Sweating
Understanding Sweating
Sweating is a bodily process that occurs when the body releases moisture from the sweat glands. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself off, as the sweat evaporates it helps regulate your body temperature. Sweating is a normal part of your body’s response to heat, physical activity, stress, emotions, and other environmental factors.
Sweating is necessary for your body to function properly, but too much sweating can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing. Excessive sweating is also known as hyperhidrosis and is surprisingly common, affecting up to 3-percent of the population.
Types of Sweating
Sweating can be broken down into two categories, primary and secondary.
Primary: Primary sweating, also known as focal hyperhidrosis, affects specific areas of the body like the arms, hands, feet, and armpits. This type of sweating is usually caused by genetics and can start in childhood or young adulthood.
Secondary: Secondary sweating, also known as generalized hyperhidrosis, affects the whole body. This type of sweating is a symptom of an underlying condition like an infection, endocrine disorder, or neurological condition.
Causes of Excessive Sweating
In addition to genetics and underlying medical conditions, there are several other common causes of excessive sweating including:
- Stress and Anxiety
- Hormones
- Medication
- Spicy Foods
- Caffeine
- Alcohol Consumption
- Smoking
- Diseases or Disorders
Treatment for Excessive Sweating
Treatment options for excessive sweating depend on the cause. Common treatments for primary and secondary hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, medications, and even surgical procedures. In some cases, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage excessive sweating.
It’s important to seek medical help if you’re experiencing excessive sweating in order to figure out the cause and the best course of treatment.