Nervous sweating

It is common to experience excessive sweating when feeling nervous about a situation. It might be a first date, a job interview, a big event or presentation – our bodies react physically when we’re experiencing strong emotions like stress. When you’re trying to impress or appear calm and confident, a sweaty face, sweaty hands and sweat patches in your underarms can be a bit embarrassing.

Stress Sweat Explained

What causes nervous sweating?

We have two types of sweat glands: apocrine and eccrine. When we get stressed, the larger apocrine glands – mainly in the armpits and groin – produce sweat.

Stressful situations also cause our heart rate to increase, and encourage hormones and adrenaline to flood the body, causing additional sweat secretion from our eccrine glands. This is known as stress sweating.

Does nervous sweat smell?

Apocrine sweat has more nutrients than eccrine sweat, which is mainly just salt and water. Nutrients make apocrine sweat more attractive to the body odour -causing bacteria that naturally live on our skin and feed on our sweat.

As a result, stress sweat sometimes smells worse.

Tips on How To Prevent Nervous Sweating

Suffering from excessive sweating when feeling nervous?

Sweating excessively when you’re nervous can be embarrassing. Some people even avoid social or work situations because they’re worried they’ll be stressed, anxious or nervous and sweat too much. But there are things that you can do to assist in sweat control. Check out these tips to learn how to stop anxious sweating:

• Avoid sweat triggers like spicy food, nicotine and alcohol. Caffeine also increases your adrenaline levels, making you more prone to sweat.
• Wear clothes that let your skin breathe – natural fibres like cotton are best.
• Consider a stronger antiperspirant product, which gives twice the amount of protection than an everyday antiperspirant.
• During the day or before a big event, refresh yourself with a handy antiperspirant.
• If you tend to experience anxious sweating, carry pocket tissues to dry your skin or to dry sweat patches.
• Stay hydrated. If you’re dehydrated, your body will produce more sweat to cool you down.

How to stop nervous sweating?

Easier said than done, but find ways to stay calm to avoid excessive sweating when nervous. Many people cope with stress through deep breathing, listening to music or taking a walk. Find what works for you. If, however, you’re struggling to find a solution to your nervous sweating, it is best to visit your healthcare practitioner for advice and effective treatment.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between nervous sweating and regular sweating? 

Regular sweating helps regulate your body temperature, while nervous sweating is triggered by stress, anxiety, or emotional responses.

2. Why does stress sweating smell stronger? 

Stress sweating comes from apocrine glands, which produce nutrient-rich sweat that bacteria feed on, causing stronger odour.

3. Can antiperspirants help with anxious sweating? 

Yes. Strong antiperspirants can reduce anxious sweating by blocking sweat glands and keeping you dry for longer.

4. How can I manage nervous sweating before a big event? 

Prepare by applying a strong antiperspirant the night before, staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine, and practising calming techniques to reduce stress sweating.

5. When should I see a doctor about excessive nervous sweating? 

If nervous sweating or anxious sweating interferes with your daily life and self-confidence, consult a healthcare professional for medical treatment options.