Excessive Sweating

Alternate Names : Diaphoresis, Excessive Perspiration, Profuse Sweating

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For example, excessive sweating due to exercise or hot weather can be avoided by avoiding activity or using air conditioning. Low blood sugar can often be avoided by getting enough to eat and taking medications to treat diabetes. Many cases of excessive sweating cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and salt imbalances in the body. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, a stroke can leave a person paralyzed or unable to talk. Infections often go away on their own or after treatment with antibiotics and may have no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

Excessive sweating itself is not contagious and poses no risk to others. If the cause of the sweating is an infection, the infection can be contagious.