Sweating: what it is, causes and what to do

Sweating is the medical term used to describe the production of sweat by the skin, which normally occurs when body temperature rises, helping the body to regulate it.

Sweating is generally caused by hot environments, physical exercise, strong emotions or the use of some medications such as antidepressants, but it can also indicate menopause and diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes or lymphoma, especially if other symptoms such as fever or weight loss appear.

If you suspect excessive sweating, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner. In addition to treating the cause, measures may be indicated, such as avoiding spicy foods and tight clothing, antiperspirant products, anticholinergic medications and, sometimes, surgery.

Main causes

The main causes of sweating are:

• Hot environments;
• Physical exercise;
• Intense emotions;
• Anxiety;
• Fever;
• Overweight or obesity;
• Menopause;
• Spicy foods and hot drinks;
• Excessive and frequent consumption of alcohol;
• Use of some medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics;
• Diseases such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis or lymphoma.

Additionally, sweating is more common after puberty, especially in boys, and tends to reduce with age, typically due to a decrease in the amount of physical activity, which is normal in older people. Check out the main causes of excessive sweating.

What can night sweats be?

Night sweats can be caused by hot, poorly ventilated environments, excess blankets or clothing when sleeping and/or anxiety, but it can also indicate diseases such as tuberculosis and lymphoma, and other symptoms such as weight loss and fever are common. Learn about other causes of night sweats and what to do.

When is sweating excessive?

Sweating is considered excessive when sweat production is intense and frequent, persisting for 6 months or more and impairing daily tasks. In these cases, intense sweating is called hyperhidrosis.

Is sweating in the hands, feet and armpits common?

Sweating in the hands, feet and armpits is common due to the large concentration of sweat glands in the skin of these parts of the body, and is not always indicative of a problem. See the main causes of sweaty hands.

Which doctor to consult

In case of excessive sweating, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, who is the best doctor to evaluate diseases that affect the skin.

Furthermore, when the diagnosis is confirmed, the dermatologist can indicate the best treatment to control excessive sweating.

What to do in case of excessive sweating

Treatment for excessive sweating depends on its cause and must be done specifically for the disease that is causing excessive sweat production.

However, some measures that can reduce excessive sweating include:

• Avoid spicy foods and very hot drinks;
• Prefer looser, cotton clothes;
• Avoid stuffy or very crowded environments;
• Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe;
• Avoid frequent and excessive alcohol consumption;
• Use absorbent insoles and pads;
• Apply antiperspirant products to affected body parts, such as deodorants, ointments, powders and lotions.

In addition, sometimes the dermatologist can also recommend more specific treatments, such as iontophoresis therapy, application of botulinum toxin, anticholinergic medications or surgery to control sweating. Discover the main treatment options for excessive sweating.

Remedy for excessive sweating

The most recommended remedies for sweating are lotions, ointments and powders with aluminum chloride hexahydrate, which should be applied to dry skin before going to sleep daily.

Other options are anticholinergic medications, such as oxybutynin, which are normally indicated in the most severe cases of sweating and should only be used under the guidance of a doctor.