Do you wipe your hand before every handshake? Does a five-minute workout leave you sopping wet? Sweating at the gym feels great – sweating on a date or at the office… not so much.
In some cases, heavy sweating can be a sign of a medical condition. Excessive sweating, or hyperhidrosis, can be a warning sign of thyroid problems, diabetes or infection. This condition is also more common in people who are overweight or out of shape.
While excessive sweating isn’t medically dangerous, it can disrupt normal daily activities and cause significant emotional and psychological distress, affecting personal and professional relationships. However, the condition is usually treatable.
How much is too much
Sweating is one of the ways we regulate our body temperature. If you sweat more than other people when it’s hot or you’re exerting yourself, that’s usually not a sign of trouble. Some people just sweat more than others.
If you have hyperhidrosis, you may sweat heavily for no reason – when it’s not appropriate to the circumstances. Let’s say that it’s a spring afternoon, you’re not anxious, you don’t have a fever, you’re watching a movie, and you are sopping wet. That’s not normal. Should you see a doctor? Yes, if you have any of these symptoms:
- Night sweats: If you wake up in a cold sweat or find your sheets or pillowcases damp in the morning.
- Generalised sweating: if you’re sweating all over your body, not just from your head, face, underarms, groin, hands or feet.
- Asymmetrical sweating: If you’re noticing that you’re only sweating from one side of your body, like one armpit.
- Sudden changes: If you’re sweating has suddenly gotten worse.
- Late onset: If you develop excessive sweating when you’re middle-aged or older.
- Symptoms after medication changes: Excessive sweating after starting with a new drug.
- Sweating accompanied by other symptoms: fatigue, insomnia, increased thirst, increased urination or cough.
Changing your lifestyle and daily activities can improve symptoms and make you more self-confident.
- Avoid known triggers such as spicy foods or alcohol.
- Upgrade to a prescription-strength antiperspirant.
- Keep cold water nearby. Cold water will regulate your body temperature and keep sweating under control.
- Avoid tight, restrictive clothes and artificial fibres such as nylon or synthetics.
- Wear socks that absorb moisture, and change them twice a day.
- Buy shoes made of leather, canvas or mesh.
- Armpit shields can absorb excessive sweat and protect your clothes.
- Maintain a healthy diet; carrying extra weight can cause excessive sweating.
If you have made lifestyle changes and are still living with excessive and embarrassing sweating, isn’t it time to head off the problem? There are ways to treat hyperhidrosis, so talk to your dermatologist or health care professional about treatments such as iontophoresis, Botox, surgery or medication to stop the sweat glands from kicking in.
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Source: www.webmd.com, www.sweathelp.org, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.mensfitness.com, www.nhs.uk, www.askmen.com
