Sweating

Sweating plays an important role in the body because it helps maintain body temperature by cooling you down. When you're hot and you sweat, that moisture evaporates and cools you off a bit. Sometimes, the complex mechanism of perspiration fails, resulting in either excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) or little or no perspiration (anhidrosis). Excessive sweating can be embarrassing and may sometimes signal a more serious health problem. Anhidrosis is potentially life-threatening. See your doctor if you suddenly begin to sweat more than usual or experience night sweats for no apparent reason. A cold sweat is usually your body's response to a serious illness, anxiety or severe pain. Most people treat sweating with deodorants or antiperspirants. In some cases, prescription antiperspirants may be needed.