Dr. Kim Jin-young
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter

Everyone knows that sweat is important for health ― it keeps one's body temperature at a regular level, and prevents skin from drying, amongst other things. However, not everything is good.

No one likes sweating in summer.

In Korea, smelling of sweat is everybody's nightmare. TV commercials for deodorants emphasize how the smell can easily drive people off.

Dr. Kim Jin-young of Arumdaunnara Clinic is one of the pioneers in treating hyperhidrosis and bromidrosis.

Bromidrosis, or body odor, is related to eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. The apocrine gland lets out fatty acids. When sweat is split into fatty acid and ammonium, it produces a strong smell.

Women are more likely to suffer from it, but he says it may refer to the fact that women are more sensitive to their smell. He says those who have more sweat glands in particular parts of the body tend to smell more.

It is the same with hyperdrosis. Those who sweat more when nervous should check up their nervous system. ``Those with more sensitive sympathetic dispositions are more likely to suffer from the symptoms,'' Kim said.

To some people after the sweat dries up, a yellowish patch remains. Some worry whether this is a serious thing ― but it's not. It just shows what kind of salt (salinity) your body makes and has nothing to do with one's health status, Kim says.

Laser therapy is one of the most common techniques used to reduce sweating here. Cutting a small hole in the armpit, the glands are burnt with the laser. After laser therapy, one can return to normal life within two days, Kim said. ``it is not very painful and you can still get rid of 60-70 percent of the glands. You will need a few days to fully recover."

A roller clamp is a type of scissors with saw teeth. By cutting along the armpit, the saw teeth scratch away the glands, and help stop perspiration. ``It is little more painful and you have to wear a pad for two weeks around the shoulder and arm pit, but it can get rid of 90 percent of the symptoms,'' Kim said.

Botox is also on the rise as a new treatment. It is not permanent ― lasts for six months maximum ― and a shot is quite pricey, but Kim said it is also a good way to block perspiring. ``You keep all the glands and don't have to have an operation, which is good,'' Kim said.

Kim said the treatment here is one of the best in the world. ``Because sweat odor is so common in some other countries, they do not think it is a disease,'' he said explaining why Koreans are leading the study.

Kim is a member of the Korean Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery as well as several other academic societies and is also an author of three books on keeping one's beauty.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr


Tips from the Doctor










Many people use deodorants or take a shower often to get rid of the sweat. It works for those with minor symptoms, but not for ``sufferers.’’

"Some medicine such as Driclo blocks the sweat gland temporarily, making people think they do not sweat anymore. However, it is just a temporary measure,’’ he said.

For those who would like to lessen the smell, wear cotton cloths and change when wet.

Try to take a lot of showers and get a hair wax if possible.

Use antibiotic soap.

Do not eat too much greasy food and drink lots of water.