When the body heats up, it looks for a way to cool down. He does this by sweating. And sweat isn’t just limited to the armpits, it also builds up in sensitive areas like the groin, butt and breasts. Find out from an expert here how you can prevent chest sweat and why you should do it.
Why do we sweat?
“Sweating is a vital and natural process to regulate body temperature. As soon as the outside temperature rises or the body heats up, the nerve cells send an alarm signal to the brain to activate the sweat glands,” says Dr. medical Dorothea Sadlo, specialist in dermatology and allergology in Düsseldorf. “These immediately begin to produce droplets, which pass through the pores to the surface of the skin as sweat and evaporate. This evaporation then brings regarding the desired cooling effect.” This is also how chest sweat occurs.
Why do you sweat under and between the breasts?
“First of all, it has to be said that chest sweat, also known as boob sweat, is a completely normal physical reaction,” says Dr. Sadlo. “Due to the natural anatomy of the breast, there is a skin fold between the breast and the upper body. Since the air cannot circulate sufficiently here, heat build-up and excessive moisture develop. This can also be difficult to dry due to the skin fold and thus promotes unpleasant odors, skin irritation and chafing. So, specifically, chafing is caused by moisture and rubbing (friction), with the areas between and under the breasts being the most common areas for chafed, sore skin.” Women with large breasts sweat more under the breast than others and are more likely to suffer from irritated skin , because the larger the contact surface below the breasts on the skin, the more accumulated heat is generated.
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Is there a smell of sweat underneath the breasts?
“The smell of sweat is not caused by the sweat alone, but by the germs that decompose the sweat,” says Dr. Sadlo. “You can prevent odor build-up by cleansing skin with gentle, antibacterial solutions. The over-the-counter products Tricolosan or Octenisept, for example, are suitable for this and thus also prevent yeast fungi.”
Why do I sweat on my chest, especially at night?
“The torso with the chest and neck is a body region that is particularly sensitive to heat. It reacts with perspiration to high temperatures as well as to nervousness or fever. Accordingly, the so-called night sweats can also show up on the chest and neck in particular,” explains Dr. Sadlo.
Why should you prevent breast sweating?
“Perspiration leads to dehydration, which weakens the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to disease. Especially under the breasts, increased perspiration can lead to intertrigo, a common form of dermatitis. This irritation affects intertriginous areas of the body, i.e. areas where opposite skin surfaces touch, such as in the groin and genital area, the armpits and below the breasts,” explains Dr. Sadlo up. “Intertrigo, also known as intertriginous eczema or skin wolf, often leads to fungal and bacterial infections. If you suspect it, you should see your dermatologist. He can prescribe a disinfecting ointment for acute treatment or, depending on the severity, corticosteroid ointments (cortisone ointments). In the case of a fungal infection, appropriate ointments (antimycotics) are also used.”
What to do if you get pimples following sweating on your chest?
Sudden pimple formation should be examined by a dermatologist. It can indicate both a self-healing inflammation of the hair follicles and a fungal infection that requires treatment.
What to do with acute sore spots?
“First of all, the affected area should be cleaned with pH-neutral, mild soap or clear water to free it from bacteria. Now apply a lipid-replenishing, moisturizing ointment, eg with lanolin, or use argan oil. This has been used for centuries to treat skin infections and can relieve chest sweat and skin irritation,” says Dr. Sadlo. “A cold compress can also help to reduce swelling and pain.” In general, avoid harsh, perfumed shower gels so as not to unnecessarily irritate the skin barrier.
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How can you prevent chest sweat?
1. Cotton instead of synthetics
Most bras are made from synthetic materials such as polyester and viscose. These are not breathable, but instead trap heat and moisture. As a result, the sweat cannot evaporate and promotes unpleasant odors and skin irritation. Opt for cotton instead, because this is a naturally breathable fabric that prevents heat build-up. However, it takes a long time to dry. Also, a permeable lace bra, even if it’s synthetic, will trap less moisture and provide a more breathable alternative.
2. Unpadded bras
“Any padding, e.g. in push-up bras, is an additional layer of clothing that ensures even more heat build-up,” says Dr. Sadlo. “The padding is also usually made of synthetic materials, which can trap moisture on the body and increase the risk of skin infections.”
3. Cotton pads for bras
There are special cotton bra pads that are designed to wick moisture away from the skin and prevent irritation. Alternatively, you can also try nursing pads.
4. Sport-BHs
A good sports bra is not only suitable for the gym, but can be worn daily due to its breathable, sweat-wicking and moisture-wicking materials to prevent uncomfortable sweating.
5. More often without a bra
Why don’t you leave the house without a bra once more? You will hardly notice any chest sweat as it evaporates once more immediately. If you’re worried regarding showing your nipples, you can use pasties to cover them up.
6. Airy tops
Fresh, circulating air is the best weapon in the fight once morest sweat. Tight clothing traps heat and moisture, leading to more visible sweat stains and wet patches. Whereas loose, flowing tops and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen encourage airflow and ward off sweat. If you are still afraid of sweat stains, give preference to black fabrics, they are less visible there.
7. Breast deodorant or aluminum-free deodorant
To mask the smell of sweat (deodorization), use an aluminum-free deodorant and apply it under the breasts. But do not use an antiperspirant, as some scientists see a link between the aluminum compounds it contains and breast cancer. However, this has not yet been scientifically confirmed. There are also special breast deodorants, also in powder and cream form, that smell fresh and prevent sweating and chafing.
8. DIY-Deo
You can also use your own Deodorant Make by mixing equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Gently dab it onto your skin with your hands and see if it works for you.
9. Chafing cream
Use special cream sticks to prevent chafing. Incidentally, the stick can also be used for chafing bra straps or for chafing on the inner thighs.
10. Baby pillows
Do you wear Baby pillows to prevent chafing and skin rashes. You can also buy talc-free powders that are specially formulated to stop sweat.
11. Slip-In Layers
Business meeting in midsummer or a party on the roof terrace? Sweat stains have no place there. Play it safe and tuck some panty liners into your bra to wick sweat and prevent staining of your clothes. It is best to use breathable products made from 100 percent cotton. If you don’t have pads handy, you can also use tissues and tuck them into your bra cups.
12. Keep wet wipes handy
Refresh yourself in between with a mild baby wipe or wet wipe and use it to clean the underbust area. Cleaning helps, because sweat only smells when it mixes with bacteria on the skin.
13. Hygiene
Prevent odors and wash your bras regularly.
For excessive sweating
“If your sweating seems excessive and is beginning to interfere with your daily life, you should make an appointment with your dermatologist. You may be showing signs of hyperhidrosis, a disease that is associated with excessive, uncontrollable and thus pathological sweating and which affects around one million people in Germany alone,” advises Dr. Sadlo.
Those
– with expert advice from Frau Dr. Lardspecialist in dermatology and allergology in Düsseldorf
