Sweat allergy: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Sweat allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs due to the immune system’s exaggerated response to the presence of sweat proteins, leading to skin irritation and symptoms such as small bumps or rashes on the skin, red spots, itching or burning skin.

Sweating is the body’s natural response to lower body temperature, but it can cause allergic symptoms, especially in people with atopic dermatitis.

Sweat allergies can be alleviated with natural strategies, such as taking a cool shower. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist so that guidance can be given according to the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Sweat allergy symptoms

The main symptoms of sweat allergy are:

• Small red dots or rashes, mainly in areas of friction, such as armpits, behind the knees, on the breasts, groin or between the legs;
• Itching in the most affected areas;
• Crusts at the locations of the balls due to scratching the skin;
• Red plaques on the skin;
• Swelling in the region that was most exposed to the sun.

Sweat allergy symptoms can appear in people of any age, but are more common in people with atopic dermatitis or cholinergic urticaria, also called heat allergy.

Online symptom test

To find out the chances of having an allergy, please indicate the symptoms you present below:

This test is a tool that serves as a means of guidance only. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of sweat allergy is made by a dermatologist by evaluating symptoms, health history and risk factors, such as prolonged exposure to the sun or playing sports.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist in the nearest region:

Generally, no additional tests are necessary, but the doctor may recommend an exercise test to assess the appearance of symptoms.

Furthermore, in cases where there is doubt in the diagnosis, the doctor may request an allergy test to rule out allergies related to other substances.

Possible causes

Sweat allergy is caused by an immune system response against sweat antigens, which is generally related to an increase in body temperature, triggering cholinergic urticaria, also called heat allergy.

This type of allergy is more common in people with atopic dermatitis, as sweat can exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Know how to identify the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

How the treatment is carried out

Sweat allergy treatment must be carried out under the guidance of a dermatologist, who may indicate:

• Take a cold shower to relieve symptoms;
• Drink a lot of water;
• Wear light clothing;
• Avoid very hot places or strenuous physical exercise;
• Keep the place properly ventilated and cool.

In more serious cases, the dermatologist may recommend the use of antihistamines such as cetirizine, or the use of lotions, creams or ointments with corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone.