Excessive sweating can be caused by hormonal imbalances, health conditions, or nervous system issues. Recognizing whether sweat is localized or generalized helps in identifying potential health concerns. Consulting a healthcare professional is advised for persistent or severe cases.

Reasons Behind Frequent and Heavy Sweating

Are your daily tasks accompanied by more sweat than usual? Do your hands become so moist before a handshake that you need tissues? While it can be awkward or embarrassing, excessive sweating might signal an underlying medical condition. Understanding the causes is crucial for effective management.

What causes excessive sweating?
Studies suggest that hormonal imbalances, obesity, and infections can lead to hyperhidrosis. Not all cases are severe, and some may be benign.

Normal sweating helps control body temperature, but hyperhidrosis involves unpredictable and intense perspiration. It can be localized, affecting specific areas, or widespread, covering the entire body.

Localized hyperhidrosis
Approximately 1-3% of individuals experience this, usually starting in adolescence or childhood. It is often due to minor nervous system issues rather than medication or illness.

Distinguishing between localized and generalized sweating helps assess its seriousness and possible root causes.

Generalized hyperhidrosis
In this more severe form, sweating occurs all over the body and can indicate an underlying health problem. Night sweats are common. Possible causes include thyroid issues, diabetes, menopause, pregnancy, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases may also be involved.

If the cause isn’t clear, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis and treatment options.