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Sweating

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Perspiration

Definition    Return to top

Sweating is the release of a salty liquid from the body's sweat glands. This process is also called perspiration.

Sweating is an essential function that helps the body stay cool. Sweat is commonly found under the arms, on the feet, and on the palms of the hands.

Considerations    Return to top

How much you sweat depends on how many sweat glands you have. A person is born with about two to four million sweat glands. The glands start to become fully active during puberty. Women actually have more sweat glands then men -- men's glands are just more active.

Because sweating is the body's natural way of regulating temperature, people sweat more when it's hot outside. People also sweat more when they exercise, or in response to situations that make them nervous, angry, embarrassed, or afraid.

If sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid, pounding heartbeat, talk to a doctor. These symptoms may indicate an underlying problem, such as hyperthyroidism. Excessive sweating may also be a symptom of menopause.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

After sweating, you should:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2365, 2446-2447.

Grant RA. Don't Sweat It. Dermatology Insights. 2002; 3 (1):12-13.

Paradox P, Frey R. Body Odor. In: Longe J, ed. Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Vol. 1. 2nd ed. Detroit, Mi: Gale; 2005:269-271.

Rosenthal MS. Temperature Regulation. In: Robinson R, ed. Biology. Vol. 4. New York, NY: Macmillan Reference USA; 2002:154-157.

Update Date: 4/26/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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