WHEN ALLERGIES HIT, SWEAT CAN FOLLOW

Allergy season can be a real challenge, bringing itchy eyes, congestion, and constant sneezing. But for some people, it can mean feeling sweatier, less fresh, and dealing with sweating at night or what feels like cold sweats.

While seasonal allergies aren’t directly linked to cold sweats, the symptoms, medications, and disrupted routines that come with hay fever can still affect how fresh and comfortable you feel throughout the day.

The connection between allergies and sweat isn’t always obvious at first, so let’s break down what’s really going on.

HOW ALLERGIES DISRUPT YOUR FRESHNESS

Allergies can trigger a series of reactions that can make you feel sweatier and less fresh. Here are some of the common ones:

Stress sweat from feeling unwell

When your body’s fighting an allergic response, you may become stressed from feeling unwell and not even realize it. Stress can increase the histamine in your blood, caused by your allergies, and releases hormones like cortisol.¹ Stress also activates your apocrine sweat glands, found mostly in your underarm and groin areas.² These glands produce a thicker, smellier sweat than regular sweat.²

Antihistamine side effects

Some allergy medications, especially older first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine, can cause sweating, dry mouth, drowsiness, and disrupted sleep.³

Disrupted sleep and nighttime heat

Hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis) can seriously disrupt sleep.⁴ People with allergies often deal with insomnia, frequent waking at night, and lingering daytime fatigue. Add a warm bedroom or bedding that’s picked up dust mites or pollen, and it’s easy to see why you could be sweating at night during allergy season.

More indoor time, less air movement

During peak allergy season, it’s common to stay indoors with the windows closed to reduce pollen exposure. But indoor air gets stuffy, which leads to more sweating.

Skin inflammation and irritation

Constantly wiping your nose can irritate the skin around your face, and allergic eczema can also flare up on other parts of the body. When sweat comes into contact with already irritated skin it can increase discomfort and make body odor more noticeable.

Cold sweats from infection

If you’re experiencing allergies and cold sweats together, it might indicate a sinus infection developing on top of the allergy. This is a signal to see your doctor.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DEODORANT DURING FLARE-UPS

Your freshness routine has to work harder during allergy season, when disrupted sleep, sweating at night, increased stress, or sensitive, inflamed skin start affecting your daily comfort. The right product comes down to which of these concerns is affecting you most.

For stress sweat

Look for a clinical-strength antiperspirant that can handle increased apocrine sweat. Some products include motion-activated technology and deliver up to 72 hours of prescription-strength wetness protection, without needing a prescription.

For sensitive skin

If your sensitive skin feels even more reactive during allergy season, an aluminum-free whole body deodorant is gentler than a clinical-strength antiperspirant. It won't reduce wetness, but it works to control odor. Look for one that is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin.

Sensitivity can vary not only from season to season, but also from person to person. Unilever R&D scientist, Matt Annecharico explains that “modern products are formulated to avoid known irritants; however, everyone can experience sensitivities. Irritation is often less visible on melanin-rich skin, so being in tune with your skin and how it feels as well as looks is key.”

For night sweats

To tackle sweating at night caused by allergies, keep your bedroom between 60–68°F, switch to cotton or linen sheets and sleepwear, and wash your bedding frequently to reduce allergens. Matt suggests applying antiperspirant at night before bed. “This allows ample time for the antiperspirant gel plug to form in the sweat duct, as there is less movement and sweating during sleep.”

For visible sweat under layers

Allergy season often overlaps with unpredictable, in-between weather, meaning extra layers, warmer fabrics, and more noticeable sweat marks. Look for a product that helps protect your clothing from yellow stains on light colors and white marks on darker fabrics.

HYGIENE HABITS THAT SUPPORT YOUR DEODORANT

Simple hygiene habits can improve how well your deodorant works:

Shower more often: Showering after spending time outdoors helps wash pollen from your skin and hair before it transfers to your bedding or clothing, reducing further disruption to your comfort and freshness.
Change clothes after time outdoors: Pollen and mold spores stick to fabric. Clothes worn outdoors during high-pollen hours can still trigger you indoors.
Wash bedding weekly: Dust mites and pollen accumulate in pillowcases and sheets. Weekly washing on a hot cycle during high-allergy periods can improve sleep and reduce night sweating.
Choose breathable fabrics: Use cotton and linen for sheets, sleepwear, and daytime clothing. Natural fibers let skin breathe and sweat evaporate.
Be careful wiping your face and nose: Use a soft, fragrance-free tissue to prevent irritating your skin.
Don't over-shower: Excessive hot showers strip the skin barrier and worsen irritation that comes with allergy-related skin reactions.

A NOTE ON "COLD SWEATS" AND WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies and cold sweats at the same time, this isn’t a common symptom. It usually points to:

A sinus infection developing on top of allergies
Flu or another viral infection
A medication side effect
An anxiety response, especially around acute allergy attacks

Persistent night sweats that soak your bedding, regular cold sweats, or chills with fever are best checked out by your doctor.

FAQs

Do allergies actually cause you to sweat more?

Allergies don't directly cause sweating, but they lead to a cluster of side effects like stress, antihistamine reactions, disrupted sleep and skin inflammation that contribute to feeling sweatier and less fresh during allergy season.

Why do I notice body odor more when my allergies are acting up?

Stress and inflammation activate apocrine sweat glands, producing thicker, more odor-causing sweat. At the same time, disrupted sleep and irritated skin can further affect how fresh you feel throughout the day.

What kind of antiperspirant is best to for allergy-related sweat and odor?

Choose a 72-hour clinical-strength antiperspirant. If your skin is inflamed or you have sensitivity flare-ups, look for an aluminum-free, whole-body deodorant for gentler coverage, avoiding irritated areas. For night sweating, apply at bedtime for better absorption.

Why am I sweating when I have allergies?

It's likely due to a combination of antihistamine side effects, stress from feeling unwell, warm indoor environments with closed windows and disrupted sleep. But persistent or unusual sweating should be checked out by your doctor.

Does taking a shower help allergies?

Yes, showering after time outdoors washes pollen and mold spores off your skin and hair, reducing the possibility of being transferred to your bedding and clothes. It also supports overall freshness by cleansing the skin, improving sleep comfort, and providing a reset between flare-ups.

Allergy season can throw a lot at your body but feeling fresh doesn’t have to be one more thing to worry about. From choosing the right antiperspirant to adjusting your sleep habits and switching to gentler skincare, small changes can help you manage symptoms when they flare up. Even when pollen levels are high, your confidence doesn’t have to suffer.