Why do we perspire without effort?

Sweating: an ongoing phenomenon

Sweating is a natural physiological phenomenon essential for our body. The body sweats daily to fulfil a number of essential functions, which explains why we sweat a lot:

• To regulate body temperature, to maintain a constant average temperature of 37 °C
• To eliminate certain toxins and waste
• To protect the skin, since it plays an essential role in the construction of the hydrolipidic film found on the skin surface, which serves to protect it from external aggressions and to hydrate it by preventing water from escaping

Although often associated with poor hygiene, sweating is a fact of nature and totally unrelated to any form of hygiene problem.

A human secretes 1 liter of sweat per day on average with no particular effort. Sweating without effort is therefore a normal and necessary phenomenon. Under the effect of physical activity, heat or strong emotions, our body can lose up to 10 liters of sweat a day. It’s why we sometimes feel we are sweating a lot at the slightest effort, because our body secretes more sweat to compensate for the change in temperature generated by the effort made.
Sweat is most abundant on the soles of the feet and in the armpits.

The volume of sweat produced can vary from one person to another, and depends on several criteria, including genetic, climatic, dietary and therapeutic factors. In some cases, we sweat more than necessary, and this is called hyperhidrosis. Most people find this condition very unpleasant in terms of their everyday life.
It’s not always obvious what causes excessive perspiration, and it can sometimes occur for no reason at all. Fortunately, effective treatments exist to reduce its secretion. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.