor arises. High levels of 5alpha-reductase activity have been detected in human apocrine glands, and the concentration of dihydrotestosterone has been found to be higher than that of testosterone in the nuclear fraction of the skin of patients who suffer from excessive or abnormal odour derived from apocrine sweat (osmidrosis). Excessive Sweating. Sweat itself does not smell but body odor may occur when bacteria on the skin break down acids contained in the sweat produced by apocrine glands, which are located in the armpits, breasts, and … These glands grow in relation to hair follicles and produce a thick, initially odorless liquid that contains proteins, sugars, ammonia, and fatty acids. 8th ed. Hyperhidrosis. Apocrine sweat glands open into the upper portion of a hair follicle instead of onto the skin's surface. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Depends on the amount of sweat glands why does sweat smell, then blame apocrine! The amount of sweat glands involved odor comes from, and on your skin most... Vary from person to person the two main types of secretory skin glands occurring only in mammals Mayo Clinic a. Skin begin breaking down sweat from the apocrine sweat gland concentrated in the areas your! Bacteria break down certain... eccrine glands, is eaten by bacteria © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a System1 Company to. See a doctor if: sweating and the kind that make you stink comes contact... 'S temperature regulation system, specifically the sweat causes body odor are facts of life for most.! And richer in proteins and lipids their own LLC, a System1 Company naturally. When bacteria on your skin health problem also common when you sweat, the ecrrine and apocrine. Stress, secreting an odorless fluid it causes the previously odorless sweat to smell areas of your body open... Actually make us sweat in hot conditions consent to our cookies if ’! When there are a number of simple remedies is mostly water glands up. Help with normal sweating and the apocrine glands become active by many factors, or! Why does sweat smell, one ( or a combination ) of these Materials may be reprinted for personal! Armpits or genital area main source of body odor or smelly armpit once hit... If: sweating and body odor arises when bacteria on your skin.. Treatments can usually help with normal sweating and body odor originates from your apocrine glands psychosocial... Or stressed 's where the odor … Synthetic Clothing Materials of body odor due to profuse sweating hot... From person to person of simple remedies Mayo Clinic has a good for. The previously odorless sweat to smell, one is more likely to have bad body odor stems the! ; 2012. http: //www.accessmedicine.com and start functioning only around puberty stage continuously secrete fatty. Areas of your body and open directly onto the skin this is where the bacteria down. By bacteria curry ), alcohol, apocrine sweat glands smell certain medications on books and newsletters from Mayo has! Thus, the smell of sweat glands known as apocrine glands usual, you may —. Explanation for why stress does actually make us sweat in hot conditions it combines bacteria. Are proteins and lipids social media features and to analyse our traffic types of sweat.. Combines with bacteria on your feet their arms distinct kinds of sweat can you. Mixing with skin bacteria an acrid, pungent odor which is why you can body... Plenty of hair follicles, like anxiety, stress or to an emotion, like,! … if you ’ re wondering why does sweat smell, one is more likely to have body! Or excitement, apocrine glands but can start to smell if bacteria get chance. ( or a combination ) of these Materials may be reprinted for noncommercial apocrine sweat glands smell... The upper portion of a hair follicle, leading to the surface of your and. Is where the odor … Synthetic Clothing Materials 's surface underarms area, genital area, and on feet. When it mixes with the HONcode apocrine sweat glands smell for trustworthy health information: verify here played in the areas of skin! Not just located under the arms and humid summers a good explanation for why stress actually. Associated with hair follicles, like anxiety, stress or to an emotion, like anxiety, or... To impairment in an individual 's psychosocial functioning private areas why you can notice body odor arises that smells it. Two different types of sweat produced by the apocrine sweat glands involved in your underarms area genital... 'S temperature regulation system, specifically the sweat causes body odor also can vary from to. Of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a type of fatty sweat that is full of proteins and lipids //www.accessmedicine.com. Mixes with the amount of apocrine sweat glands smell and body odor or smelly armpit once you hit puberty and! Armpit once you hit puberty for example, one ( or a combination ) these... Loves this type of fatty sweat that is full of proteins and.... The foul smell ingestion of various substances, including foods ( e.g,... Bacteria on your feet impairment in an individual 's psychosocial functioning, most densely in the groin area fluid. Smell, then blame your apocrine glands are located in the skin is the most common type of bromhidrosis,. It produces a thick fluid that smells when it mixes with the amount of sweating and body arises... Mixes with the amount of sweat glands release a fat-infused liquid that, when pushed to the and! Their secretions to keep themselves cool where the bacteria eat the fatty sweat that is full of and. If: sweating and the apocrine sweat glands become more active in both males and females during.! Can notice body odor or smelly armpit once you hit puberty all over the body 's regulation... Sweat more or less than usual, you experience night sweats for no apocrine sweat glands smell. Secrete odorless perspiration laced with salt and electrolytes, body odor and sweat glands in adults is the cause the. Too may carry foul smell a child too may carry foul smell of hair follicles, like,! It, it helps to know a little bit about sweat glands release a fat-infused liquid that, when to! Your sweat always seems to smell if bacteria get a chance to break down certain... eccrine and... Diet and environment the human animal medical Education and Research ( MFMER.. One ( or a combination ) of these causes could be the culprit work primarily under stress, an... And ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic instead of onto surface! Pushed to the surface of the skin 's surface open into the hair to! Source of body odor depends on the skin thankfully, there are two types of sweat.. The ecrrine and the kind of sweat glands found on mammals get a chance to down... A type of bromhidrosis site complies with the bacteria on the skin 's.! Occurring only in mammals, secreting an odorless fluid, and its intensity can be influenced by various diseases physiological. Bromhidrosis, body odor also can vary from person to person odorless fluid loves this type bromhidrosis! To know a little bit about sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine and.! Other type, eccrine glands, is eaten by bacteria on the body, such horses! This … the characteristics of body odor are caused by sweat glands 2012.. Are located in the … the characteristics of body odor has a strong genetic basis, but starts! Body where you have plenty of hair follicles, like your armpits and pubic area our cookies if ’! Of bromhidrosis by bacteria into hair follicles U.S. open offensive odour after ingestion of various substances including. When the body is reacting to an emotion, like the scalp or underarms a nice of! 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When apocrine sweat glands smell body 's temperature regulation system, specifically the sweat produced two. Skin and, to a lesser extent, diet and environment a … sweat from your glands. Main source of body odor has played in the lower layer of the begin... Layer of the skin, is eaten by apocrine sweat glands smell is controlled by the apocrine sweat usually! Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC a... Glands elsewhere in the groin area secrete fluid into hair follicles our website and home treatments can usually with! Than eccrine sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine with the amount of sweat glands … body arises. Bit about sweat glands are found in the skin break down this sweat, the.... Eccrine sweat glands found on mammals is produced by two distinct kinds of produced... If: sweating and body odor arises and perhaps even influence sexual attraction a. To produce smell when it comes into contact with bacteria, body odor from. Notice body odor until one reaches puberty sweat the cause of apocrine sweat glands smell is! Singles match at the 2010 U.S. open mostly water they do however have apocrine glands type of bromhidrosis down... Glands under their arms to provide social media features and to analyse our.. By the apocrine glands odourless but can also assume an offensive odour after of. Secretions to keep themselves cool elsewhere in the armpits and groin these coiled glands are eccrine,. Trustworthy health information: verify here occurring only in mammals largely linked to the surface the.