Izzadás

izzadás (sweating) is the body's production of perspiration through sweat glands. It is a normal, essential process for cooling the body and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.

Sweat is produced mainly by eccrine glands, which are distributed across the skin and respond to heat, exercise, and increased body temperature. Apocrine glands, concentrated in the armpits and groin, contribute to body odor when their secretions are broken down by bacteria.

Most sweat is water with small amounts of salts, urea, and lactate. Sweat itself is usually odorless; odor arises from bacterial breakdown of sweat components, especially in apocrine-rich areas.

Abnormal sweating can indicate a medical condition. Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating beyond need, and is estimated to affect up to 2-3% of people, often in the hands, feet, underarms, or face. Anhidrosis is reduced or absent sweating, which can be dangerous in hot environments. Causes include genetics, infections, hormonal changes, medications, and neurological or endocrine disorders.

Management depends on severity and cause. Common measures include antiperspirants containing aluminum salts, lifestyle adjustments, and, for persistent cases, medical treatments such as botulinum toxin injections, iontophoresis, oral medications, or surgical procedures in severe instances.