Why do we sweat so much? What are the causes of sweat?

We all sweat, but we all sweat differently. Some people sweat more than others – and there’s nothing wrong with that! Unless, of course, you have a condition like hyperhidrosis, for which you should seek treatment to better manage your excessive sweating.

We can sweat in all areas of our bodies because we have about two to five million sweat glands. On average, a person will sweat 1.5 gallons per day. If you’re extremely active, you can sweat up to four gallons per day.

There are several different factors that affect how much we sweat.

  • Exercise – Exercise produces sweat because your body temperature rises during your workout, and sweating is your body’s response to cool the body down. When exercising, people sweat differently depending on oxygen uptake, cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance.
  • Genetics – The way you sweat can just be genetics. Your parents or siblings may have similar sweating patterns. Hyperhidrosis is a genetic condition.
  • Weight – The heavier you are, the more you will sweat. People with excess weight feel hotter and it can take longer to cool the body down than for a slimmer person.
  • Sweat gland placement – If you’re prone to sweating in a certain area, you may have a higher number of sweat glands there.
  • Gender – Men usually have more active sweat glands than women.

Sweating is a part of life and there are plenty of daily steps you can take to manage it –  antiperspirants (OTC and prescription), medications, surgery, Botox injections, and more.

Schedule an Appointment with a Hyperhidrosis Physician and Surgeon

If you’re concerned about the amount you sweat, talk to a doctor. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms and examine your body to determine if you have hyperhidrosis. You and your doctor can then come up with a treatment plan that will help you manage your sweat, so you can go about your daily activities without worrying about sweaty palms or armpit stains on your clothing.

Looking for a hyperhidrosis doctor? Dr. Peter Mikhail is a Tampa hyperhidrosis physician and surgeon with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey, Florida. To book a consult, click our Tampa hyperhidrosis treatment contact page or call 727-312-4844.

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