Why Am I Sweating So Much?

From an objective standpoint, sweating might appear inconsequential — a damp brow on a sunny day, drenched underarms after an intense exercise class, or moist palms before a crucial presentation. These are experiences we all encounter occasionally. However, for individuals who suffer from excessive sweating, this normal physiological process can become distressing. Excessive sweating isn’t merely inconvenient; it can be uncomfortable, socially embarrassing, and, in severe cases, significantly impact one’s quality of life.

If you find yourself sweating excessively it’s advisable to seek medical advice. A consultation with Dr PK  can help identify the underlying causes and explore potential treatment options. Let’s delve into some of the reasons why you might sweat excessively and discuss available treatments

Why Do We Sweat?

Sweating is a natural process that keeps us from overheating. When we sweat, the moisture collects on our skin and then evaporates, cooling us down. Sweating can also occur as a result of hormonal changes, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages, eating spicy foods, or experiencing strong emotions like anger, stress or embarrassment.

As icky or irritating as it might feel in the moment, sweating has benefits that go beyond regulating our body temperature:

• Protecting against harmful germs on the skin’s surface
• Filtering toxins from the body
• Increasing blood circulation due to vasodilation

Just don’t let it stew. Allowing sweat to sit on your skin for too long can create an environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to acne and inflammation. Be sure to wash your skin and change out of soaked clothes as soon as you can after sweating to avoid irritation.

Why Do Some People Naturally Sweat More Than Others?

Various factors affect how much or how little someone sweats:

Various factors affect how much or how little someone sweats:

• Age
• Sex
• Genetics
• Fitness level
• Body size
• Health conditions
• Diet

Remember, there’s a range of ‘normal’ when it comes to perspiration. What seems like a lot for one person might be par for the course for someone else — yet another way our bodies are beautifully unique. The question is, how much sweat is too much sweat?

What Are the Signs of Excessive Sweating?

There’s functional sweat and then there’s “I’m just trying to get through the day without having to change my shirt at work” sweat. Telltale signs of excessive sweating include:

• Sweating outside of normal stimuli
• Sweating that visibly soaks through clothing
• Sweaty palms that make everyday tasks difficult (e.g. driving or using a mobile phone)
• Sweating that causes anxiety in social or professional settings
• Sweating that causes irritating skin conditions, such as fungal overgrowth
• Sweaty hands that leave marks on paper and fabrics
• Sweaty feet that ruin footwear

A simple way to look at it is this: if your level of sweating is disrupting your daily life or causing you distress, it’s time to seek the advice of a medical professional who can help you investigate the issue.

So… What Might Be Causing My Excessive Sweating?

We’ve already mentioned some possible culprits, but let’s explore a few more reasons for excessive sweating.

Hormonal Changes

Increased sweating may be due to hormonal fluctuations or an imbalance. Women are especially prone to experiencing this during pregnancy and menopause, when hot flashes, flushing, and night sweats are common. Postpartum sweating can also occur.

Medical Conditions or Medications

A variety of medical conditions, such as diabetes, infection, fever, an overactive thyroid or cancer, are associated with excessive sweating. Increased sweating can also be a side effect of medications, including some antidepressants, birth control pills, migraine medications, opioids, thyroid-regulating drugs and others.

Diet

Certain foods and drinks trigger perspiration. It’s not uncommon to get a little clammy during a meal of hot, spicy foods or while downing caffeinated drinks or alcohol. There’s even a name for the dampness that occurs soon after ingesting food: gustatory sweating.

Mental Health

How we feel mentally and emotionally can impact our body temperature, especially if we’re stressed or anxious. These challenging feelings raise our body temperature, which in turn makes us more likely to sweat. Emotions like fear, anger, and embarrassment can also be triggers.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition caused by nerve overstimulation of sweat glands. In people with hyperhidrosis, the sweat glands produce more perspiration than physiologically required, even when no normal trigger (such as heat, physical exertion, or stress) is present. Hyperhidrosis is classified as primary or secondary.

Are There Any Effective Excessive Sweating Treatments?

The first line of defence against excessive sweating is over-the-counter (OTC) antiperspirants. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, a high-strength antiperspirant may be enough to keep you dry throughout the day.

If OTC solutions are insufficient, a doctor may recommend prescription-strength antiperspirants, topical gels or medicated wipes that reduce perspiration. Specific products are available for different body areas. Oral medications are used in some cases. Clinical treatments offer the strongest protection against excessive sweating.

Here at Kaya Cosmedica, we have seen great results using our recommended treatment for hyperhidrosis.  The treatment works by temporarily preventing the nerves that control sweating from stimulating the sweat glands. There is no downtime after the procedure, and the results can last six to 12 months.  As per  TGA regulations we can provide more details regarding the treatment only during a consultation.

Melbourne Excessive Sweating Treatment — Request a Consultation Today

As a premier skin clinic in South Melbourne, we aim to be more than a destination for anti-aging treatments and aesthetic procedures. Dr. PK is an experienced doctor who is dedicated to helping her patients look and feel good with evidence-based treatments that suit an array of needs.

Please use our booking system to schedule a consultation with Dr PK. We look forward to seeing you!