Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Causes Head Sweating?

K. Gierok
K. Gierok

Excessive sweating can occur on any part of the body, even on the head. The development of a heat rash is one of the most common causes of excessive head sweating. In addition, a heart attack, low blood sugar levels, and an overactive thyroid can also contribute to the development of high amounts of sweating on the head. While some of these conditions may seem minor, in reality, they can be quite serious. Those who experience excessive head sweating should seek medical attention in order to rule out the diagnosis of a more serious medical condition.

One of the most common causes of head sweating is a heat rash. As the name suggests, a heat rash develops when an individual lingers too long in a climate with a very high temperature. Typically, those who develop heat rash also experience high amounts of sweating on the head. Heat rash can be a relatively dangerous condition, and individuals who believe that their head sweating may be linked to a heat rash should seek medical attention as soon as possible. When left untreated, a heat rash can lead to the development of heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.
A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.

A heart attack may be another cause of excessive head sweating. In most cases, when a heart attack is to blame, a number of other serious symptoms also are occurring. Typically, these include chest pain, difficulty breathing, a sore or tingling sensation in the arm, and pain across the shoulder blades. As with heat stroke, a heart attack can be deadly when left untreated, and therefore those who suspect a heart attack may be to blame should immediately go the emergency room of their local hospital, or call emergency response teams.

Heat rash is a common cause of head sweating.
Heat rash is a common cause of head sweating.

Those who have head sweating should consider their last meal. In many cases, skipping meals or eating very small meals on a regular basis can lead to low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar levels have commonly been linked to excessive sweating on both the head and the body. Eating normal-sized meals on a regular basis should be enough to prevent the recurrence of head sweating.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a more dangerous condition.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a more dangerous condition.

In some cases, thyroid disease may be to blame when it comes to excessive head sweating. While numerous thyroid conditions can result in excessive sweating, an overactive thyroid is most often to blame. In most cases, a physician or pharmacist should be able to recommend prescription or over-the-counter medications to regulate thyroid function.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.
      By: Anita Potter
      A diagram of the human skin, including sweat glands.
    • Heat rash is a common cause of head sweating.
      By: roboriginal
      Heat rash is a common cause of head sweating.
    • If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a more dangerous condition.
      By: Maridav
      If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a more dangerous condition.
    • An overactive thryoid may cause excessive sweating.
      By: p6m5
      An overactive thryoid may cause excessive sweating.
    • Low blood sugar levels may cause excessive head sweating.
      By: camrocker
      Low blood sugar levels may cause excessive head sweating.