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The Overlooked Triggers of Sweat

By March 22, 2018May 11th, 2023Skin Care

Sweating is normal when a person is jogging or exercising, engaging in athletic activity, when temperatures are high, and even during moments of high stress and anxiety. Even so, there are times when profuse sweating is not normal. Read on to learn more about triggers of sweat that should be avoided or carefully examined.

Certain Medications

 

Among the medications that can generate unusual sweating are some that treat high blood pressure or a dry mouth, psychiatric drugs, antibiotics, and supplements. Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting a doctor.

Synthetic Materials

Wearing shoes and clothes made of synthetic materials can trap air that warms the body to extreme levels of perspiration. Among these materials are acrylic, acetate, Kevlar, latex, nylon, polyester, rayon, and spandex. In contrast, such natural materials as cotton and wool absorb perspiration and allow the skin to breathe.

Food and Beverages

Some foods and beverages, as well as alcohol and smoking, spur excessive sweating. Be alert to the ingredients in processed and spicy foods, levels of caffeine in coffee and sodas, and the fat content of ice cream. Also, alcohol increases the heartbeat and dilates blood vessels, jump-starting the body’s natural cooling system. The nicotine in chewing tobacco and smoke releases the body’s acetylcholine, accelerating the pulse, raising body temperature, and increasing the flow of sweat.

Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a medical condition that affects only two to three percent of the population. It’s a red flag for one whose sweat glands never shut down and require medical attention. Victims of primary hyperhidrosis usually sweat from eccrine glands—major sweat glands that make up most of the nearly four million sweat glands in the body. Most of these glands are in the armpits, palms, feet, and face.

Since 1947, our board-certified dermatologists and experienced aestheticians at The Dermatology Clinic have treated a complete range of skin conditions, including acne, skin cancer, eczema, hives, psoriasis, hair loss, shingles, and more. Let our physicians examine unusual sweating you or anyone in your family may be experiencing. Please call us at (225) 769-7546 or fill out our contact form for more information.