What Is Sweating and Why Do We Do It?
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Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD
Sweating, also called perspiration, is the release of fluid from sweat glands on the skin’s surface. Your body produces sweat to help regulate your body temperature and cool you down during exercise or in hot weather. You might also sweat when you have a fever or feel nervous, excited, or stressed.
Sweat primarily consists of water but contains small amounts of electrolytes, minerals, pheromones, proteins, and amino acids. While sweating is a normal, natural body process, some people sweat excessively (hyperhidrosis), and others may sweat too little (anhidrosis).
This article explores the functions and causes of sweating and sweat-related conditions.
Types of Sweat Glands
There are two main types of sweat glands in the human body: eccrine and apocrine. Each type has its own unique structure and function.
Eccrine Glands
Eccrine glands are located on the skin’s outer layer (epidermis) and middle layer (dermis). They are located on most of the body and found in high concentrations in certain areas, including:
Palms of the hands
Soles of the feet
Forehead
Cheeks
Armpits
Eccrine glands are responsible for producing the majority of our sweat. Their primary function is to regulate body temperature by releasing a clear, odorless fluid onto the skin’s surface that evaporates, helping to cool your body.
Apocrine Glands
Apocrine glands are found in areas with hair follicles, including your armpits, groin, and around the nipples. These sweat glands release a thicker, cloudy fluid that contains fats and proteins.
The sweat produced by apocrine glands does not directly contribute to cooling your body but is responsible for body odor when the fluid comes into contact with bacteria on the skin. Research suggests apocrine glands may play a role in sexual signaling (pheromones) and release fluid in response to strong emotions (like nervousness).
Functions of Sweat
The primary purpose of sweating is to regulate your body temperature. Sweat is released onto the skin’s surface when your body becomes overheated due to physical activity, exposure to hot weather, or when you have a fever. As the sweat evaporates, it cools your body, helping maintain an optimal internal temperature.
In addition to temperature regulation, sweating serves other purposes, including:
Skin moisturization: Sweat is a natural moisturizer for the skin. It helps keep your skin hydrated and contributes to overall skin health.
Immune system support: Sweat contains a peptide called dermcidin, which has antimicrobial properties (meaning it can kill microorganisms). This helps defend against harmful bacteria on your skin’s surface, acting as a first line of defense for your immune system.
What Causes Sweating?
Sweating is your body’s natural response to various stimuli. An increase in body temperature is the primary cause of sweating. When your body temperature rises, the hypothalamus in your brain sends signals to activate your sweat glands, prompting them to produce sweat to help you cool off.
In addition to increased body temperature, several other factors are linked to sweating, including:
Emotional triggers, such as stress, anxiety, or excitement
Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or infections
Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., menopause, pregnancy, and the postpartum period)
Medication use, including certain pain relievers, antidepressants, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs
Consuming certain foods and beverages, such as spicy foods and alcohol
Managing Sweating
Sweating is a natural body function and does not require treatment when you sweat in normal amounts. To minimize sweating and stay comfortable while you sweat, you can:
Use antiperspirants: Antiperspirants applied to the skin (e.g., under the armpits) temporarily plug sweat ducts to help reduce the amount of fluid you release, helping to control sweating.
Wear breathable clothing: Choose loose-fitting, lightweight fabrics (e.g., cotton, linen) that allow air circulation and help evaporate sweat.
Wear moisture-wicking socks: Socks made of materials that help move moisture away from your skin and absorb sweat can minimize foot sweating.
After sweating, you can care for your body and skin by:
Drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages (e.g., sports drinks) to rehydrate your body
Removing damp or sweaty clothing and changing into fresh, dry garments
Take a shower with mild soap or cleanser to remove sweat, bacteria, and body odor
Using an antiperspirant or deodorant to minimize odor and keep you feeling fresh
Applying moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness or irritation
Complications
Sweating too much or too little can be a sign of a sweat-related condition, such as hyperhidrosis and anhidrosis.
Hyperhidrosis
People with overactive sweat glands sweat excessively, sometimes even while resting. Excessive sweating can occur in specific areas of the body (focal hyperhidrosis) or affect the entire body (generalized hyperhidrosis). People with hyperhidrosis may experience constant or unpredictable excessive sweating, leading to physical discomfort or social embarrassment.
Anhidrosis
Sweating too little or not at all can increase the risk of overheating, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. People with anhidrosis may have difficulty tolerating hot environments or participating. Anhidrosis can occur due to nerve damage, certain medical conditions, genetic disorders, or skin injury (e.g., burns).
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Certain conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, infections) can cause excess sweating. See a healthcare provider if you are sweating and have the following symptoms:
Fever
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Rapid heart rate
Weight loss
A Quick Review
Sweating, or perspiration, is the release of fluid from sweat glands on the skin. It is the body’s way of regulating body temperature when we become overheated, such as during exercise or in hot weather. Fever and strong emotions (e.g., anxiety, stress) can also lead to sweating. You can minimize sweating and stay comfortable while you sweat by using antiperspirants, wearing breathable clothing, and moisture-wicking socks.
While sweating is a normal, natural body function, some people may sweat too much or too little. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) occurs when sweat glands are overactive, sometimes due to an underlying health condition or medication use. The absence of sweat (anhidrosis) is when the sweat glands produce little to no sweat due to injury to the skin, certain medications, or conditions that affect the nerves or skin.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you sweat too much or too little, or notice recent changes to your sweating (e.g., night sweats, sweating more or less than usual).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about sweating?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you sweat excessively without apparent cause, or if sweating disrupts your daily life. It is also important to seek medical attention if you experience sudden and significant changes in your sweating patterns, such as excessive sweating at night or sweating accompanied by other concerning symptoms (e.g., fever, rapid heart rate, chest pain).
Why do I sweat more now that I'm older?
Hormonal changes, changes in sweat gland function, and an overall slowing of bodily functions can cause excessive sweating in some people as they age. Sometimes sweating more as you age is a sign of an underlying health condition or a symptom of a medication you are taking.
Do toxins come out in sweat?
Yes, sweat does contain small amounts of waste products, toxins, and heavy metals. However, the amount of toxins eliminated through sweat is minimal, especially compared to other bodily processes, such as urination and passing bowel movements.
Does sweating burn fat?
Sweating does not burn fat. Physical activity or exercise that raises your heart rate can contribute to fat-burning and weight loss over time. Though you sweat during exercise, sweating regulates your body temperature to cool you down.
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