“When body temperature rises due to a warm environment or physical activity, the autonomic nervous system signals eccrine sweat glands,” says New York City–based dermatologist Hadley King, MD. These glands, which are located throughout the skin, are concentrated on the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits. “When sweat is produced, it promotes heat loss through evaporation.” The result: a much cooler you. A good thing, considering that if we didn’t sweat, the body would be unable to cool itself, which can ultimately put you in danger of overheating, or worse, heatstroke. Sometimes, though, sweat can be excessive—we’re talking salt-water-soaked clothes or hands—and it’s not always a result of external heat or exercise. Here, experts weigh in on whether a profuse amount of sweat is something you should be concerned about, what it means if you sweat too much, and what you can do to rein in your waterworks. “Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a medical condition whereby the sweat glands are triggered by the nerves to produce too much sweat,” Dr. Hartman explains. There are two types: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis, which Dr. Hartman says occurs typically in the armpits, hands, and feet, affects more than 15 million people in the U.S., and can understandably “be embarrassing and interfere with normal daily activities when severe,” making even the simplest tasks, like holding a pen, difficult. Excessive sweating may also be more psychologically damaging than physically damaging, adds Dr. Hartman. RELATED: 4 Healthy Reasons to Take a Cold Shower (Besides Cooling Off During a Heat Wave) Whether it is or not, it can most certainly affect every aspect of your life. A study in the journal Health and Quality of Life Outcomes revealed that hyperhidrosis can impact your psychological well-being, your social life, and your professional and/or school life. What’s more, research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a link between anxiety and depression and hyperhidrosis, with both mental health conditions being more prevalent in folks with this excessive sweating condition than those without it. Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, can be attributed to more serious health conditions such as heart failure or an overactive thyroid. Excessive sweating can also be a side effect of certain medications (think meds for antidepressants, opioids, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and breast cancer to name a few). If you find yourself sweating a lot consistently on a daily basis, though, and “if sweating is interfering with your quality of life, then it’s reasonable to discuss treatment options for hyperhidrosis with your doctor,” Dr. King advises. A dermatologist who has experience treating this sort of issue is a great place to start. They can help rule out any major medical issues—or refer you to a specialist if it’s something more serious—as well as help you find some relief through the right course of treatment for you. RELATED: 10 Ways to Keep Cool When It’s Too Hot to Sleep
