Why is sweating necessary

Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, occurs when you sweat more than necessary based on the surrounding temperature and your activity level or stress. Excessive sweating occurs in both men and women, but it may happen more as you age. Certain medications for conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and pituitary gland problems may also trigger excessive sweating.

Antiperspirants are considered the first line of treatment for excessive sweating, and they are the least invasive treatment method. These antiperspirants contain higher concentrations of metallic salts which aid in sweat reduction. Topical treatments and other products that clog pores may reduce the amount you sweat. Sweating is not the only way to do this. Sweating more than you should may not be natural, but neither is not sweating at all.

Lack of sweat can signal dehydration or be an indicator of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can be deadly, and is one reason why most athletic programs have requirements for heat acclimation.

Our body would overheat if we did not sweat. But some of the activities that cause sweating excessive time in the heat, being nervous or sick is associated with other problems, such as heat exhaustion, anxiety and illness. In contrast, activities such as exercise and controlled time in a sauna are healthy.

This would suggest that it is not the sweating itself, but the activity behind it, which defines whether sweating is healthy or not. Sweating during exercise usually means you are reaching a level of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health. Some evidence suggests sweatier people are getting a more intense workout , and more fit individuals sweat sooner and more profusely , but tremendous variation in the timing and amount of sweat across individuals makes those claims unreliable.

Instead, focus on reaching a level of exercise or sauna time in which sweat actually shows up, rather than measuring the timing or amount. Just because it is summer and hot outside, do not assume it means you should not work out. On those days, exercise in air-conditioned environments, choose the cooler times of the day, and keep hydrated. Stop exercising if you experience unusual symptoms, such as dizziness and nausea. As for saunas, research is confirming some of the long-standing beliefs of Finnish people that sweating in saunas is beneficial to health.

Heat-induced stress relief and possible positive effects on heart health may be the actual benefits. Similar to exercise, the activity behind the sweating not the sweating itself is what is actually making us healthy. To help people be healthy at every stage of life, Michigan State University Extension delivers affordable, relevant, evidence-based education to serve the needs of adults, youth and families in urban and rural communities. Our programs cover all areas of health, from buying and preparing nutritious, budget-friendly food to managing stress, preventing or living well with diabetes and optimal aging — MSU Extension has the information you need in a format you can use, in-person and online.

Contact your local MSU Extension county office to find a class near you. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. Is sweating good for you? Certain medications — namely antipsychotics — can also affect sweat gland function and contribute to hypohidrosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The scientific community has limited data on the true prevalence of hypohidrosis because doctors suspect that many mild cases go undiagnosed, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. The practice guidelines published in The Journal of Dermatology state that cases are very rare, and it is suspected that many cases go unreported.

If hypohidrosis affects a large portion of your body and prevents proper cooling, then vigorous exercise, hard physical work, or hot weather can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke. In addition to their lack of sweat, people with hypohidrosis may notice that they feel dizzy, weak, or excessively hot incredibly easily. They may also experience flushing of the skin and muscle cramps. However, if you experience any of the symptoms of hypohidrosis such as flushing of the skin and being easily fatigued , avoid heat or strenuous exercise because of concerns about your lack of sweat, or have had multiple heat strokes , check in with your doctor, Bordone recommends.

Also see your doctor if there's a notable decrease in how much you usually sweat. In some serious cases of hypohidrosis particularly among children , doctors may recommend cooling vests so people can participate in various activities more safely, says Bordone. In other cases, they may prescribe medication that causes sweating, according to the National Institutes of Health. Although specific treatments for hypohidrosis depend on the reason for your lack of sweat, your healthcare provider will generally work with you to manage your lifestyle and prepare for situations in which heat might put your health at risk.

By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.