Why clammy skin

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This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Hyperhidrosis hi-pur-hi-DROE-sis is abnormally excessive sweating that's not necessarily related to heat or exercise. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Sweat glands Open pop-up dialog box Close. Sweat glands Your skin has two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Hyperhidrosis adult and pediatric. Rochester, Minn. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Aug. Smith CC, et al. Primary focal hyperhidrosis. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is typically marked by sweating so excessive it interferes with your daily activities.

Experts aren't entirely sure why it happens, but they do know that hyperhidrosis runs in families and is the result of too much stimulation from the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. Depending on the location of the sweating, hyperhidrosis treatment varies, but can include prescription-strength antiperspirant even on the hands and feet , Botox injections, and surgery.

Hyperhidrosis can also be a side effect of a number of health conditions—including gout , hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson's disease —and even some medications. Particularly troubling is that it can be a symptom of lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph cells, which play a role in the immune system.

It's not completely understood yet why lymphoma can cause drenching sweat; it could be something about lymphoma itself or how the body responds to it, Pariser says. Perhaps it's a reaction to another symptom—fever—as the body tries to cool itself down. Both fever and sweating are known as "B" symptoms and linked with more aggressive lymphoma. Or, it could be caused by hormones and proteins produced by cancer cells themselves, according to the UK Lymphoma Association.

We don't want to alarm you, but there are 10 cancer symptoms that most people ignore. Weight Loss. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core. You're pregnant…or hitting menopause. Has it ever happened before? Has the person been injured? Is the person in pain? Does the person seem anxious or stressed?

Has the person recently been exposed to high temperatures? What other symptoms are present? Tests and treatments may include: Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth intubation , and breathing machine ventilator Blood and urine tests Chest x-ray ECG electrocardiogram, or heart tracing Fluids through a vein intravenous or IV Medicines to treat symptoms The outlook depends on the cause of the clammy skin.

Alternative Names. Sweat Read more. Clammy skin can be a symptom of several conditions, such as a kidney infection or the flu. Other common causes of clammy skin include:. Clammy skin can also be one of the symptoms associated with a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks one of your coronary arteries.

Coronary arteries take blood and oxygen to your heart muscle. Another possible cause of clammy skin is shock. Shock is commonly thought of as the response to emotional distress, or a sudden fright in response to a traumatic event. Clammy skin is one of the common symptoms of shock. You should call a healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to clammy skin:. You should call or go to an emergency room right away if you experience any of the following symptoms along with clammy skin:.

Clammy skin can also be a symptom of shock. Symptoms of shock can include:. Chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack, but some people have little or no chest pain. Pain from a heart attack can last more than 20 minutes.

It can be severe or mild.