• Home
  • Blog
  • Sweat allergy: what are the symptoms and how to treat it?

Sweat allergy: what are the symptoms and how to treat it?

Alergia al sudor

Sweating is a natural and essential process for regulating body temperature. However, some people experience an exaggerated response to this secretion, leading to uncomfortable and bothersome reactions on the skin, such as sweat-induced hives. While not a true allergy, this condition triggers symptoms similar to other allergic reactions, such as redness, itching, and rashes in areas where sweat accumulates.

In this article, we’ll explore how to identify if you’re allergic to sweat, how to relieve the symptoms, and how to prevent and treat the rashes that can arise from prolonged exposure.

How to tell if you’re allergic to sweat

The development of rashes after sweating is one of the primary indicators of a sweat allergy. This reaction is known as cholinergic urticaria, or sweat-induced hives, and occurs when body temperature rises due to physical exercise, emotional stress, or environmental heat. Typical symptoms include small red bumps that cause intense itching and can appear on areas like the chest, neck, face, or back. In more severe cases, swelling and a burning sensation may also accompany the rash.

Both adults and children can experience a sweat allergy. It’s particularly common in babies, who may develop rashes on their scalp, neck, and back due to sweat building up in skin folds.

Technically, a sweat allergy is not a traditional allergy. The sweat itself doesn’t cause the reaction; rather, it’s the immune system’s response to certain chemicals, like acetylcholine, which are released during sweating.

If you suspect you might have a sweat allergy, consult with your dermatologist. A proper diagnosis can help distinguish between a reaction to sweat and other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or rosacea, which may present similar symptoms.

How to alleviate sweat allergy

The first step in relieving sweat allergy symptoms is minimizing exposure to triggering factors. Keeping the skin cool and dry is crucial. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton are recommended, as they allow sweat to evaporate quickly without building up on the skin. Additionally, it’s a good idea to shower immediately after sweating to remove any residue that could irritate the skin.

Using soothing, fragrance-free topical products with ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and itching. In more severe cases of sweat-induced hives, your doctor may recommend antihistamines to manage the reaction.

Neurodermatological products can also help soothe the uncomfortable sensations caused by sweat-induced hives. This is especially helpful when dealing with a sweat allergy on the face, where the skin is more delicate and prone to irritation.

How to treat sweat rash

Sweat rash, commonly known as heat rash or prickly heat (miliaria), occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat under the skin. This results in small blisters or red bumps, which typically appear in areas where heat and moisture accumulate, such as the neck, chest, and armpits.

To treat sweat rash, the key is to lower body temperature. Applying cold compresses to the affected areas can help soothe irritation and reduce inflammation. Keeping the skin clean and dry is essential, and heavy creams or lotions that might clog the pores should be avoided.

Sweat rash can become even more uncomfortable if accompanied by excessive sweating. The increased moisture aggravates the already uncomfortable sensations.

At Prospera Biotech, we’ve developed Ecrisens®, a neurodermatological cream that helps reduce excessive sweating. This gel-like cream is formulated to regulate the activity of sweat glands without blocking the pores. Unlike traditional antiperspirants, it lowers the activation threshold of the sweat glands, helping to reduce sweating and alleviate discomfort caused by sweat allergies.

Take control of your sweating without compromising your skin’s health with Ecrisens®!

Follow us on social media for more interesting content.

References

  • Bito T, Sawada Y, Tokura Y. Pathogenesis of cholinergic urticaria in relation to sweating. Allergol Int. 2012 Dec;61(4):539-44. doi: 10.2332/allergolint.12-RAI-0485.
  • Fukunaga A, Washio K, Hatakeyama M, Oda Y, Ogura K, Horikawa T, Nishigori C. Cholinergic urticaria: epidemiology, physiopathology, new categorization, and management. Clin Auton Res. 2018 Feb;28(1):103-113. doi: 10.1007/s10286-017-0418-6.
  • Kobayashi H, Aiba S, Yamagishi T, Tanita M, Hara M, Saito H, Tagami H. Cholinergic urticaria, a new pathogenic concept: hypohidrosis due to interference with the delivery of sweat to the skin surface. Dermatology. 2002;204(3):173-8. doi: 10.1159/000057877.
  • Nakamizo S, Egawa G, Miyachi Y, Kabashima K. Cholinergic urticaria: pathogenesis-based categorization and its treatment options. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Jan;26(1):114-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04017.x.

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related posts