While all around me delight in this current spell of warm weather, I hate the heat as it causes me to sweat profusely. Why do I struggle to keep my cool?
It is important to remember that everyone sweats to some degree. Sweat is composed predominantly of water along with salts and other chemicals. It is carried to the surface of the skin via the sweat ducts. The process helps regulate body temperature, keeping us cool. However, extreme and constant sweating is recognised as a medical condition.
Called hyperhidrosis, it is not usually kept under control by standard antiperspirants and may involve the entire surface of the skin including the palms, feet and genital areas.
Treatment options include antiperspirant preparations containing aluminium chloride, oral medication, injection of botulinum toxin (botox) into the affected areas or surgery to cut the nerves supplying the affected sweat glands. If you feel you sweat more than usual, contact your doctor for advice.
While on holiday abroad I seem able to manage warmer temperatures better, but I find trying to work in similar hot weather at home a challenge. The rate and volume at which we sweat is increased not only by warmer temperatures but is influenced by other factors such as nervousness, stress levels and exercise.
On holiday we are less stressed by deadlines and other daily pressures and therefore tend to sweat less as a result. So trying to work in excessively warm temperatures while undertaking our usual daily routine increases our tendency to sweat.
Sometimes I develop an itchy rash which I've been told is prickly heat caused by sweating. Prickly heat develops when the narrow ducts carrying sweat to the surface of the skin become blocked. The trapped sweat then causes inflammation, which in turn produces irritation and a rash of tiny blisters. In severe cases it can also cause large patches of red, inflamed skin.
The condition is more common in higher temperatures. It has a tendency to occur where skin comes in contact with skin, for example, between the thighs, under the breasts and under arms. The condition can be kept in check by keeping as cool and dry as possible. Wear light, natural fibre clothing and avoid synthetic fabrics next to the skin.
Once a rash has developed, however, corticosteroid creams or lotions may be used to diminish the itch and inflammation.