STILL SWEATING IN COLD WEATHER? WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
As you may know, they call me “Madame Sweat” over on my TikTok profile, and it’s because, you guessed it, I sweat a lot. But one thing I’ve noticed is that though excessive sweating is expected during the summer months, there are those of us who tend to still sweat in cold weather – sometimes even more so.
What would be causing sweating in cold weather and how can you manage it naturally? Keep reading to find out…
WHY DO YOU SWEAT IN COLD WEATHER?
Sweating is a typical bodily response when your body is overheated, typically when the weather is hot or when you’ve been exercising. But there are some causes of sweat that are not dependent on the climate and some things that could actually cause you to sweat more when it is cold out.
TRANSITION FROM HOT TO COLD
If you live in a region where the winters are very cold, you are no stranger to frigid weather and toasty indoor environments. It’s easy to be very bundled up and warm but if you continue wearing the same attire indoors, your body may overheat. This is common if you are on a subway or going from the car to the mall and spending time indoors with a warm winter coat.
These constant temperature transitions can cause your body to overheat without you realizing, causing more sweating in the cold.
CLOTHING CHOICES AND LAYERS
We love a good winter wardrobe filled with layers, wool and cashmere sweaters and scarves, but these heavier clothing choices, combined with the drastic temperature differences indoors and outdoors could be making you sweat more in colder weather.
Additionally, if you are wearing thicker synthetic materials like a polyester sweater then you are also trapping sweat against the skin which can be making you smell more than usual.
INCREASED STRESS LEVELS
Though not directly related to cold weather, stress and anxiety could cause you to sweat even if you are cold. If this happens during the holiday months, the added pressure of the holiday season, gatherings, last minute gift-giving and hosting friends and family can be the reason for excess sweat.
MEDICAL CONDITION
If you’re sweating when you are cold but it’s not due to previously mentioned reasons, cold sweats could be a sign of a medical condition. “Cold sweats” are also known as Diaphoresis which is classified as sudden, whole-body sweating that is not related to increased body temperature.
If your cold sweats are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, they could indicate a medical emergency and require medical attention:
- dizziness or loss of consciousness
- nausea or vomiting
- cold, clammy skin
- pale skin color
- chest pain or heart palpitations
- trouble breathing
- seizures