The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 276 No 7406 p757-760
24 June 2006

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Sweating and hyperhidrosis

Pharmacists should be prepared both to give general advice on sweating and on treatment options for hyperhidrosis. In this article, Christine Clark looks at these sometimes embarrassing problems

Continuing professional development articles

SUMMARY

Sweating is essential for temperature regulation. In humans, body temperature is maintained at about 37C by the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus. This receives input from two sets of thermoreceptors; receptors in the hypothalamus itself monitor the core temperature as blood passes through the brain and skin receptors monitor external temperature. Both measures are needed so that the body can make appropriate adjustments. The thermoregulatory centre sends impulses to several effectors to adjust body temperature, for example, by increasing peripheral vasodilation and sweating to lose heat. Sweating can also occur as a response to other triggers, including:

• Anxiety
• Intense concentration
• Spicy foods (capsaicin in chillies is thought to activate the same sensory receptors as heat)

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