What does excessive sweating feel like with heat exhaustion?

Sweating may be heavy and continuous after time in a hot environment or during exertion. The skin can feel moist, cool or clammy even while the body feels overheated. Other sensations can include tiredness, headache, thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, light-headedness or irritability.

Most people with Heat Exhaustion notice excessive sweating, but sweating by itself cannot identify the cause. The combination with heat exposure and whole-body symptoms is what makes prompt cooling and fluids important.

Stop the activity and move to a cool or shaded place. Loosen extra clothing, use cool wet cloths or a fan, and take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if the person is awake and able to swallow. Stay with them and watch whether alertness and symptoms improve.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting repeatedly or unable to swallow safely. Arrange medical assessment if symptoms do not improve promptly after cooling and rest.

Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, seizures, loss of consciousness, severe breathlessness or very hot skin. These signs can indicate heatstroke, which is an emergency. Do not delay help while trying home cooling measures.

Ask how to prevent repeat heat illness, how much activity and heat exposure is safe during recovery, and whether medicines or health conditions affect your risk of dehydration.