Although it is popularly associated with the practice of physical exercise or long exposure to the sun, in some cases, the sweat may also be a reflection of the mental state . So, is it common to sweat more in the face of anxiety?
First of all, it is necessary to understand what sweat is and how it is produced by the body. In conversation with the CNN the dermatologist Lucas Miranda member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, explains that it is a colorless liquid, composed mainly of water, mineral salts and small amounts of other substances.
“It is produced by two main types of glands: eccrine, responsible for controlling temperature and distributed throughout the body, and apocrine, located in specific areas, such as armpits, and related to body odor”, he says.
According to Lucas, the sympathetic nervous system controls the activity of sweat glands, stimulating the production of sweat in response to stimuli such as increased temperature, physical exertion or emotional factors.
Thus, its function in the organism is regulate body temperature . “When the body temperature increases, sweat glands produce sweat, which, when evaporating from the surface of the skin, reduces heat and helps maintain thermal balance”, he comments.
“In addition, sweat also contributes to skin hydration and the elimination of toxins, playing an important role in maintaining the health of the body”, he adds.
Do emotional factors increase sweat production?
The answer is yes. As the professional explains, emotional factors as stress and anxiety for example, have direct influence in sweat production.
“These conditions activate the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the release of adrenaline. This hormone stimulates sweat glands, resulting in increased sweating, especially in areas such as hands, feet and armpits. This response is part of the “fight or flight” mechanism, an evolutionary adaptation of the organism to situations of danger or tension”, he says.
Therefore, it is common to sweat more in moments of greater anxiety, after all, when the body is under tension, the nervous system goes into a state of alert, releasing chemicals that accelerate the heartbeat and metabolic activity.
“As a consequence, there is an increase in body temperature, stimulating the sweat glands to produce more sweat, even in the absence of physical effort. This is a physiological mechanism that reflects the individual’s emotional state”, he guarantees.
How to tell if sweat is excessive?
Also in an interview with CNN the biomedical Thiago Martins a master in aesthetic medicine, says that sweating can be considered excessive, or characterized as hyperhidrosis, when it occurs in a volume disproportionate to that necessary to regulate body temperature.
“People who sweat intensely even in cool environments, at rest or for no apparent reason may be experiencing this condition. Generally, hyperhidrosis is localized, affecting regions such as armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and face, but it can also be generalized, depending on the underlying cause”, he details.
Treatments available on the market
Today, the medical industry offers a number of treatment options for those who suffer from excessive sweating. The choice, however, depends on the severity of the condition and from affected region .
Thiago explains that the use of topical antiperspirants, based on aluminum chloride, is recommended for mild cases, as it helps to temporarily reduce sweat production. In moderate situations, oral medications, such as anticholinergics, may be prescribed, although side effects need to be monitored.
In more intense cases, botulinum toxin, that is, botox, is an efficient solution, temporarily blocking the action of the sweat glands for four to six months.
“Other approaches include iontophoresis, a non-invasive treatment that uses electrical current to reduce gland activity, and technologies such as laser or radiofrequency, which selectively and definitively eliminate sweat glands in localized areas. In severe cases, sympathectomy, a minimally invasive surgery, may be indicated to interrupt the nerve signals responsible for excessive sweating”, he concludes.
This content was originally published in Does anxiety make you sweat more? Experts explain whether there is a relationship on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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