Excessive perspiration
Sweating itself is both normal and necessary. It's one of the body's two main ways of shedding the heat that is a byproduct of our metabolism; the other is the conduction of heat from the skin to the surrounding air. When the air is hot, it's hard to dissipate heat by conduction. When the air is humid, sweat won't evaporate, making heat loss by perspiration ineffective. So the discomfort of summer is not due to heat or humidity, but both.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
