Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating and is usually caused by certain medical conditions. Sweating can take place excessively due to some normal factors also. These include physical activity, hot weather, menopause, eating spicy foods, intense emotions of anger or fear and memories of past traumatic experiences. All these can have the effect of triggering excessive sweating. Diaphoresis caused by abnormal factors requires treatment of the underlying conditions. Such conditions include shock and hyperthyroidism. If profuse sweating comes along with sudden weight loss, breathlessness, fever, chest pain and palpitations, medical help is required immediately. Diaphoresis may also occur in individuals suffering from diabetes. Caffeine, alcohol, narcotics, morphine and some antipsychotic drugs can also result in Diaphoresis. Excessive sweating is also one of the withdrawal symptoms when alcohol or narcotic abuse is stopped. Stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine are also known to result in Diaphoresis. A heart attack will also bring on excessive sweating as one the symptoms. Infections or illnesses that cause chills and fever can result in Diaphoresis. It is commonly seen in conditions like tubercolosis and malaria.
The prevention of diaphoresis can be achieved by first identifying the cause of it. If the condition is brought about by increased temperatures or when physical activity takes place, then it can be avoided by refraining from going out in hot weather or by the use of an air conditioner. If excessive sweating results from low blood sugar levels, then diabetic medications must be taken and food must also be consumed adequately to maintain the blood sugar levels. There are however several causes of diaphoresis that cannot be prevented and the only solution for these lies in treating the condition. In the long term excessive sweating can result in electrolyte imbalances and dehydration in the body due to rapid fluid loss.
Once you have sought the appropriate treatment for the causes of Diaphoresis, there are some home remedies that you can try out for dealing with the condition. Firstly, you can use talcum powder to absorb the sweat from the body. Placing cotton pads soaked in baking soda under the arms may also help. The odor that may result from excessive sweating can be taken care of by applying apple cider vinegar on the arm pits. Rubbing a mixture of lime juice and baking soda under the arms is also likely to help. Lemon juice can also be directly applied under the arms after a shower.