We’ve all been there – you’re eating a hot, spicy dish and suddenly you notice drops of sweat running down your forehead. This is a completely normal reaction, as your body responds to the increased body temperature and tries to cool itself off. But, what if you sweat after eating non-spicy foods? This may be a symptom of a condition called Frey’s syndrome.
Frey’s Syndrome vs. Sweating After Eating
There are several differences between regular gustatory sweating and Frey’s syndrome. Firstly, like we previously mentioned, normal gustatory sweating usually happens after eating very spicy foods. This sweating occurs on the scalp, face, or neck.
On the other hand, people with Frey’s syndrome can sweat after eating any food. The sweating can occur on the face, scalp, ears, and neck, and is usually accompanied by flushing. A typical symptom of this condition is sweating only on one side of the face.
Why Does It Happen
Frey’s syndrome is a condition that affects the parotid gland – a major salivary gland in mammals. This usually happens as a result of an operation near the parotid gland, or an infection or injury that can affect it. When this happens, damaged nerves get mixed up, so instead of salivating when you eat or think about food, you start sweating.
That’s why people with Frey’s syndrome can sweat even when seeing, talking, or thinking about food.
The Bottom Line
If you sweat after eating regular food or just thinking about it, this could be a sign of Frey’s syndrome. However, keep in mind that this is not a serious medical condition and has no other implications for your health. So, if you find it’s a nuisance, contact your doctor to talk about different treatment options.
