Body area · most of the body
Sweating across most of your body or new sweating
Sweating across most of your body is different from sweating mainly in the underarms, hands, feet, or face. If it started recently, happens at night, or comes with other symptoms, see a clinician before trying to treat the sweating.
When another cause may need to be checked
- Area-specific excessive sweating usually affects both sides of the body, starts early in life, and stops during sleep. Sweating across most of the body does not fit that pattern.
- Possible causes include medicines, thyroid problems, infections, menopause, pregnancy, nerve problems, and some cancers. A clinician can help find the cause.
Common patterns and symptoms
- • Sweating across most of the body
- • Sweating that began in midlife or later
- • Sweating that occurs during sleep (night sweats)
- • Sweating mainly on one side
- • Sweating accompanied by fever, weight loss, palpitations, fainting, or new shortness of breath
- • Sweating that began after starting a new medication or after an illness
Why the pattern matters
Sweating across most of the body can have a different cause than long-term sweating in one or two areas. Treating the sweat may hide a problem that needs care. Start with an in-person medical visit.
What can cause it
Common causes include medicines, menopause, pregnancy, thyroid problems, infections, and nerve problems. Some cancers can also cause night sweats. The right next step depends on your symptoms and health history.
When to seek urgent evaluation
Get urgent care if sweating comes with chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing, fever, unexplained weight loss, or a fast change in your health.
Frequently asked
- How do I know if my sweating may have another cause?
- See a clinician if sweating started recently, affects most of your body, happens during sleep, affects mainly one side, or comes with fever or weight loss.
- Are night sweats a sign of excessive sweating?
- Usually not. Night sweats can come from menopause, medicines, infections, thyroid problems, and other causes. Ask a clinician about new or frequent night sweats.
- Could a medication be causing my sweating?
- Yes. Antidepressants, opioids, some heart medicines, and other drugs can increase sweating. Talk with the clinician who prescribed the medicine before changing it.
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