68Reports and Surveys Nano-technology, science of the tiny, has opened new possibilities of in- corporating the silver into fabrics under the form of unperceivable nano- particles Our skin is the interface between the body and the environ- ment. Each skin type has a specific physiology, being more or less adapted for protection against multiple stress factors.Texti- les, which are the elements that have the most contact with human skin, play a paramount role in the state of our dermis, with a direct impact on bacterial and fungal infections, such as atopic dermatitis, hyperhidrosis, and in diabetic patients and aged skin. Antimicrobial fabrics, guarantee of the comfort and image for the workwear Silver is the quintessential bio- cide, although there are alternati- ves aimed at optimizing the management of body sweat Manuel Domene Working clothes, and within it especially corporate image, are segments demanding a high standard of comfort, functionality and image. On the other hand, working is an exercise that consumes energy, generating heat and sweat as a physiologi- cal response for cooling.The question is obvious: how can we balance work with the comfort, cleanliness, functionality and aesthetics of the work clothes? Undoubtedly one of the options is antimicrobial fabrics.Tis- sues that favor ventilation and drainage of sweat are also good choices. In practice, the most demanding clothing is often a combination of both solutions (good ventilation and germicidal properties). The emergence of nano-textiles promotes new develop- ments that open however the environmental debate (Is really nano-weaving a “green” technology or simply we have a tech- nology that is still green in their maturation process?). Among the external heat generators, we must emphasize envi- ronmental conditions such as high temperature or humidity, re- asons related to professional identity, as the uniform or protective devices and, finally, exposure to external heat sour- ces such as sun exposure or working in a hot environment (kitchen of a hotel, for example). Sweat and metabolism Sweating is a physiological function to be managed. For sweat management we understand the ability of a fabric to transfer sweat and water vapor from the skin to the atmosphere (heat exchange). When a person does physical activity, heat is produced inside the body. When the temperature exceeds 37° C, the body loses heat to the skin, which is colder than the rest of the body for being in contact with the outside air.The second reaction of the exercise is the production of sweat.When sweat evapo- rates from the skin, it consumes energy under the form of heat, cooling the skin and making the cooling process more ef- ficient yet.A person who performs an intense exercise in hot weather, may sweat 1.5 liters per hour. If vasodilatation and sweating didn’t work body temperature would rise sharply, causing certain death. In addition, evidence suggests that, as the basal temperature increases, people tend to commit more errors (45% of erroneous decisions with a body temperature of 39° C). In the next section we will see a sweating disorder that turns a physiological need into a psycho-aesthetic problem. The problem of hyperhidrosis Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which a person swe- ats excessively and unpredictably. Sufferers of hyperhidrosis may sweat even when the temperature is cool or when they are at rest. It has been classified as a rare disease that is caused by fai- lure of the sympathetic nervous system, causing the body to produce more sweat than needed to regulate body tempe- rature. Many people with this disease feel affected in their quality of life and experience a loss of control over it, since perspiration occurs independently of temperature and emo- tional state.This disorder usually begins in childhood or pu- berty, and usually, if untreated, lasts forever. It is estimated that 1% of the population has primary hyperhidrosis, which affects equally to men and women. The source regions of hyper-sweating may be face-head, un- derarms, back, palms and soles of the feet.The uncontrolla- JOBWEAR 61 2o TRIMESTRE 2012