Most people sweat when exposed to hot temperatures, physical activity, orstress.
Sweating should naturally stop once the body cools down.
However, its possible to experience persistent or excessive sweating that is unnecessary.
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Excessive sweating, known ashyperhidrosis, shows up when the body sweats excessively and unpredictably.
Maskot / Getty Images
What Causes You To Sweat More Than Needed?
The body is designed to sweat to release heat and cool the organs.
It is normal and expected to sweat when you are warm from exercise or hot weather.
Spicy food and feelings of stress, anger, or anxiety can also cause sweating.
Researchers believe that people who sweat more than needed have overactive sweat glands.
When the glands are overactive, they produce an uncontrollable amount of sweat.
Primary Hyperhidrosis
People withprimary hyperhidrosishave excessive sweating with no known cause.
This condition usually causes sweating that is excessive enough to interfere with your daily activities.
Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Secondary hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating due to a secondary or underlying disorder.
These can include hormonal changes, diabetes, fever, medications, and other conditions.
A hot flash is a sudden feeling of being very hot and flushed.
Hot flashes usually happen in perimenopause and can last for several years during menopause.
Diabetes
Diabetesis a chronic health condition that can cause overstimulation of the sweat glands and excessive sweating.
Changes in blood sugar levels may cause sweating throughout the day.
Infection
Common infections like thefluorCOVID-19can cause sweating.
People with a fever may experience sweating and chills.
Other common symptoms of an infection are a cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Medications
Certain medications may lead to sweating when you first start them or increase the dosage.
If you are noticing more sweating after a medication change, let the prescribing healthcare provider know.
If not, talk with your healthcare provider.
Treatments are available that could help.
Summary
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) happens when the body sweats excessively and unpredictably.
Sweating is a normal part of the bodys cooling system.
It is normal to sweat when in hot temperatures or engaging in strenuous physical activity.
Spicy foods and emotional stress can also cause sweating.
Possible causes of excessive sweating include hormonal changes, diabetes, infections, and certain medications.
The cause may also remain unknown.
The most common areas to sweat are in the palms, soles, underarms, and face.
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