{"id":20471,"date":"2023-05-08T15:12:49","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T20:12:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20471"},"modified":"2023-05-08T15:12:49","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T20:12:49","slug":"what-your-sweat-says-about-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/advice\/what-your-sweat-says-about-you\/","title":{"rendered":"What Your Sweat Says About You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sweating, as gross as it can be, is an essential bodily process meant to keep you from overheating. When your body notices you\u2019re getting too hot \u2014 whether from a hard workout, a sweltering summer day or a fever when you have the flu \u2014 it produces sweat to take your temperature down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSweat is mostly water and electrolytes, and as it\u2019s evaporated, it cools the skin,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Mary Alice Mina<\/span><\/a>, a dermatologist in Atlanta.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s healthy to sweat on occasion, certain patterns of sweating can signify potential health problems and serve as a red flag to see a medical provider. We talked to some experts about when sweating is a sign of an underlying health issue and when to see a doctor, according to dermatologists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

If you\u2019re sweating more than usual<\/h3>\n

Excessive sweating (think soaking wet palms that keep you from shaking hands or armpits that soak your shirt after a short walk) can be a sign of a condition called hyperhidrosis, says dermatologist <\/span>Dr. Kemunto Mokaya<\/span><\/a>. \u201cMost of the time, hyperhidrosis has no known cause and is benign, other than the annoyance of being excessively sweaty,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, sweating a lot can be a symptom of something else going on in your body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certain medications can make you sweat more, including antidepressants, some diabetes medications, anti-nausea drugs and certain beta-blockers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Age-related changes like puberty or menopause can increase sweating too. \u201cYour hormonal fluctuation can make you feel very warm, and that causes sweating,\u201d Mina says. Pregnancy, which usually results in weight gain, can also make people more susceptible to heating up and sweating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Infections caused by bacteria or viruses, like COVID-19 or influenza, can trigger sweating. \u201cYour immune system sends out an army of white blood cells, which increase inflammation when you\u2019re sick,\u201d says Mina. Inflammation can spike your body temperature, causing a fever and sometimes sweating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve gained weight or have a larger body, you may notice more sweating too. \u201cExtra body mass can keep the body warmer, resulting in higher temperature and more sweating,\u201d says Mina. Hyperthyroidism can cause problems with temperature regulation (and therefore more sweat), while diabetes can damage nerves in sweat glands and cause extra moisture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In some cases, extra sweating can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as lymphoma \u2014 but Mina says people usually experience other symptoms too, and the sweating is usually persistent, severe and wakes people up at night. \u201cIt\u2019s more than just \u2018We need to turn the air down,\u2019\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

If you\u2019re sweating a lot in certain spots<\/h3>\n

Notice extra sweat, but only in particular areas of your body? Most cases of hyperhidrosis are localized, which means people tend to sweat more in specific areas. Most common are the palms, the soles of the feet, the underarms or the face. \u201cThis happens when sweat glands in those particular areas are overactive, so they produce more sweat than needed for temperature regulation,\u201d Mokaya says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweating more in certain spots can also be tied to body size. If you\u2019ve gained weight or you\u2019re pregnant, you may notice more sweating in skin folds than on other parts of your body, simply because those areas get warmer and your body wants to cool them off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

If your sweat smells stinkier<\/h3>\n

Most of your sweat glands don\u2019t smell, but the ones that developed around puberty, like your armpits and groin, tend to be oilier, which can be more odiferous. You may also notice smellier sweat in areas with hair, which can trap oil and germs. When your glands secrete sweat and mix with bacteria, they can produce the sulfury, onion-y smell we call BO. \u201cThat\u2019s why we wear antiperspirants and deodorants,\u201d Mina says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweat might smell more than usual on skin folds, which can trap bacteria. Mina recommends washing these areas frequently and drying them thoroughly to avoid accumulated (and potentially smelly) moisture and bacteria. Some foods and drinks, such as alcohol or asparagus, can also cause sweat to come through the pores smelling ranker than normal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter where you have smelly sweat, it\u2019s a good idea to shower more frequently and potentially use an antibacterial soap on the stinky areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

If you notice changes in your sweat patterns<\/h3>\n

If your sweat patterns are changing and you\u2019re concerned, it may be time to see a medical provider who can help you determine and treat the cause. Dermatologists can recommend prescription antiperspirants or even inject Botox for excessive sweating. If your sweating is due to another medical issue, then your primary care doctor or dermatologist may refer you to another provider who can help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re just bummed out about sweat in general, we get it \u2014 but keep in mind that you\u2019re in good company, and that your body is doing you a favor by keeping you cool. \u201cSweating isn\u2019t a problem unless it negatively impacts your life,\u201d says Mina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Need a doctor? Find one on Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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