Butt Sweat: Everything You Need To Know
We don't like to talk about sweat very much. It is seen as a disgusting bodily function, and we spend countless dollars each year to prevent it. Still, we all sweat, and we often do so from all areas of the body. In the height of summer, you might find little patches of sweat in your underwear from butt sweat. This can be embarrassing if it ends up seeping through pants and shorts. So, what is going on here? What is butt sweat, why does it happen, and what can we do about it?
What Causes Butt Sweat?
There are four main causes of butt sweat - some you have control over, and others you don't.
1) Butt sweat is inevitable on hot days due to the distribution of sweat glands.
2) Butt sweat can occur due to a genetic predisposition.
3) Butt sweat may be the result of hormonal imbalances
4) Butt sweat is more common in those that are overweight.
While we can't control the fact that we have sweat glands or any genetic predispositions, we can control the way we handle sweating in hot conditions and do something about our weight.
The sweat glands around the butt are eccrine glands. These produce fluid to help regulate body temperature by cooling the skin. They exist right across the body and explain why you sweat in weird places in a heatwave or after intense physical activity, like sex. There are other glands called apocrine glands that sweat more freely to excrete water, proteins, and lipids. These are found in more select areas and include those in the armpits.
Thankfully, the nature of these eccrine sweat glands means that the moisture shouldn't start to smell in the same way as body odor from armpits. That bad smell comes from a different gland called. Of course, there is the risk of other bad smells from that area, but that's another matter.
This is why the term swamp ass is so unfortunate. It makes it sound like there is a vile stench or that you're going to find scary creatures lurking in there. It isn't that bad, and we should normalize butt sweat more.
Is It Normal To Sweat From Your Bum?
Yes, the good news is that it is perfectly normal to sweat from your bum, especially in high temperatures during the summer. We sweat from pretty much everywhere else on the body when dealing with heat waves and excessive physical activity, particularly when wearing unsuitable clothing. The warm crevice of the butt crack is the perfect place for sweat to develop.
Just because this is normal, that doesn't make it welcome. We all want to avoid the problem as best we can so no one else knows about it. So, what can we do to prevent butt sweat?
How To Prevent Butt Sweat.
There are a few different things that we can do to prevent butt sweat from developing or a least from getting noticeably bad. Try out these tips in the future and see if they make a difference.
1) Practice good hygiene standards.
It might sound a little personal to ask how well you clean your butt, but it is an important question. It is one thing to wipe properly after every visit to the toilet, but it is a whole other matter to maintain a clean and hygienic butt. You need to make sure the area around the anus and the butt cheeks are clean, and there isn't a risk of further irritation. Pay attention to this area when in the shower.
2) Trim down there.
Again, we're getting a little personal here, but it is important. Body hair is a problem in areas that sweat a lot. It stops the sweat from getting away from the skin, which can lead to prolonged dampness and potential rashes. This is why it is better to trim or shave armpit hair if you do a lot of physical activity. Butt hair is different, but most of us have some naturally growing down there. Hair removal treatments can help make things more comfortable. You can be cautious with a razor, try a safe cream, or opt for waxing or laser treatment if you are brave.
3) Baby Powder.
Parents have used baby powder on their children for decades. It is the perfect way to absorb any excess moisture after a diaper change and to make the area a lot more comfortable for the baby. There is no reason why we can't do the same ourselves. The powder helps to deal with the sweat for long enough that we don't have to worry about uncomfortable pools seeping through underwear. Just remember not to use too much, or else it could start clumping and getting streaky.
4) Think about what you are wearing.
Then there are the outfit choices. You can make a big difference to the amount you sweat from your butt and the impact on your appearance by altering your wardrobe. You are less likely to develop a build-up of butt sweat if you have looser breathable clothing on. That means avoiding tight jeans or synthetic pants in the height of summer and going for cotton and linen instead. The same goes for your underwear. It is better to have breathable fabrics that can wick the water away than something that lets it fester in a pool.
5) Don't sit for too long.
This one can sound a little counterproductive. Sweat often builds up when we are active, so why would we want to get up and walk around when inside on hot days. Well, getting up from your seat makes it easier for those breathable fabrics to do their job. You can cool down the area more easily. You also aren't left sitting in the sweat pool and running the risk of further irritation.
How To Treat Butt Sweat
Even with the best preventative measures, there are sure to be times when the sweat continues to develop and becomes an issue. You can handle the issue of potential embarrassment with a change of underwear. This also helps with personal hygiene to stop bacteria from building up in your damp underwear. But, that isn't going to remove the sweat entirely.
It is a good idea to head to the restroom and dry off regularly. Take a paper towel and pat the area dry. Don't rub it, as this only increases the risk of irritation and rashes.
Also, if you do end up with some irritation and itching from a day spent in damp sweaty underwear, you can use some natural moisturizer and maybe some Aloe Vera. Let it sink into the cheeks, and be careful around the anus.
What Not To Do
It is just as important to understand what not to do when dealing with butt sweat. The last thing you want to do is make the situation worse or cause secondary issues.
A common mistake is applying deodorant to the area to handle the problem. This is only going to make the problem worse. Anti-per spirants are great for stopping the release of sweat, while deodorants handle the odor. This means the formula wouldn't be so effective down there. On top of that, there is the risk of the sticky substance clogging up pores and irritating the skin due to excessive chemicals from artificial fragrances. There is also the small matter of getting in a position to spray your butt crack. You certainly don't want to use the same roll-on your use on your armpits.
When To Talk To A Doctor
Right now, the issue of butt sweat may be more an embarrassment than any sort of medical issue. However, you might want to consult a doctor if the situation gets any worst. If you notice any of the following, see medical advice.
- excessive sweating outside of the conditions mentioned.
- redness or soreness around the buttocks in the crack
- itchiness.
It is important to understand the cause of these secondary issues so that you can get appropriate treatment. Redness or itchiness could indicate a rash or an infection in need of antibiotics or a cream. Excessive sweating could be a symptom of hyperhidrosis from another medical condition. These include,
- diabetes
- thyroid problems
- nervous system disorders
- menopause.
It is best to get things checked out if the problem persists or becomes difficult to manage. Don't worry about it getting embarrassing as doctors have seen much worse.
Conclusion
We can't wave a magic wand and stop our butts from producing sweat. That liquid has its benefits, even if the wet patches get embarrassing. The good news is that with these preventative measures and the right hygienic treatment options, it doesn't have to be a major problem. Think about what you wear when the weather gets too hot, maintain a good hygiene regimen, and avoid deodorant. If things get worse, seek medical advice.
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