Are you struggling with excessive sweating that affects your daily life? Do you sweat even when you’re just sitting? Hyperhidrosis affects both women and men, but there are ways to treat it. From lifestyle changes and addressing underlying health conditions to dermatological procedures, here’s what you need to know about this condition, its causes, and how to tackle it.
What is Hyperhidrosis and How Does It Manifest?
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a condition where the body produces an abnormal amount of sweat—up to five times more than what is necessary to maintain a normal body temperature. This means you sweat even without physical activity or exertion.
This problem affects both women and men, and often leads to psychological issues and depression due to difficulties in social integration.
How to Recognize Hyperhidrosis?
You can recognize abnormal sweating by the following symptoms:
- Sweating is not influenced by external temperature or physical or psychological stress.
- Your clothing becomes damp even without exercising, and there is body odor.
- Regular antiperspirants do not provide enough protection against sweating.
- You often notice drops of sweat on your face
- You have damp hands or soles of your feet.
A family history of excessive sweating can also be a sign. If someone in your family has similar problems, you might be prone to the same issue (genetic predisposition is passed on to 30 to 50% of individuals within families).
Types of Hyperhidrosis
There are two types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary. Primary (also called focal) hyperhidrosis is hereditary, occurs in completely healthy people (usually in puberty), and affects different parts of the body. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, may be a symptom of another condition or hormonal changes.
Excessive sweating can affect various parts of the body, and based on that, we distinguish:
- Facial hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating of the face.
- Axillary hyperhidrosis – abnormal sweating of the armpits.
- Craniofacial hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating of the head and hair.
- Palmar hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating of the palms.
- Plantar hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating of the feet.
You may not experience just one type of hyperhidrosis; more than one part of your body can sweat abnormally at the same time.
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
The causes of primary hyperhidrosis are not entirely clear, but genetic predisposition and heredity play a role. Stress and nervousness exacerbate the symptoms, and certain foods and drinks, caffeine, and nicotine can also contribute to abnormal sweating.
Causes of Secondary Hyperhidrosis can be traced, and excessive sweating may signal serious changes in the body. The reasons for this type of hyperhidrosis include:
- Pregnancy – Excessive sweating is caused by pregnancy hormones and may persist even after childbirth until hormone levels stabilize.
- Menopause – During menopause, excessive sweating, especially at night, is common.
- Diabetes – Sweating is influenced by either overweight or abnormal glucose levels (high or low).
- Anxiety and Stress – Stressful situations can also trigger excessive sweating.
- Diet – Your eating habits, such as consuming highly spicy foods, can affect sweating.
- Overweight and Obesity – This is the most common cause of excessive sweating throughout the body.
- Certain Medications – Side effects of certain medications, such as antidepressants, can lead to excessive sweating.
- Excessive use of addictive substances, alcohol, and caffeine – Increased sweating can be triggered by high consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or smoking.
- Cancer – Excessive sweating can be a symptom of cancer.
- Other Diseases – Hyperhidrosis may indicate thyroid dysfunction, neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis), adrenal gland disorders, feverish infections, and more.
To determine the exact diagnosis, it’s crucial to have secondary hyperhidrosis evaluated by a doctor. But what about sweating during the night? Let’s explore this further.
What Causes Excessive Night Sweating?
Excessive sweating at night can be caused by too high a temperature in the bedroom or bedding made of non-breathable material. However, unusual sweating may also serve as a warning sign of a serious illness. On the other hand, cold sweats are the body’s response to stress, anxiety, or pain and can occur during migraines, low blood pressure, heart attacks, or shock.
If you experience cold or night sweats repeatedly, or are unsure what triggers them, seek professional help. Cold sweats at night may indicate conditions such as sleep apnea.
How to Identify the Type of Hyperhidrosis?
If you’re dealing with excessive sweating, it’s important to consult a doctor who will conduct tests and make a diagnosis. If no specific disease is found, it is likely primary hyperhidrosis. In this case, the doctor will suggest steps to reduce sweating or may recommend surgery.
In the other case, your doctor will address the specific condition causing the excessive sweating. Let’s look at both of these options in more detail.
Treatment of Hyperhidrosis with a Dermatological Procedure
You can eliminate excessive sweating with an outpatient procedure, which can be performed at any time during the year. The treatment involves injecting a substance that paralyzes the sweat glands. The effect becomes noticeable within a few days after the treatment.
How Does the Procedure Work?
The procedure to eliminate hyperhidrosis involves an injection. The substance is applied to the sweat glands, temporarily paralyzing their function, which reduces or completely stops sweat production. The application is done with thin needles, which are inserted into the affected area (about one injection per square centimeter).
No anesthesia is usually needed for the procedure, though some sensitive areas (like the feet) may require local anesthesia or analgesosedation (pain relief with sedatives). The procedure lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, is not dangerous, and the body typically tolerates it well.
Post-Procedure Care
No hospitalization is required after the procedure, and you can return to your regular activities. However, it’s important to avoid rubbing the treated area, engaging in excessive physical activity, and visiting saunas or solariums for several days following the treatment.
How Long Does the Treatment Last?
You may wonder if the dermatological procedure will permanently eliminate excessive sweating. Unfortunately, it won’t. The effect of the substance varies from person to person, but it typically lasts for four months to one year. After that, the procedure will need to be repeated.
Reducing Excessive Sweating Without Surgery
Although it’s challenging to completely control excessive sweating, there are several factors that may help alleviate it. These include:
- Choosing the Right Clothing – Opt for clothing made from organic cotton or linen, and avoid wearing sweaty clothes throughout the day. Always keep a spare set of clothes with you.
- Reducing Stress Levels – If you’re in a stressful situation, focus on your breathing and try to calm both your body and mind.
- Healthy Lifestyle – Limit heavy, spicy foods, alcohol consumption, and the use of other addictive substances.
- Sweat Control Products – Try antiperspirants that target sweat glands or concentrated aluminum salts (such as Driclor). Antiperspirants reduce sweating, while aluminum salts promise long-lasting effects. These are clear solutions or creams applied before bedtime to areas with increased sweating. The product is then washed off in the morning.
- Herbal Baths – You can try rinsing or soaking in an infusion of oak bark or horsetail. These natural remedies may help alleviate excessive sweating.
- Herbal Tea Blends – Certain herbal teas (such as sage, peppermint, lavender, valerian, or St. John’s Wort) can also help manage excessive sweating.
Solve Excessive Sweating With Us
Overcome excessive sweating with a dermatological procedure and experience both physical and mental well-being once again. Schedule a non-binding consultation with our specialists, where you can discuss everything in detail. We are here to help you feel better in your own body.