Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis): causes, treatment, tips
Hyperhidrosis: excessive sweating, also known as perspiration, is a completely natural process; This is a very important physiological response to high temperatures or physical activities. In humans, evaporative heat loss from eccrine sweat is crucial for thermoregulation during exercise and/or exposure to warm environmental conditions, especially when ambient temperature is higher than skin temperature. Sweating can also be triggered by emotional stress.
Hyperhidrosis
It is a disorder that causes excessive sweating. Patients suffer from excessive sweating that is not related to heat or exercise. It usually affects the hands, feet, armpits, or face and usually occurs during the day.
Although hyperhidrosis does not harm patients’ health, it affects their daily lives by interrupting normal daily activities. Depending on the level of sweating, your clothes may become soaked or your hands may notice that they are dripping. This can cause anguish, anxiety, and shame in patients, affecting their social life and emotional well-being.
If in certain circumstances your body seems to sweat a lot and stronger antiperspirants do not work, but you do not know what the cause is, you can consult with medical professionals who will evaluate your case and receive their medical advice. At Serrano Medical Unit we have a team of dermatologists who are experts in hyperhidrosis, who will carry out a detailed assessment of your case to offer you the treatment that best suits your needs.
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What is sweating?
When sweat occurs it usually means that the body is doing its job of staying cool. In most cases, a person sweats in response to high temperatures, exercise, or certain emotional situations. As sweat evaporates from the skin it absorbs heat energy from the body, thereby cooling it.
Dampness will appear predominantly in the armpits, hands, or face. It can be unpleasant when signs of sweating begin to appear. Especially in the armpits, sweating can cause stains on clothing, and bacteria that metabolize sweat can cause an unpleasant odor.
The amount of sweat the body produces varies considerably from person to person. On average, it tends to vary between 0.1l and 1l per day.
When sweating is excessive (profuse perspiration in the absence of any obvious reason), the process is called hyperhidrosis.
Why do my hands sweat so much?
In these situations, what happens is that the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands become hyperactive for reasons such as stress without activity or physical effort to justify it.
This problem has no medical explanation, but it is possible that several members of the same family share the problem of excessive sweating. Therefore, it may have a hereditary component.
In turn, certain diseases can also present hyperhidrosis as a side effect; as well as certain vital moments that involve hormonal changes (such as menopause) can make us more prone to this problem. In summary, we can cite the following causes:
- *Diabetes.
- *Menopausal hot flashes can be accompanied by excessive sweating.
- *Alterations in the thyroid gland.
- *Parkinson’s disease.
- *Low blood sugar.
- *Some types of cancer.
- *Various infections.
What is excessive sweating a sign of?
Hyperhidrosis occurs when experiencing excessive sweat production, which can affect different local areas – armpits, hands, feet – or, less frequently, generally.
It may be caused by idiopathic factors, of unknown cause, related to alterations in the regulation of sweat by the Nervous System, unconsciously, and aggravated in situations of stress.
On certain occasions, hyperhidrosis may be related to endocrine-type factors, such as hyperthyroidism, or be due to side effects of some drugs, especially those that have action on the Nervous System.
Although it is not a pathology with clinical severity, it does affect the patient’s quality of life, even in their interpersonal relationships, due to the presence of large stains on their clothing, bad odor, or the notable increase in sweating in the hands. hands, which prevents adequate social interaction in many cases.
Why can sweating become excessive?
Research has shown that in cases of primary or focal hyperhidrosis, the part of the brain that regulates the sweating process will send signals to the eccrine glands, even in the absence of an actual need to cool the body. This dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system will cause stimulation of sweat production without any apparent cause and will produce unpleasant effects in affected people.
Excessive sweating on the face
The face is the most visible part of our body. Therefore, facial hyperhidrosis, apart from causing discomfort in daily activity, also affects mood, self-esteem, and social and professional relationships.
Excessive sweating on the face is due to unknown causes, it is known to have a genetic factor. That is why several people within a family unit usually suffer from it.
It is always necessary to see a specialist to determine the exact cause of excess sweat. Since it can appear due to other factors (medications, stress…)
Facial hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating on the face, mainly occurring in the forehead area.
Treatments to avoid sweating on your face
We are going to tell you some home remedies to avoid sweating so much from your face.
Avoid sugar and foods with added sugars. Eat fruit as it contains natural sugars. Sugar increases the activity of the metabolism, releasing excess energy that ends up becoming sweat.
Use water-based moisturizing creams and cleanse your face well at night.
Facial antiperspirants
These wipes prevent excess moisture.
Medical treatment for excessive sweating on the face:
The most popular treatment for facial hyperhidrosis is microinjections of botulinum toxin.
It is done by depositing small doses of botulinum toxin in the affected area.
This protein temporarily reduces the activity of sweat glands and stops sweat production.
This treatment is also performed for excessive sweating in the armpit, feet, and palms of the hands.
Important information about this treatment:
*The session lasts less than 30 minutes
*Does not require any preparation
*The duration of the effects can be up to a year depending on the person.
*The treatment is not painful
Treatments and measures that offer help for hyperhidrosis:
There is no treatment that can stop sweating. After all, it is an essential bodily function. However, people affected by hyperhidrosis can currently choose from several options that will alleviate the distressing symptoms of hyperhidrosis. Some of them even permanently.
A wide range of surgical and extra-surgical options are available, differing in cost, side effects, and duration of effectiveness. Most of them act on the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands.
Effective treatment can lead to dramatic improvements in the lives of people who have to live with the process. Consequently, diagnosis and treatment must be carefully considered.
How to get rid of sweaty hands
Certain people suffer from excessive sweating in the palms of their hands. Furthermore, this phenomenon, when it also affects the feet, armpits, and even the face, is known as focal hyperhidrosis. The most severe cases can end up weighing down the person’s self-esteem as it can lead to a problem when speaking in public or social relationships because this copious and unsightly sweat is unpredictable.
Since excessive sweating is abnormal – not linked to physical activity – it is capable of soaking our clothes and even causing our hands to drip.
How to cure sweaty hands permanently
Although it is advisable to go to our family doctor to make a clear recommendation about which specialist we should go to so that once the original cause is identified, the treatment will be the most appropriate, although it is true that we can combat the problem and do a lot about it by adopting some simple recommendations such as those detailed below:
*Avoid spicy foods, as well as exciting drinks such as caffeine and theine to counteract sweating.
*Avoid drying your hands as much as possible since with this gesture we only remind the brain of the existence of the problem and anxiety may stimulate sweating even more.
*And perhaps you could try applying an antiperspirant product.
*Do not put your hands in your pockets, as this causes them to get hot and, therefore, sweat more.
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperhidrosis?
*Foul sweat.
*Excessive sweating.
*Skin infections.
If you suffer from intense sweating, both during the day and at night, for no apparent reason, which interferes with your daily activities and causes anxiety or distress, consult your doctor as soon as possible so that he can evaluate you and find the cause of the problem.
Potential risks:
Recurrent skin infections (dermatitis) due to excessive sweating.
Depression and insecurity due to the embarrassment caused by having sweat-stained clothes and wet hands, coupled with the difficulty of fitting in in the social and work environment.
Symptoms: the effects of heavy sweating:
There is no set way to define excessive sweating in terms of “sweat amounts.” However, if heavy sweating interferes with daily life and normal activities, it may be hyperhidrosis.
Although hyperhidrosis can be embarrassing, try to continue your social activities, such as sports.
Hyperhidrosis is often visible.
The following description may help with the diagnosis:
Primary hyperhidrosis is likely when excessive sweating occurs for more than six months. It appears predominantly in the armpits, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or craniofacial areas. It is rather symmetrical, does not appear overnight and in most cases occurs at least every week. It is based on a genetic predisposition and begins before the age of 25.
In cases of primary or focal hyperhidrosis (in which only certain parts of the body are affected), the affected areas are the following:
- Armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis)
- Back
- Palms of the hands (Palmar hyperhidrosis)
- Face (Facial hyperhidrosis)
- Soles of the feet
- Chest
- Back of the knees
These areas have a strangely excessive attention on eccrine glands, which are accountable for sweating. However, flares of focal hyperhidrosis can be experienced in multiple parts of the body at the same time.
Coping with symptoms:
Dealing with bouts of intense sweating can deteriorate the quality of daily life:
Frequent showers or changing clothes during the same day is laborious; Reluctance to take off your jacket or, for example, the feeling of being unkempt when shaking hands can lead to social anxiety. The affected person may want to refrain from continuing their sporting activities. The process can even interfere with business or work life (handling tools or using a keyboard can become difficult with, for example, focal hyperhidrosis of the hands). The result can be social abandonment of the affected people.
Diagnosis of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
The first step in evaluating hyperhidrosis is to differentiate between generalized and focal hyperhidrosis.
Taking a medical history that focuses on the location of excessive sweating, duration of presentation, family history, age of onset, and absence of any apparent cause can easily differentiate focal from generalized hyperhidrosis.
Generalized hyperhidrosis is usually part of some other underlying condition, such as an infectious or malignant disease or hormonal disorder, while primary or focal idiopathic hyperhidrosis occurs in healthy people.
Types of excessive sweating
There are two types of excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis :
Primary focal hyperhidrosis:
When excessive sweating affects the hands, feet, and armpits, it is called focal hyperhidrosis. In most cases, it is not possible to detect the cause, although there are some hereditary cases, since between 30% and 50% of patients when consulted have a family history that also suffering from excessive sweating.
People with primary hyperhidrosis generally sweat from certain types of sweat glands called “eccrine sweat glands.” They are numerous on the feet, palms of the hands, face, and armpits and, in general, they tend to be healthy people, without any pathology that causes it.
Armpit problems tend to begin in late adolescence, while sweating of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet often begins earlier, around age 13 (approximately). Without treatment, these problems can continue throughout life. They affect both men and women.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis:
It is sweating caused by a medical condition or as a side effect of certain treatments or medications. Generally, it begins in adulthood. It usually manifests itself through sweating all over the body or focusing on a certain area. Unlike primary excessive sweating, it can manifest itself while we sleep.
Possible conditions that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis:
- Heart disease
- Respiratory insufficiency
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism
- Menopause
- Obesity
- Respiratory insufficiency
- Parkinson’s disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Drop
- Herpes
Certain medications also influence, such as some antidepressants, treatments for diabetes, including insulin, and for cases of Alzheimer’s.
Top 8 causes of excessive sweating
Or 8 Conditions that cause excessive sweating.
The main causes of excessive sweating are:
1. Strong emotions
Strong emotions such as stress, fear, or pain stimulate the production of hormones that cause excessive sweating.
Likewise, other symptoms may arise such as a racing heart, rapid breathing, and dilated pupils.
What to do: Excessive sweating due to strong emotions is usually not considered a problem and tends to decrease as the situation that caused it passes.
2. Anxiety
Excessive sweating is a relatively common situation in anxious people. In these cases, other symptoms may arise such as body tremors, a feeling of restlessness, and difficulty concentrating or even sleeping. Learn how to identify anxiety symptoms.
What to do: In case of anxiety, it is important to find ways to relax and distract yourself, through relaxation techniques or regular physical exercise, for example. Likewise, attending psychotherapy sessions can be useful to learn to deal with problems. On certain occasions, treatment with antidepressant medications is also indicated.
3. Use of medications
The use of certain medications, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics, and insulin, can cause excessive sweating. The risk of this effect is greater when medications are used without medical indication and in doses above those recommended. See the main antidepressants and their side effects.
What to do: Excessive sweating usually improves after stopping the medication or adjusting the dose. Thus, it is important to consult a doctor, preferably the one who prescribed the medication, for an evaluation.
4. Alcohol abstinence
When there is frequent and large consumption of alcoholic beverages, withdrawal can cause excessive sweating, which tends to occur in the first 24 hours after the last alcohol intake. Typically, other symptoms such as body tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and racing heart also arise.
What to do: Excessive sweating tends to improve after a week of reducing or stopping alcohol consumption. In case of suspected dependence, it is important to seek help from a psychiatrist to carry out an evaluation and provide appropriate guidance. Learn how alcoholism treatment is carried out.
5. Menopause
Excessive sweating caused by menopause generally occurs at night and is associated with a feeling of intense heat. Menopause can also cause other typical symptoms such as mood changes and decreased sexual desire.
What to do: If you suspect menopause, it is important to consult a gynecologist to perform an evaluation and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve hormone replacement and antidepressant medications. See how menopause treatment is performed.
6. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the excessive production of thyroid hormones, which usually occurs due to abnormal functioning of the thyroid, and can result in excessive sweating. Likewise, other symptoms such as increased appetite, body tremors, and diarrhea may also arise. Learn how to identify the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
What to do: It is important to consult an endocrinologist or general practitioner if hyperthyroidism is suspected to confirm the diagnosis, identify the cause, and initiate appropriate treatment, which may involve anything from the use of beta-blocker medications to radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy.
7. Tuberculosis
Excessive sweating caused by tuberculosis usually occurs at night and may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and cough. Likewise, on certain occasions, the presence of blood in the phlegm may be noted. See the main symptoms of tuberculosis.
What to do: Excessive sweating tends to improve with tuberculosis treatment. Thus, in case of suspicion, it is important to consult an infectious disease specialist, pulmonologist, or general practitioner to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment, which is generally carried out with antibiotics.
8. Cancer
Although it is not very common, some types of cancer such as lymphoma, leukemia, or pheochromocytoma can cause excessive sweating. In these cases, other symptoms such as fever and weight loss may also be present.
What to do: If cancer is suspected, it is important to see your general practitioner for a detailed evaluation, which may involve tests such as lymph node biopsy and CT scan. When the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment depends on the type of cancer identified, and the use of chemotherapy or even surgery may be required.
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More possible causes of excessive sweating
There can be two causes of excessive sweating: alteration of nervous reflexes or a diagnosed illness. Based on this, we can talk about two types of hyperhidrosis:
1. Primary hyperhidrosis:
In this type of hyperhidrosis, the nerves responsible for sending signals to the sweat glands become overactive. It mainly affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and armpits; and worsens in episodes of nervousness and stress. It is the most common type of hyperhidrosis.
The symptoms usually manifest bilaterally, that is, hyperhidrosis affects both hands and feet equally, at the same time, and with the same intensity. Not only does it generate sweat in the hands, but the extremities tend to always be cold, damp, and pale in color.
It is unknown what the medical mechanism of this hyperhidrosis is, and what triggers it, but it is estimated that it could have a hereditary component. This disorder usually arises during childhood and its symptoms worsen during puberty. On the contrary, after the age of 40, there is usually an improvement, and hyperhidrosis in the hands and feet is reduced, without disappearing.
2. Secondary hyperhidrosis:
In this case, excess sweating is caused by an illness and can occur in multiple parts of the body. Among the pathologies that can cause this type of hyperhidrosis are diabetes, problems with the thyroid glands, some types of cancer, a heart attack, or certain types of infections, among others.
Although it occurs in a very low percentage of patients, some substances can also cause excessive sweating. This is the case of certain medications, such as some antidepressants, or alcohol that, consumed over a long period, can cause episodes of hyperhidrosis.
How to treat excessive sweating of the feet
Many people sweat when they do physical exercise when they are in a hot environment or in situations of stress and anxiety. In all these situations, sweating is normal, but when it occurs excessively and abnormally, we speak of hyperhidrosis.
This condition is characterized by not necessarily being caused by heat or exercise. Furthermore, the sweat caused by hyperhidrosis is much greater than that triggered during normal sweating. Therefore, it may be common for sweat to drip or soak clothing, causing greater anxiety and embarrassment.
When excessive sweating occurs mainly in the area of the hands, soles of the feet, face, or armpits, it is called focal or primary hyperhidrosis, and it is the most common. This excess sweating is due to the hyperactivity of the nerves responsible for sending signals to the sweat glands. There is also secondary hyperhidrosis that manifests itself due to a disease. It is less common and causes sweating throughout the body. Depending on the intensity of hyperhidrosis symptoms, it may require medical treatment.
One of the areas most prone to excessive sweating is the foot area. Some of the factors that indicate that we may suffer from hyperhidrosis in our feet are leaving wet footprints on the floor when we walk barefoot or leaving our shoes wet and smelly after use.
It is also important to pay attention to the appearance of your feet if you notice excessive sweating. The soles of the feet may appear pinkish or white and may even present some fissures and softness, which increases the risk of suffering from infections.
To treat excess sweat on your feet, here is a list with several tips and recommendations:
Maintain good hygiene in the affected area: Try to always keep your feet clean, it will help control skin bacteria. Remember that it is important to dry the toe area well.
Wear appropriate footwear:
Wearing shoes made of natural materials can help prevent excessive sweating of the feet. Additionally, combining them with breathable socks can be a good solution.
Keep your feet outdoors: Whenever you can, stay barefoot and ventilate your feet so they can air out.
Use foot deodorants:
Some products contain zinc oxide that helps absorb excess moisture from the skin. Foot deodorants in spray or powder format can help you get rid of foot odor and excessive sweating.
Perform relaxation techniques:
Sweating increases in stressful situations. Therefore, it is important to take time for yourself and relax. It is also advisable to do anti-stress activities such as yoga or meditation.
What is the most effective treatment for hyperhidrosis?
Several treatments can relieve hyperhidrosis. The first measure that patients try is the use of antiperspirants, which block the release of sweat from the glands that produce it. Unfortunately, they are rarely effective.
Another available measure is the application of botulinum toxin type A locally. It is injected into the applied area and reduces sweating as it blocks the chemical messengers that mediate sweating in the skin. Although it is also effective in drying the areas in which it is applied, its effects are not long-lasting and it is necessary to repeat the applications.
Some medications reduce excessive sweating. When ingested, they act on glands throughout the body and decrease sweat production. However, its prolonged use is linked to numerous adverse effects.
Treatments for hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating
Patients with hyperhidrosis can turn to specialized dermatology centers such as Unidad Médica Serrano in search of an effective treatment to reduce sweating. Previously, the team of dermatologists performed a series of diagnostic tests to identify the sweating area and estimate the severity of the problem, such as the iodine and starch test. If necessary, medical personnel may recommend blood and urine tests to determine if the sweating is the result of an illness.
If no disease is found to be the cause of this hyper sweating, treatment will focus on controlling excessive sweating. Among the main treatments for this skin problem are:
Medications for hyperhidrosis:
Based on the previous diagnosis, the dermatologist may prescribe prescription antiperspirants as the first option, especially if excessive sweating occurs in the armpits. These are products that are applied to the affected skin before going to sleep and have to be removed when you wake up. If hyperhidrosis affects the face and head, you can opt for the prescription of creams containing glycopyrrolate.
A second option is oral drugs to block communication between the nerves and reduce sweating. These medications must be administered under the supervision of a specialist. Its effectiveness and safety have been demonstrated in multiple scientific studies.
Botulinum toxin injections:
Botox injection allows you to temporarily block the nerves in the areas where sweating occurs. It is a very effective treatment, especially to reduce sweat in the armpits and axillary hyperhidrosis. The infiltration of botulinum toxin is carried out through very fine needles, making the treatment practically painless. The session lasts approximately 20 to 40 minutes and the patient can lead a normal life immediately after the treatment.
Sweat production in the armpits begins to slow down between the second and fourth day after the session and the effects last between 4 and 10 months. It must be repeated periodically to keep excessive sweating under control.
In the most severe cases of hyperhidrosis, when other treatments have had no effect, surgical intervention can be used as a definitive solution to your problem. The operation for hyperhidrosis can be of two types. If excessive sweating only occurs in the armpits, destruction of the sweat glands can occur. Otherwise, if patients suffer from excessive sweating in their hands, nerve surgery or sympathectomy may be considered to interrupt the nerve signals that initiate sweating.
In our dermatological center, to guarantee the success and safety of all treatments, we have a team of professionals with extensive experience in clinical dermatology. Our dermatologists will answer all your questions and will closely monitor your progress from the first consultation. Request your first appointment for a personalized assessment of your case.
Treatment of hyperhidrosis
Multiple non-surgical treatments have been used, including the use of drugs called “anticholinergics”, astringent medications applied locally, absorbent powders, iontophoresis, and more recently, botulinum toxin -Botox-. The results have generally been unsatisfactory and the improvement in symptoms, when it occurs, is transitory, which generally results in abandonment of treatment.
Local Botox injection
Local Botox injection has represented an advance in the management of this problem, however, it has some drawbacks: it is expensive, and its application must be by injection into the affected site, which is annoying and painful, particularly in the palms. hands and, furthermore, its effect is not permanent, which implies the reappearance of sweating months after its application.
Hyperhidrosis is not a psychological or psychiatric problem, therefore drug treatments to reduce anxiety have no place in the treatment of this problem.
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Hyperhidrosis surgery treatment
Surgery is a valid alternative in the treatment of hyperhidrosis since it permanently ends sweating in more than 95% of cases. The procedure is carried out with the assistance of video thoracoscopy (VATS).
Under general anesthesia, two small incisions are made at armpit level through which a camera specially designed to see inside the chest is placed. With this camera, we look for the nerves that come out of the spinal column and carry nerve impulses to the sweat glands. To access these nerves the lung collapses.
Once identified, these nerves are cut in specific places to stop sweating permanently. Once the procedure on one side of the chest is completed, the lung is re-inflated and performed on the other side.
It is usually not necessary to place any drainage and patients are awakened at the end of surgery. Correct lung expansion is checked with a chest x-ray and the patient is transferred to her room.
After a few hours, the oral diet is resumed and intravenous hydration is suspended. If necessary, analgesics are used by mouth.
To promote rapid recovery, patients are encouraged to move within a few hours and, usually, between 12 and 24 hours after the procedure they are ready to be discharged from the hospital.
Preparation for hyperhidrosis surgery:
Before scheduling the surgical intervention, it is necessary to make an appointment with the thoracic surgeon, a medical specialist who will analyze each case individually and order the necessary laboratory tests to be able to carry out the surgery safely.
Once each particular case has been analyzed and the necessary laboratory tests have been ordered according to the situation of each patient, the pre-anesthetic study will be completed and the surgery will be scheduled on the most convenient date for the patient.
The patient remains overnight in the clinic to be discharged the next day, with a treatment of analgesics to control the bothersome symptoms.
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy represents an important treatment option for patients suffering from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis). It is a procedure performed using minimally invasive techniques, which reduces discomfort for the patient and allows for a quick recovery. This operation, often little known by those who suffer from hyperhidrosis and by the general public, represents an important opportunity to effectively and safely control this annoying problem, which reduces the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
What changes in quality of life after hyperhidrosis surgery?
Studies have been carried out analyzing the changes in the quality of life of patients who have undergone this type of surgery, finding that the vast majority of these report a notable improvement in previous discomfort. This is represented in greater confidence in their interpersonal and work relationships. The evaluation of postoperative results has shown a high percentage of satisfaction in the vast majority of patients undergoing this surgery.
What is the recovery time for hyperhidrosis surgery?
Recovery continues at the patient’s home and there are no medical contraindications to returning to normal activities once the pain has subsided, which occurs a few days after the operation in most people. The return to work will be as soon as the person feels well enough to do so and for physical activities it is necessary to wait between 10 and 15 days.
What adverse effects does surgery have on hyperhidrosis?
The most common adverse effect of this surgery is compensatory sweating, which consists of perspiration in another part of the body once removed from the place where the patient consulted. This means that there is a possibility that a patient who underwent surgical treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, for example, may experience sweating in another part of the body, usually the back, legs, or feet. This sweating can be mild or severe and it cannot be predicted in which cases it may develop.
It is necessary to keep in mind that once the nerves that carry signals to the sweat glands are cut, there is no way to reconnect them, so the effects of surgery cannot be reversed. However, the majority of patients who experienced this adverse effect maintain that they would perform the surgery again since the benefit of the sweating disappearing from the place that bothered them the most far outweighs the adverse effect.
How to stop excessive sweating all over body naturally
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for sufferers.
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for sufferers. Fortunately, there are effective home remedies that can help control this problem. Here are seven natural remedies you can try to combat excessive sweating:
Apple vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is known for its astringent and antimicrobial properties. Apply a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to areas prone to excessive sweating. This will help reduce sweating and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Sage tea:
Sage is an excellent natural remedy to control excessive sweating. Make an infusion of sage tea and drink a cup a day. Its antioxidant and astringent properties will help regulate the activity of the sweat glands.
Corn starch powder:
Cornstarch is a natural absorbent that can help keep skin dry and free of moisture. Sprinkle some cornstarch powder on areas where you sweat the most, such as your armpits and feet, to reduce excessive sweating.
Black tea baths:
The tannic acid present in black tea is a natural astringent that helps close pores and reduce sweating. Prepare a hot bath with some black tea bags and soak in it for 15-20 minutes to get relief.
Sodium bicarbonate:
Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorant and can help neutralize odors associated with excessive sweating. Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas before taking a shower.
Hamamelis or witch hazel:
Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help reduce sweat production. Apply some witch hazel on the problem areas with the help of a cotton ball to get relief.
Diet changes:
Some foods and drinks can increase sweating, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Reducing your consumption can help reduce excessive sweating. On the other hand, increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods, such as nuts, legumes, and spinach, can be beneficial, as magnesium helps regulate sweat gland activity.
Remember that although these home remedies can be helpful for many people, excessive sweating may be related to underlying medical conditions in some cases. If you experience excessive sweating that is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.
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FAQs for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
What are the effects obtained with this surgery?
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy produces a permanent disappearance of hand sweating in more than 95% of patients. The effect is generally immediate, however, in some patients, there may be increased sweating for a few days to later present the desired effect, which is generally permanent.
The beneficial effect of surgery is more marked in patients with a predominance of sweating in the palms of the hands and armpits. A good response is also seen in patients suffering from excessive facial sweating and facial redness (facial flush).
The effect of excessive sweating in the feet is limited and only 20% of patients report improvement in these symptoms.
What is hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating?
Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that is caused by hyperactivity of the sympathetic or autonomic nervous system, generating hyper-sweating focused on the sweat glands of the hands, feet, and/or armpits.
What causes excessive sweating?
Although primary focal hyperhidrosis affects almost 3% of the population, the causes of its appearance are unknown. There are other types of hyperhidrosis, which are located generally, not only in certain areas of the body, and which do have their origin in certain diseases or the use of certain drugs.
Can hyperhidrosis occur in both adults and children?
Yes, it can happen in both cases. It is more common for it to begin to develop in adulthood, but sometimes the first signs can be seen at an early age.
Which specialists should treat excessive sweating?
The choice of treatment is particular and depends on each patient, their preferences, and circumstances. However, in most cases there is a process by which the first step of medical care is usually dermatologists, who begin by prescribing topical treatments or therapies with a temporary effect; however, the most effective treatment currently is surgery ( hyperhidrosis operation), which must be carried out by a specialist in thoracic surgery.
What treatment options really exist for hyperhidrosis?
The dermatologist usually establishes a topical treatment with deodorants based on aluminum chloride. They can then carry out local treatments with iontophoresis, botulinum toxin, or some oral drugs. All of these treatment options have a temporary effect. The most effective treatment currently, as I said, is surgery which consists of interrupting the sympathetic chain at the level that the patient needs, depending on the area of the body affected.
Are patients aware of these options?
Hyperhidrosis is an unknown pathology and in many cases, even the patients themselves, after many years of suffering from it, do not know that there is an option to undergo surgery and obtain definitive results.
How is the diagnosis of this pathology made?
The diagnosis that thoracic surgeons make is practically by exclusion of other pathologies. In fact, in most cases, the patient already has their diagnosis and comes to the consultation to consider surgery.
In which cases can surgery be performed?
Surgery can be performed in practically all cases unless there is a contraindication, such as in cases of high surgical risk patients.
What is the operation about?
The intervention to solve hyperhidrosis is elementary and quick as it lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. It can be done with sedation, although for the comfort of the patient and surgeon, it is performed with general anesthesia.
It consists of making 2 incisions on each side of the chest (photo 1), in the armpit area, about 5 millimeters each, and which will practically not be seen after the surgery. Through one of them, an optic is introduced, and through the other the instruments with which the sympathetic chain is going to be interrupted.
There are many ways to do it: you can cut it with an electric scalpel or an ultrasonic scalpel. In our case, what we currently do is place titanium clips that interrupt the nerve impulse as effectively as the section of the nerve. It does not require drainage and recovery from anesthesia is very quick. Income is between 12 and 24 hours.
What is the postoperative period for hyperhidrosis like?
The patient will have some minor discomfort in the area but with regular painkillers, they will be leading a normal life two days after the intervention, although it will depend on each case.
Axillary, hand or facial hyperhidrosis:
Palmar hyperhidrosis is frequently associated with axillary or facial hyperhidrosis. In the same way, some patients have excessive facial sweating in situations of light stress that prevents them from safely functioning in their daily lives and work. Sometimes, this sweating is associated with very noticeable facial redness, also called facial flushing or facial blushing.
The fact that hyperhidrosis is more of an annoying problem than a serious one has determined that it has not been given more attention from a clinical point of view. However, hyperhidrosis frequently produces significant alterations in the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
What is the cause of hyperhidrosis?
Essential or primary hyperhidrosis is due to excessive activity on the part of the autonomic nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates some automatic functions, including sweating. The function of sweat is to help regulate body temperature within the limits considered normal. However, in patients with hyperhidrosis, this response is exaggerated.
What are the adverse effects and risks of this surgery?
Thoracoscopic sympathectomy is considered a low-risk surgical procedure. It is a surgery that is performed under general anesthesia and with a short hospital stay. The most frequently encountered adverse effect is the so-called compensatory sweating, which consists of a slight increase in sweating in the chest, abdomen, and thighs as a compensation mechanism for the decrease in sweating in the hands and armpits. This effect appears in most patients, however, it is generally mild and less bothersome than the initial symptoms of sweating in the hands and armpits.
Read more: Essential infectious disease list and details
Summary of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
There is a wide range of excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) treatments available for patients with focal such as topical, systemic, and surgical, which vary and are applied according to their severity as well as their therapeutic efficacy, duration of effect as well and side effects.
We can list the following:
Over-the-counter antiperspirants: Contain a low dose of metal salt (usually aluminum). Normally, they are usually tried first as they are more available. Those containing aluminum chloride are often more effective when other antiperspirants have failed.
Prescription antiperspirants: containing aluminum chloride hexahydrate.
Iontophoresis: It is a device that passes ionized tap water through the skin using direct electricity.
Oral medications: Anticholinergics reduce sweating.
Botox (botulinum toxin): Used to treat excessive axillary (under the arm) sweating.
MiraDry: This technique is used to permanently kill sweat glands.
Lasers: Lasers are more effective by focusing on “eradicating” the sweat glands in the armpits.
Surgery: A procedure called thoracic sympathectomy may be considered as a last resort.
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