While not a primary, widely recognized symptom of acute COVID-19, potential links exist regarding the body’s sweating regulation and persistent conditions. This article explores how COVID-19 might influence sweating patterns.
COVID-19’s Potential Impact on Sweating Regulation
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic bodily functions, including sweating. It has two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates sweat glands, primarily in response to heat or stress.
COVID-19 can affect the nervous system, potentially leading to imbalances within the ANS, known as dysautonomia. This dysfunction can arise from the virus directly impacting nervous system components or through an exaggerated immune response. Such disruptions can alter sweating patterns, including excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) or, less commonly, a lack of sweating.
Sweating During the Acute Phase of COVID-19
During acute COVID-19 infection, general sweating is common, often linked to fever. The body sweats to cool itself when fighting infection. This generalized sweating can include night sweats, a feature of various viral infections.
However, localized excessive sweating, like sweaty hands and feet, is not a common direct symptom of acute COVID-19. While overall stress and anxiety from illness can contribute to general sweating, this differs from a direct viral impact on localized sweat glands. Unexplained new onset sweating during the acute phase, especially if continuous and without fever, has been observed in some patients and might indicate an excessive immune or inflammatory response.
Persistent Sweating as a Post-COVID Condition
Ongoing sweating issues can manifest as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long COVID. Dysautonomia is a recognized condition affecting many individuals after their initial COVID-19 infection. This autonomic dysfunction can lead to various persistent symptoms, including altered sweating patterns.
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a reported symptom among those with Long COVID. It can occur due to lingering effects of the virus on the autonomic nervous system, causing overactive sweat glands. Persistent inflammation or nerve damage from the initial infection may also contribute. For some, this significantly impacts daily life and may link to conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia that can include excessive sweating.
Understanding Sweating: Other Causes and When to Consult a Doctor
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can stem from various causes unrelated to COVID-19. Primary hyperhidrosis often affects specific areas like the hands, feet, or armpits, and has no clear underlying medical cause.
Other causes of generalized excessive sweating include anxiety, thyroid problems, certain medications, and menopause. Low blood sugar, nervous system disorders, and some types of cancer can also lead to increased sweating.
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience new onset or persistent excessive sweating, especially if it disrupts daily activities or causes distress. Seek immediate medical attention if excessive sweating is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as lightheadedness, chest pain, nausea, fever without illness, unexplained weight loss, or heart palpitations. A doctor can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management or treatment.