Constant sweating! - General Health Message Board

Sebum · 05-12-2004, 06:28 PM

Ever since I was little, I've always sweated a lot. Even when I was in competition gymnastics my nick name was "Sweat Man." Now, I know its probably genetic, but neither of my parents or siblings are heavy sweaters (sounds funny lol).

I've upped my water intake a lot. I drink about three 24oz bottles of water a day, do HIIT cardio 5 days a week, and eat healthy. I'm 16, male, 125-130lbs, and I would like to get rid of this problem. I'm about 10-15lbs overweight, but I'm not sure that is the cause because I've lost a lot weight and I still sweat a lot.

I can be sitting in class or outside doing nothing and I will sweat. When I regularly sweat its just my head, and it drips to my neck. My pits aren't too bad, but they do sweat. I sweat pretty much everywhere now, even in my "danger zone" area lol. I dont have to ring my socks out when I get home or anything, but even in gym when I'm changing after we're done, I'll get wet spots in my briefs - not cool. Today, my briefs were noticibly wet on the backside and I was just standing outside shooting arrows! No one was sweating bad, just me. The sweat doesn't really smell, but I use 24hr protection anti perspirant and my pits sweat before half the day is over!

So... What can I do? Any advice is appreciated!

Btw, as I am sitting here typing, with every fan in the house on, I am sweating...

quincy · 05-12-2004, 07:44 PM

Hi,

It could be a few things....but I can certainly understand how you'd want it more controlled.

Have you had a thorough check-up lately? Have you brought this up with your doctor at any time and has he/she done tests at all?

the things that come to mind for me would be:
- hormonal changes (but you said you've had it since you were a kid)...but it's still possible
- thyroid dysfunction (and that could be since you were a kid)..it controls your metabolism and is responsible for many hormones
- some kind of underlying disorder/illness/disease
- medications (I get really hot from some antihistamines)
- foods (spicy, coffee, caffeine)
- psychological (distress, nervousness..etc)...I sweat when I'm nervous, but mostly my pits

One thing you may not consider is that sweating more than the body would normally put out can cause electrolyte imbalance. You mentioned drinking water..but a power drink once in a while (not all the time) would probably keep things balanced.

I sure hope you get it figured out. If your health is 100%, I believe there are medications, biofeedback, food limitations, relaxation exercises, etc that would help.

My husband tends to sweat more when he's in severe pain (back injury) or nervous/stressed (like going to family gatherings ;-). His head, forearms and legs tend to be the areas most affected (but his normal sweating is in the regular places).

quincy

Sebum · 05-13-2004, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the insight, quincy!

I was going to ask my doctor about a thyroid test, or blood test, or something. I never told him about my constant sweating because it never really bothered me until now. I do tend to get fairly sweaty when I'm nervous or anxious, usually before a speech or presentation.

I don't eat many spicey foods, so I doubt thats the problem. Maybe I have a little allergy to something? Maybe an allergy test would help?

I'll definately try out the electrolyte thing, maybe a gatorade a week can help?

quincy · 05-14-2004, 12:09 AM

I agree that you should get a thorough check-up. You're at the age where the body is maturing and hormone levels can be out of whack causing problems that could easily be remedied. It's tough enough and stressful enough to be 16, let alone with a sweating problem.

I sweat(ed?) a lot during my teen years, mostly from under my arms. The sweat would drip down my sides....not a nice feeling at all. I was selfconscious about that, I can imagine what it would be like all over my body.

It could be allergy....do the check-up first and get referred to the appropriate doctors.

The Gatorade (and ilk) question could be asked at the exercise and fitness forum on this site.

If you're profusely sweating daily....well, you eat salty foods and have chocolate or sweets don't you (of course in moderation ;-)? If yes on a daily basis, the water should be enough. Sorry I never thought..duh...unless you're a healthfood fanatic and totally limit salt and sweets in your diet. The gatorade suggestion may have been a jump of conclusion. It would depend on diet and how much you work out.

They say tomato juice is a great electrolyte balancer....best to still get checked out and know what you're dealing with.

I hope it gets resolved for you.
quincy

twizliz · 05-14-2004, 02:33 PM

After you talk to your doctor and stuff, if you are still bothered by underarm swearting, Certain Dry is a wonderful thing. It costs about six dollars and you can buy it at CVS or Brooks or another drug store. Good luck!