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GlossaryApocrine Glands

secrete thicker sweat in hair-rich areas, causing body odor

Apocrine glands are a type of sweat gland found primarily in areas with abundant hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. Unlike the more common eccrine sweat glands, apocrine glands secrete a thicker, milky fluid that, when broken down by bacteria on the skin, can produce body odor. These glands become active during puberty and are influenced by hormonal changes.

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research Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Markers for Human Eccrine and Apocrine Sweat Glands: An Aid for Histopathologic Differentiation of Sweat Gland Tumors

73 citations , November 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

Markers help differentiate between apocrine and eccrine sweat glands to identify sweat gland tumors.

research Multipotent Nestin-Positive Stem Cells Reside in the Stroma of Human Eccrine and Apocrine Sweat Glands and Can Be Propagated Robustly In Vitro

33 citations , October 2013 in “PloS one”

Human sweat glands have a type of stem cell that can grow well and turn into different cell types.

Apocrine Sweat Gland Obstruction by Antiperspirants Allowing Transdermal Absorption of Cutaneous Generated Hormones and Pheromones as a Link to the Observed Incidence Rates of Breast and Prostate Cancer in the 20th Century

research Apocrine Sweat Gland Obstruction by Antiperspirants Allowing Transdermal Absorption of Cutaneous Generated Hormones and Pheromones as a Link to the Observed Incidence Rates of Breast and Prostate Cancer in the 20th Century

18 citations , March 2009 in “Medical Hypotheses”

The document suggests that blocking sweat glands with antiperspirants might allow skin-generated hormones to be absorbed, possibly increasing breast and prostate cancer risk.

research Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen-4 (SSEA-4) as a Distinguishing Marker Between Eccrine and Apocrine Origin of Ducts of Sweat Glands

3 citations , July 2017 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

SSEA-4 can distinguish between eccrine and apocrine sweat gland ducts.

research Scalp Apocrine Glands: The Neglected Component of the Hair Follicle Complex

December 2025 in “Skin Appendage Disorders”

Scalp apocrine glands may help remove waste and balance electrolytes, but their role is not fully understood.

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community I have hairy legs and arms, and the hair grows 2+ inches long- Can I transplant it all to my head?

in Transplants 442 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the possibility of transplanting leg and arm hair to the scalp for hair loss treatment. Minoxidil is mentioned as a potential aid for hair growth, but concerns about the effectiveness and appearance of body hair on the head are raised.