Excessive Sweating ? See 4 Possible Cause of It

Sweating is an essential body function that helps regulate your internal temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable during hot weather and strenuous activities. The human body functions best with an internal temperature of around 98.6ºF (37ºC), though factors like your age, metabolic rate, and body composition can make what’s ‘normal’ vary from person to person by a degree or two. When your body temperature rises beyond its baseline, your brain triggers sweat glands to release fluid (sweat).

Though sweating is natural in hot weather, during exercise, or when feeling nervous, some people sweat a lot regardless of the weather or activity level. Excessive sweating is called hyperhidrosis—a condition that causes heavy sweating beyond what is considered normal. People with hyperhidrosis have overactive sweat glands and may find their palms, feet, underarms, and other body parts consistently soaked with sweat.

Hyperhidrosis

Here’s what you should know about hyperhidrosis, including symptoms, possible causes, and treatments.

How To Know If You Sweat Too Much

We all know the feeling of beads of sweat forming on our foreheads on a scorching summer day or of sweaty palms when we’re nervous. But for some, sweat is a constant companion no matter what they’re doing. If you question whether your perspiration crosses the line from ordinary to excessive, know you’re not alone. In the United States, over 15 million people live with hyperhidrosis.

Common signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis include:

Sweating without cause: Sweating profusely, even when resting or in cooler temperatures, can be a sign of hyperhidrosis.

1. Drenched clothing: People with hyperhidrosis may change clothing multiple times daily due to sweating.

2. Interference with daily activities: Excessive sweating can disrupt everyday life, making it difficult to hold objects due to sweaty palms or causing social discomfort due to visible sweat marks on clothes.

3. Frequent foot and hand moisture: Persistent wetness in your palms and soles that isn’t proportional to your activity level or temperature could indicate hyperhidrosis.

4. Skin irritation: Excessive sweating can lead to skin irritation, chafing, or fungal infections in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as the armpits, groin, or under the breasts.

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5. Family history: If your family members have a history of excessive sweating, you may be genetically predisposed to hyperhidrosis.6

6. Impact on social life: Hyperhidrosis can impact social activities, and many people with the condition report avoiding shaking hands, raising their arms, or constantly worrying about noticeably sweating

Possible Reasons You Sweat So Much

Experiencing excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be both baffling and distressing. There are two types of hyperhidrosis:

Primary and secondary.

Primary hyperhidrosis involves sweating excessively in one or more areas, such as the soles of the feet, palms, face, groin, or armpits. Primary hyperhidrosis runs in families and often develops in childhood without an apparent cause.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition or occurs due to external factors. Secondary hyperhidrosis usually involves excessive full-body sweating rather than localized areas.

Possible causes of excessive sweating include:

• Endocrine disorders: Conditions that disrupt hormonal balance or cause hormonal fluctuations are linked to hyperhidrosis. Examples include hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, menopause, Graves’ disease, and Cushing’s syndrome.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves can cause excessive sweating. Examples include Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Medications: Some prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause excessive sweating as a side effect, including antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, pain relievers, and allergy and asthma drugs.8
• Lifestyle factors: Caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods can trigger excessive sweating.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Experiencing excessive sweating can range from a mild inconvenience to a disruptive and uncomfortable issue. Consider seeing a healthcare provider for sweating if:

1. Sweating is causing you significant discomfort, embarrassment, or is interfering with your daily activities and social interactions

2. You suddenly start experiencing excessive sweating without an apparent cause or notice changes to your usual sweating patterns (e.g.,

3. Sweating at night or in cooler conditions)

4. You have other symptoms, such as weight loss, heart palpitations, fever, fatigue, or unusual skin changes accompanying excessive sweating

5. You’ve tried self-care strategies to manage your sweating without improvement

Home Remedies and Management

Excessive sweating can be more than just physical discomfort – it can be a frustrating and sometimes embarrassing experience. The following may reduce sweating to help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the day:

Choose breathable fabrics: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking materials. These fabrics allow better airflow and help minimize sweat accumulation.

Limit trigger foods: Spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can stimulate sweat glands. Consider reducing your intake to help reduce sweating

Wear antiperspirant: Antiperspirants help control sweating by temporarily blocking sweat ducts. Apply them to dry skin before bed for better effectiveness.

Stay cool: Avoid hot and humid environments whenever possible. Use fans, air conditioning, or cooling towels to keep your body temperature down.

Practice good foot care: Wearing moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes or sandals can prevent excessive foot sweating and related odors.

Keep hands dry: If you’re prone to sweaty palms, carrying hand wipes or a small towel to dry your hands throughout the day may help.

Finding what works best for you might involve a bit of trial and error, so consider trying several strategies to help you stay dry.

Reviewed by © Egbodo Peter