Sweating too much?
On average we sweat about 1 litre per day, but most of it evaporates so we don’t notice it. We can sweat up to 10 litres a day if we’re really hot or exercising hard.
Which part of the body sweats the most?
Most people are concerned about armpit sweat, but this accounts for only 1% of our body’s perspiration. Other areas where we sweat include the palm of our hands, forehead, face, neck, back, chest, and groin. The amount of sweat we produce can vary depending on factors such as temperature, physical activity, and emotional state.
Causes of Sweating Too Much
We sweat from two types of glands:
Eccrine glands: These appear all over the body and are mainly for cooling. They cause sweat on our faces and heads, and are responsible for sweaty hands and sweaty feet.
Apocrine glands: These larger glands appear mainly under the armpits and are mostly active when we’re exercising or experiencing strong emotions like stress.
Women have more eccrine sweat glands than men, but men’s eccrine glands are more active, so men actually sweat or have more hot flushes overall.
What causes sweating too much besides sweat glands?
Other factors such as eating hot or spicy food, wearing clothes made out of synthetic materials, and carrying excess body weight can cause us to sweat more. In general, our bodies adapt to produce more sweat when we really need it.
Is sweating too much a common condition?
Some people sweat excessively or experience hot flushes, day and night. But only 1% of people who experience excessive sweating also have a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis.
If you’re worried about sweating too much, speak to your doctor or professional medical adviser.
How to stop sweating too much?
If you’re sweating too much and want to know how to stop excessive sweating, you can try using antiperspirant, wearing breathable clothing and sweat-proof undershirts, managing stress, avoiding spicy foods and alcohol, staying cool, and seeing a doctor if the problem persists.
