EXCESSIVE SWEATING 79
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have a chronic infection, such as tuberculosis, or a cancer, such as lymphoma( cancer of the lymphatic system).
Is your weight within ideal limits?
Overweight
Ideal weight
Underweight
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR for advice about reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your symptoms may be a side effect of the medication.
• Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Being overweight can lead to excessive sweating, particularly after physical exertion.
• Adopt a sensible weight-reducing diet.
• Wash away sweat regularly and wear comfortable loose clothing made from natural fibers.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms do not improve.
Do you regularly drink more than the recommended limit of alcohol( see box below)?
More than the limit
Within the limit
Are you currently taking any medication?
Medication
No medication
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES Excessive sweating of the hands and feet is a common problem.
• Wash off sweat regularly and wear socks made from natural fibers. Try to go barefoot whenever possible.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your symptoms do not improve.
Is the sweating limited to certain parts of the body?
Mainly hands
Mainly feet
Other parts affected
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause from this chart.
Safe alcohol limits
One unit of alcohol equals half a pint of beer, a small glass of wine or sherry, or one measure of hard liquor.
• The maximum recommended limit for
men is 3 units a day.
• The maximum recommended limit for
women is 2 units a day.