Increased sweating cause and treatment. Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating of the armpits, face, head, legs or generalized profuse sweating is medically called hyperhidrosis. Sweating is a natural process of cleansing the body, removing water secretions when exposed to physical factors, such as overheating of the body at elevated ambient temperatures, intense physical activity, nervous tension, and excitement. This physiological process seems to save the body from overheating, since when sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, cooling and a decrease in body temperature occur. However, the causes of increased sweating can be many diseases, one of the symptoms of which is hyperhidrosis.

Excessive sweating may be a physiological feature of a person and may not pose a particular threat to health, but only cause psychological discomfort and worsen the quality of life of both women and men. But since there are no uniform assessment criteria, there are no devices that determine whether excessive sweating is normal or normal, then the disease hyperhidrosis should only be discussed if excessive sweating greatly affects a person’s quality of life.

You can independently determine excessive sweating if you:

• You have to make a lot of effort to combat the consequences of excessive sweating - take a shower several times a day, change clothes, etc.
• Having to give up certain activities or gym classes due to excessive sweating
• You have to stay at a certain distance when in contact with work colleagues, friends, you avoid unnecessary communication with people, you feel insecure and are worried about excessive sweating

Types of hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is divided into local(local, limited), that is, when:

• only the face and head sweat
• extremities sweat - palms, feet, the most common location, of course the armpits
• palms, feet, forehead, armpits sweat, both individually and simultaneously

And generalized- when the whole body sweats simultaneously and profusely, as a rule, this occurs during feverish conditions, infectious and other diseases. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor.

There is also a classification into primary and secondary:

• Primary - happens during puberty, in adolescence in 1% of the population.
• Secondary - is the result of a number of different somatic, endocrine, neurological diseases.

Sweat is odorless, however, each person has a different odor when perspiring. Why does sweat smell? The unpleasant smell of sweat is given by toxic substances, from which the body is released with the help of sweat glands, as well as bacteria that enter from the outside and decompose the protein components of sweat.

Increased sweating at night

If during sleep at a normal temperature in the room, appropriate bedding and a blanket, a person sweats, wakes up wet, sweats on the head or back, chest, it is necessary to determine the causes of increased sweating.

During sleep, the process of natural sweating decreases, as a person does not move, does not get nervous, the body is calm, all processes are slowed down. Therefore, the occurrence of increased sweating at night is a signal to see a doctor, as this can be a symptom of a serious illness.

With increased sweating at night, the causes may be the following diseases: SARS, influenza, pneumonia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, tuberculosis, malignant tumors, lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, thyroid diseases, immune disorders, stroke, diseases of the cardiovascular system, systemic fungal infections, abscesses, hepatitis, AIDS, etc.

What can a doctor ask when contacting him?

To exclude or suspect serious pathological conditions, the doctor may ask the patient the following:

• Constant or periodic increased sweating, does it increase under stress?
• Is sweating limited to certain areas (forehead, head, palms, feet, armpits) or general?
• Does anyone else in the family suffer from similar discomfort?
• When does sweating occur more often at night or during the day?
• Do you feel hot when those around you do not feel the same or even feel cold?
• Do you experience increased fatigue, weakness, tremors, loss of coordination, or fainting?
• Does excessive sweating affect your work, social, or personal life?
• Has there been a decrease in weight and appetite?
• What medications do you take—for pain, hypertension, glaucoma, etc.?
• Do you have a cough, fever, or swollen lymph nodes?

Causes of local increased sweating

Local hyperhidrosis often runs in families.

• Gustatory hyperhidrosis - increased sweating associated with eating

This type of local manifestation of hyperhidrosis appears after eating certain foods, such as hot tea, coffee, chocolate, other hot drinks, as well as spicy dishes, seasonings, and sauces. In this case, increased sweating of the face appears, namely, sweating is localized more often on the upper lip and forehead. The cause may be a condition that occurs after severe viral or bacterial infectious diseases of the salivary glands or surgical interventions on the salivary glands.

• Idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Increased sweating is associated with overstimulation or initially high tone of the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system. Most often, a person begins to feel the manifestations of idiopathic hyperhidrosis at the age of 15-30 years. Increased sweating appears both in all of these areas at once, and in combination, most often the palmar and plantar areas. This type of disease often goes away on its own. It is believed that women are most susceptible to increased sweating due to constant hormonal changes - puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause.

Men who exercise or sweat profusely at the gym 3 times a week should take additional magnesium supplements. Research by scientists has shown that bodybuilders, due to regular increased sweating during training, risk lowering magnesium levels to a critical level, at which a loss of strength occurs, heart rhythm disturbances - cardiac arrhythmia. Therefore, men with excessive sweating during sports should diversify their daily diet with foods containing magnesium.

Causes of generalized increased sweating

Most experts are convinced that in 80% of cases the causes of increased sweating are hereditary factors. Pathological conditions that are familial and manifest as hyperhidrosis include:

• Diabetes
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Arterial hypertension

Hyperhidrosis can be a sign of somatic diseases, neuropsychic, or be the result of neglect of personal hygiene rules or taking medications. After infectious diseases, during treatment with antibiotics, it can develop, which is also accompanied by excessive sweating (see 11 rules).

• Infectious diseases, poisoning

Most acute and chronic diseases of viral or bacterial origin, poisoning (or toxic substances) cause an increase in body temperature and, as a consequence, intoxication, chills, and hyperhidrosis. Diseases such as malaria, brucellosis, and septicemia are accompanied by profuse sweating. For pulmonary tuberculosis and extrapulmonary forms of the disease, high body temperature is not typical; most often patients have a subfebrile temperature of 37.2-37.5, and excessive sweating at night.

• Endocrine disorders

Diseases such as thyrotoxicosis, diabetes mellitus, (low blood sugar), in addition to the main symptoms, are also manifested by generalized excessive sweating. Excessive sweating in women is often observed during pregnancy, and during the premenopausal period, many women suffer from menopausal syndrome, accompanied by hot flushes and sudden sweating (see). Generalized hyperhidrosis is experienced by 60% of patients with dysfunction of the pituitary lobe - acromegaly. In pheochromocytoma, excessive sweating combined with hypertension is sometimes the only sign of the disease.

• Oncological diseases

Any malignant tumors can be accompanied by weakness and increased sweating. Lymphomas, Hodgkin's disease are accompanied by a febrile state, alternating with a decrease in body temperature, increased fatigue and generalized excessive sweating in the evening and at night (see).

• Kidney diseases

With kidney disease, the process of formation and natural filtration of urine is disrupted, so the body strives to get rid of excess fluid through the sweat glands.

• Vegetative-vascular dystonia

Very often, with VSD, the patient suffers from excessive sweating, including at night (see).

• Taking certain medications

Taking insulin, analgesics (morphine, promedol), aspirin, pilocarpine, bethanekol, antiemetics - in overdose or with prolonged use cause increased sweating.

• Lesions of the central nervous system

Neurological disorders such as stroke, tabes dorsalis, and damage to nerve tissue due to neurosyphilis can also be causes of hyperhidrosis.

• Psychosomatic disorders

Against the background of stress, nervous overload, depression, fear, anger, rage, mechanisms are triggered that lead to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is also accompanied by sweating.

• Reaction to pain syndrome

When sharp, intense pain occurs, many people, as they say, break out in a cold sweat. Therefore, during severe pain, spasms, chemical irritation, or stretching of internal organs, increased sweating may occur.

Treatment of excessive sweating

If hyperhidrosis is an independent disease, and not a sign of the serious diseases listed above, then to mitigate its manifestations, today modern medicine offers a lot of different methods and methods of treatment:

• Using antiperspirants- the best of them are Odaban (effective for up to 10 days), Drydry (1 bottle lasts for six months), Maxim (one bottle lasts for almost a year)
• Drug therapy- medications based on belladonna alkaloids (Bellataminal, Bellaspon, Belloid), belladonna reduces secretion production by the sweat glands and helps in the fight against hyperhidrosis without causing addiction. For local treatment use Formagel, Formidron
• Sedatives, such as motherwort, valerian, belladonna, as well as hypnosis sessions, meditation, Yoga classes, positive positive attitudes, affirmations that should be spoken daily - all this helps to calm the nervous system and be calmer in stressful situations
• Physiotherapeutic procedures- pine-salt baths, iontophoresis, electrosleep, etc.
• Laser - for excessive sweating of the armpits, today doctors use a laser, which destroys 70% of the sweat glands.
• Botox injections, Dysport- the effect of this method is a long-term blocking of the nerve endings of the sweat glands, which reduces sweating.

Treatments such as Botex and laser are extreme measures and should only be used in special cases. These methods are actively advertised and recommended today, but they have a number of contraindications and may have long-term consequences. Sweating is a natural process of cleansing the body, removing toxins, which may not be safe to interfere with using such methods and may have long-term negative consequences for health.

Excessive sweating: main causes and treatment options

Excessive sweating is medically called hyperhidrosis. There are several types and severity of this condition. Excessive sweating in rare cases is an independent pathology, often of a physiological nature.

Otherwise, it is a symptom of a specific disease. Hyperhidrosis is curable, regardless of the type and root cause. There is a wide choice of conservative and radical methods for this.

Causes of excessive sweating

The causes of increased sweating in women should be divided into general ones, which occur with the same frequency in men, and causes that are characteristic exclusively of women.

Excessive sweating in women is divided into:

• idiopathic - occurring for no specific reason;
• secondary - being the cause of any disease.

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is local, spreading to certain areas of the body; secondary can be either local or generalized. The causes of local hyperhidrosis can be stress, certain foods: coffee, chocolate, spicy seasonings, hot dishes.

Excessive sweating in women can be a manifestation of the physiological characteristics of the body. But in most cases, the causes of excessive sweating in women are, as a rule, certain diseases.

1. Diseases of the endocrine system: many hormonal disruptions that lead to an increase in the functions of the endocrinological organs cause an increased work of the sweat glands - hyperhidrosis develops. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, ovarian dysfunction.
2. Infections: all infectious diseases, regardless of the etiological factor (viruses, bacteria, fungi) occur with an increase in temperature, and, therefore, are accompanied by hyperhidrosis.
3. Permanent - paroxysmal course of vegetative - vascular dystonia: vagoinsular or sympathoadrenal crises can cause excessive sweating in women.
4. Cardiac diseases: many medical emergencies in the pathology of the cardiovascular system are the cause of excessive sweating in women. Heart attacks, shock, collapse are often accompanied by profuse sweating.
5. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, in which metabolic processes in cartilage and bone tissue are disrupted, are often the cause of increased sweating in women.
6. Many poisonings, both infectious and toxic, are accompanied by hyperhidrosis.
7. Excessive sweating can also be caused by certain medications that have hyperhidrosis as a side effect. Such medications include insulin, morphine, promedol, aspirin, etc. Canceling or replacing the drug with a similar one can normalize the condition, but this can be done by consulting a doctor.
8. Malignant tumors: often excessive sweating is the onset of a malignant neoplasm. This occurs with the development of lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, etc.

And finally, there are reasons that cause excessive sweating exclusively in women, due to certain physiological factors. This is due to hormonal changes that occur throughout life or at certain intervals. These primarily include:

1. Pregnancy. In the first trimester, when active hormonal changes occur in the body, hyperhidrosis appears.
2. Menses. Many women, before the onset of menstruation, due to a sharp increase in hormones, experience not only weakness, weakness, lethargy, but also increased sweating.
3. Climax. During this period of menopause, a significant restructuring of hormonal levels occurs, which, in addition to mood swings, fatigue, weakness, is manifested by severe attacks of excessive sweating in women - hot flashes.

Such conditions cause severe discomfort; each woman can manifest them to varying degrees, but, according to statistics, in 15% of women, excessive sweating is extremely pronounced and disrupts the general condition, affecting the usual lifestyle and ability to work.

All these purely “female” causes of hyperhidrosis are also physiological. Any of them is accompanied by colossal hormonal changes:

1. During pregnancy, multiple hormonal “jumps” occur throughout the entire period; In addition, a significant increase in body weight leads to increased function of the sweat glands.
2. In the postpartum period, a large amount of prolactin is produced during breastfeeding; during menopause, on the contrary, the production of estrogen decreases and gradually fades away.

After a certain time and the completion of certain processes, everything returns to normal and passes without medical intervention.

Clinical manifestations

Sweating (hyperhidrosis) often develops in limited areas of the body (sweating legs or arms, armpits, perineum). The skin is moist and cold to the touch; there are signs of acrocyanosis (bluish tint) on the hands and feet. Sweating is often accompanied by pyococcal (bacteria) and yeast (fungal) skin lesions.

Sweat itself has no odor; the familiar unpleasant odor is imparted by bacteria that feed on sweat on the skin and multiply due to this. This unpleasant odor, observed in people who have poor personal hygiene, is called bromidrosis or osmidrosis. An unpleasant odor can occur both due to the decomposition of sweat by bacteria, and due to the release of substances with a pronounced odor (sulfur, ammonia, garlic, tobacco, etc.), as well as due to menstrual irregularities in young women, with diabetes diabetes, some dermatoses (pemphigus, vegetative syphilides). Often such conditions require consultation with a doctor and treatment.

Chromydrosis is manifested by discoloration of sweat in people who come into contact with cobalt, copper, iron and other chemicals. People with hyperhidrosis are caught in a vicious cycle—they sweat, worry about it, and sweat more because of it.

Diseases leading to excessive sweating

Increased sweating occurs when:

• hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function),
• pancreatic dysfunction,
• kidney diseases,
• functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system,
• neurasthenia, neuropathy,
• tuberculosis,
• neurosyphilis (stage 3 of syphilis), AIDS, tuberculosis and other infections,
• rickets (or simply a lack of vitamin D, especially in children),
• rheumatism,
• diabetes,
• obesity,
• syringomyelia,
• chronic tonsillitis and other general diseases,
• sweat gland hyperplasia,
• keratoderma,
• flat feet.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can also be caused by external factors (wearing rubber, airtight shoes, stockings and socks made of synthetic fiber, etc.), as well as poor nutrition.

Treatment of excessive sweating

In the traditional treatment of primary hyperhidrosis, the following methods are used.

1. Tablets (anticholinergic drugs) that inhibit the activity of the sweat glands. They may cause side effects (constipation, dry mouth, etc.), and have contraindications (glaucoma, prostatic hyperplasia, etc.).
2. Antiperspirants with aluminum chloride, which temporarily block the sweat glands, reducing sweat production. The product is applied to dry, clean skin before bedtime. May cause slight skin irritation if used on the face or applied immediately after shaving.
3. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. About 12-20 injections are given in the area of ​​increased sweating to block the brain signals that it sends to the sweat glands. After 3-6 months, treatment must be repeated. The injections may cause side effects (redness or itching, nausea, headaches, muscle weakness).
4. Iontophoresis. In iontophoresis, the hands and feet are immersed in water through which a weak electric current is passed. A wet pad is applied to the armpits. The procedure, designed to block the sweat glands, is painless, but may cause skin irritation and minor discomfort. Requires 2-4 sessions per week, 20 minutes each. Further, the intervals between procedures increase to 1-4 weeks.
5. The surgical technology of curettage is the removal of part of the sweat glands through small punctures. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Primary hyperhidrosis is treated by a dermatologist. In case of secondary sweating, for a comprehensive examination and to establish the root cause of excessive sweating, you need to consult a therapist. After diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease, the accompanying symptom of excessive sweating completely disappears.

Deodorants for heavy sweating

Currently, the following antiperspirant deodorants with aluminum are available to reduce sweating:

• Dry Dry (Dry Dry) – 20 and 30% aluminum concentration;
• Anhydrol Forte – 20% (can only be purchased in Europe);
• AHC30 –30% (can be purchased through online stores);
• Odaban – 20%;
• Drysol – 6.5 and 20% (can be purchased through the online store);
• Max-F – 35% (can be purchased through the online store).

Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Physiotherapeutic methods

Physiotherapeutic procedures provide a good therapeutic effect. For example, hydrotherapy and the use of contrast showers and pine-salt baths have a general strengthening effect and reduce the excitability of the nervous system.

Electrosleep, a therapeutic method based on the effect of low-frequency impulses directly on the brain, has a particularly beneficial effect. Electrosleep sessions have a pronounced sedative effect, inhibit nervous excitement and strengthen the autonomic system.

Another common method is therapeutic electrophoresis, during which problem areas are exposed to constant electric current in combination with medications. This effect causes temporary dehydration of the area with increased sweating, and the active components of the drugs penetrate the skin and prevent sweat production for up to 20 days.

What to do at home?

Effective traditional medicine recipes that stop excessive sweating are presented below:

1. To eliminate excessive sweating of the feet at home, use oak bark decoction baths and rubdowns with soda solution (5 g of the substance in 250 ml of boiling water).
2. If there is active sweating on the face, it is recommended to wash with fresh, unboiled milk or strong brewed black tea. After washing, the skin of the face should dry naturally.
3. An express remedy that allows you to reduce the active secretion of sweat throughout the body is a decoction of mint, which can be used to rinse after bathing in the shower.
4. The problem of increased sweating on the palms can be solved by rubbing with lemon juice or a slice of boric alcohol.

Horsetail tincture is also suitable for solving problems in the axillary area. A remedy is prepared from crushed plants and alcohol, which are taken in a ratio of 1 to 10. The tincture is left for 14 days. Horsetail can be replaced with walnuts.

Prevention

Excessive sweating can be hidden or avoided. Some prevention methods will help with this:

1. Physical exercise. They are applicable in case of lack of movement. Men with sedentary jobs need this.
2. Maintaining proper nutrition. This does not mean that a special diet is necessary. It is advisable to reduce the amount of spicy and sweet foods. Harmful foods also need to be removed from the diet.
3. Personal hygiene. This includes using a constant shower, using antiperspirant and eau de toilette, wearing clean clothes and shoes, changing socks daily, and giving preference to natural materials for making shoes.

Sweating is the body's natural reaction to overheating. Sweating with an increase in ambient temperature, intense physical activity, nervous tension and excitement is the norm. In this way, the body is saved from overheating, since when sweat evaporates, the skin surface cools and the temperature decreases. In some cases, severe sweating is a symptom of serious diseases that require adequate drug therapy.

Types of hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating can be local (local or limited), when a person sweats only the face and head, or the lower and upper extremities sweat - palms, feet, armpits.

The generalized form is represented by severe sweating of the whole body. Typically, this picture is observed in infectious and febrile pathologies. To establish the exact cause, an in-depth diagnosis is necessary.

Hyperhidrosis can be of a secondary or primary nature. In the second case, it is observed during puberty in adolescence, diagnosed in approximately 1% of people; secondary hyperhidrosis is a symptom of many diseases of somatic, endocrine, neurological origin.

Hyperhidrosis is classified according to severity:

• Light appearancewhen sweating practically does not cause discomfort to a person, and sweat stains on clothes are no more than 10 centimeters;
• The average view is characterized by large drops of sweat, there is a pungent odor, and the size of the spots is up to 20 centimeters;
• The severe appearance is accompanied by a “hail” of sweat, wet spots over 20 cm.

For your information, when sweating, each person experiences an odor of varying intensity. The severity of the “aroma” is influenced by toxic substances, from which the body is released through the sweat glands, as well as bacteria that penetrate from the outside and contribute to the decomposition of the protein components of sweat.

Causes of local sweating

Practice shows that the local form of hyperhidrosis is familial. There are several varieties of severe sweating, which is limited to certain areas of the skin.

Gustatory hyperhidrosis – sweating associated with eating

This type of pathological condition occurs due to the consumption of certain foods. These include hot drinks - black tea, coffee, liquid chocolate; spicy dishes, seasonings, sauces, etc.

Sweating in this form is concentrated on the face, in particular, in most cases, sweat accumulates on the upper lip and forehead. The etiology is due to severe viral, infectious and bacterial pathologies of the salivary glands or surgical intervention on them.

Idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Very strong sweating is associated with high tone of the parasympathetic part of the central nervous system. In most cases, this form is diagnosed at the age of 15-30 years. Strong perspiration appears on the palms and soles. Sometimes the pathology resolves on its own without the use of medications.

It is noted that women are more susceptible to the disease, which is based on constant hormonal changes in the body - puberty, pregnancy, labor, menopause.

Worth knowing: Men who exercise at least three times a week are advised to take supplemental magnesium supplements. Studies show that increased sweating due to training reduces the concentration of magnesium in the blood to a critical level, which leads to a decline in strength, malfunctions of the cardiovascular system.

Causes of severe sweating of feet

Sweaty feet are quite common. The problem does not threaten health, but it causes a lot of discomfort to patients, as it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor that cannot be hidden from others.

Causes of excessive sweating of the feet:

1. Too tight shoes, thick socks made of synthetic material, as a result of which the process of evaporation of sweat is disturbed due to poor ventilation.
2. Long walk.
3. Some chronic diseases.

If left untreated, due to lack of oxygen and increased sweating, a bacterial infection develops, which leads to complications. Sores, cracks and blisters may appear.

Generalized increased sweating: causes and factors

Medical experts say that the causes of severe sweating throughout the body in 85% of cases are due to genetic predisposition. Pathologies that are familial in nature include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and thyrotoxicosis.

With increased sweating, somatic diseases, nervous and mental pathologies may be suspected. Often hyperhidrosis is a consequence of taking certain medications. After antibiotic therapy, intestinal dysbiosis may occur, which is manifested by profuse sweating.

Infectious diseases and poisoning

Almost all acute and chronic pathologies of a viral or bacterial type, poisoning (food or toxic) provoke an increase in body temperature, as a result, severe chills and sweating are observed. Brucellosis, malaria and other diseases are accompanied by hyperhidrosis.

Endocrine disorders

Diseases such as diabetes mellitus of any type, thyrotoxicosis, hypoglycemic state, in addition to the main symptoms, are manifested by profuse sweating. Women often suffer from hyperhidrosis during menopause and while pregnant. According to statistics, the generalized form is observed in 60% of patients with impaired pituitary gland functionality.

Other reasons

In medical practice, there are many causes of increased sweating of the whole body and in most cases they are a symptom of some disease, sometimes they are the only sign that allows one to suspect a malfunction in the functioning of the whole body.

Pathological conditions leading to increased sweat production:

• Sweating in cancer is often accompanied by weakness and general malaise. The appearance of lymphomas and the development of Hodgkin's disease are complemented by fever, fluctuations in body temperature, and a high degree of fatigue. A person sweats profusely day and night;
• If kidney function is disrupted, a disorder in the processes of formation and natural filtration of urine is detected, so the human body tries to get rid of excess fluid through the sweat glands;
• CNS lesions. These include neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, stroke, nerve root damage;
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia is characterized by many clinical manifestations, one of which is generalized sweating;
• Psychosomatic disorders develop as a result of chronic stress, nervous overload, depressive syndrome, and aggression. All these conditions give rise to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to hyperhidrosis;
• Severe pain leads to the release of cold sweat.

Some medications provoke profuse sweating - insulin, analgesics (Morphine), Aspirin, antiemetics - in case of overdose or prolonged use.

Treatment for excessive sweating

To determine the causes of the pathological condition, you need to contact a medical specialist. After the diagnosis, the attending physician will tell you what to do and how to treat the existing problem.

Fact: Heavy sweating can be a physiological characteristic of a person that does not pose a threat to life, but causes significant psychological discomfort. There are no uniform assessment criteria, just as there are no devices that determine sweating in accordance with normality or pathology. Therefore, it is necessary to talk about hyperhidrosis as a disease in cases where sweating negatively affects a person’s quality of life.

If hyperhidrosis is a consequence of any pathology, then the therapy is aimed at its eradication, respectively, by eliminating the primary source, it is possible to get rid of its symptom.

When hyperhidrosis appears as an independent disease, the following treatment methods are proposed to mitigate its manifestations:

1. Use of antiperspirants. Good products are (effective for up to 10 days), “Dry Dry” (the bottle lasts for 6 months).
2. Conservative treatment. Medicines with the addition of belladonna (Belloid) are used. Belladonna helps reduce sweat production and does not lead to addiction. For local therapy, Formagel is used.
3. Calming therapy helps normalize the emotional background, as a result of which sweating decreases. Tinctures based on valerian and motherwort are recommended; yoga classes, meditation.
4. Physiotherapeutic manipulations. These include baths with the addition of medicinal herbs, electrophoresis, electrosleep, etc.
5. Laser helps treat excessive underarm sweating. The procedure helps destroy up to 70% of the sweat glands.
6. Botox injections help reduce sweat production by long-term blocking the nerve endings of the sweat glands.

Medical procedures such as laser and Botox are extreme measures and are used only in cases where other methods have not given a positive result. These methods are actively advertised, but they have many contraindications and can lead to long-term negative consequences.

Sweating is a natural process of cleansing the entire body, which helps eliminate toxic substances. Interfering with natural reactions may be unsafe, which will lead to various complications in the near future.

Heavy sweating can ruin anyone's life. Of course, all people, without exception, sweat. But some people get by with a shower and deodorant, while for others these measures help for just a couple of minutes.

Increased sweating is observed in various parts of the body - in the armpits, palms, feet, chest, back, head. Sweating can occur during times of severe emotional stress, or it can appear for no apparent reason.

Sweating performs several important functions in the body:

• Removing excess fluid.
• Removing harmful substances from the body.
• Cooling the body when the ambient temperature is too high.
• Decrease in body temperature during illness.

There are other functions, such as the release of pheromones through sweat - substances that attract members of the opposite sex with their smell. In addition, severe sweating occurs during nervous overstrain. In such cases, the nervous system, which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs (sympathetic), is activated.

Main causes of sweating

There are a number of reasons why sweating may increase.

Increased body temperature

In all people, without exception, sweating becomes much more profuse if body temperature is elevated. Moreover, sweating during illness, accompanied by fever, is considered a good sign. However, such profuse sweating is short-lived and disappears immediately after the person recovers.

Hormonal imbalance

The first thing that needs to be ruled out in case of increased sweating is hormonal imbalance. The slightest change in hormonal levels leads to severe sweating. There are also quite a lot of reasons leading to changes in hormonal levels. These are any diseases of the endocrine system, and in particular, the thyroid gland, diseases of the adrenal glands, and some gynecological disorders.

Hormonal imbalance is typical for teenagers and pregnant women - they are more likely than other people to experience excessive sweating. By the way, in this category of people, changes in hormonal levels are a normal physiological process and do not require any intervention. After some time, hormone levels will return to normal on their own.

Special mention should be made about women in menopause. Menopause directly affects changes in hormonal levels, and very strongly. Therefore, it is especially difficult for women - excessive sweating literally “ties” them to the house.

In men, similar hormonal surges can be observed with prostate diseases, especially cancer. This is why you need to urgently consult a doctor.

Taking medications

In some cases, the cause of increased sweating is the use of certain pharmacological drugs. Therefore, if you encounter a similar “wet” problem while taking medications, be sure to inform your doctor about it. If necessary, he will change medications.

Diabetes

Almost all people suffering from diabetes, among other symptoms, note active sweating - cold sweat appears. Therefore, be sure to donate blood if this is your first time experiencing increased sweating. The earlier the disease is detected, the easier it will be to treat.

Autonomic disorders

In most cases, the cause of increased sweating is autonomic disorders. In particular, vegetative-vascular dystonia. As a rule, in such cases, in addition to heavy sweating, pale skin and low blood pressure are observed.

Where does normality end and illness begin?

People talk about hyperhidrosis when excessive sweating interferes with life and daily activities. This applies to everyday life and work. People suffering from severe palmar hyperhidrosis cannot even work in their specialty. Any activity that involves touching objects with hands is inaccessible to them.

In addition, there is a purely psychological barrier - with eternally wet and cold palms, a person begins to hesitate to extend his hand for a handshake. This leads to him quitting his job and withdrawing. The circle of contacts sharply narrows, the patient develops neurosis or even depression.

And we analyzed only one case of hypersweating, when one area sweats - the palms. Scientists have been interested in the causes of profuse sweating on the palms for a long time. Often this disease is hereditary. But not always, if a dad suffers from palmar hyperhidrosis, then the same fate awaits his son.

What other types of increased sweating do doctors distinguish?

It must be said that there are many types of excessive sweating. There are two main signs by which doctors divide hypersweating - local (local) and general.

Local is divided according to the location of profuse sweating:

• Palmar-plantar form.
• Axillary hyperhidrosis.
• Craniofacial (from the Latin words “head” and “face”), in this case the scalp or the entire face sweats. But certain parts of the face may become covered with drops of sweat: nose, forehead, cheeks or the area above the upper lip.
• Hyperhidrosis inguinal-perineal.
• Hypersweating of the back.
• Hyperhidrosis of the abdomen.

What you need to tell the doctor for a correct diagnosis

Dermatologists are more likely than others to meet with the named pathology. First, the doctor must find out what caused the profuse sweating. To do this, a complete history is first collected: when did the first manifestations begin, how often do attacks occur, are there any similar cases in the family.

The doctor prescribes preliminary general tests: blood, urine. Sometimes a sweat test is done. If abnormalities are detected, an extensive blood test, x-ray, and ultrasound of internal organs are prescribed. This is done in order to exclude other diseases that could lead to increased sweating.

What diseases are accompanied by excessive sweating?

There is a whole list of diseases in which increased sweating is one of the signs, but not the leading symptom. First, the underlying disease is treated, and sweating gradually decreases and then returns to normal. An example is the well-known terrible disease tuberculosis. Sometimes it is accompanied by a cough, but there are also hidden forms in which the only signs are weakness and sweating.

The cause of profuse sweating may be an infection, and it may not be detected immediately. Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and sputum are required. In addition to tuberculosis, there are many chronic infections that are accompanied by severe sweating.

Almost all acute respiratory infections resolve with fever and excessive sweating.

Endocrine diseases and excessive sweating

Many diseases of the endocrine system are accompanied by profuse sweating. This is an overactive thyroid gland or goiter.

When the function of the thyroid gland increases, too many hormones are released into the blood. This leads to increased sweating, palpitations, and mental instability. The disease is treated by an endocrinologist. If a person's health can be brought back to normal, sweating also decreases.

Endocrine diseases also include diabetes mellitus, which also causes excessive sweating of the hands, armpits and upper body. If the patient follows all the doctor’s instructions, injects insulin on time (or takes pills), and follows a diet, then the condition can be normalized, and sweating decreases.

Increased sweating in oncological diseases

Excessive sweating can be caused by cancer. Many tumor processes occur with elevated temperature and sweating. This is especially true for intestinal tumors and some tumors of the female genital organs.

Oncological processes in the initial stages can be difficult to detect, but if this is possible, then surgery often saves the patient’s life. Therefore, in case of incomprehensible fluctuations in temperature and increased sweating, it is necessary to examine the entire body so as not to miss a serious disease.

Increased sweating during pregnancy

Pregnant women often complain of increased sweating, which was not observed before pregnancy. This is due to changes in hormonal levels. It is very difficult to deal with it, because pregnant women cannot take most medications, and herbal infusions must also be treated with caution. Effective antiperspirants that contain aluminum are also undesirable during this period.

It happens that excessive sweating persists after childbirth, throughout the entire period of breastfeeding. Here we can only recommend frequent hygiene procedures - showering, wiping. Usually, a few months after stopping breastfeeding, hormonal levels return to normal and sweating returns to normal.

Other causes of general hypersweating

There are many more diseases that cause increased sweating. These include hereditary diseases, poisoning, acute emergencies such as shock or myocardial infarction.

And cases of hyperhidrosis without an obvious cause are included in a separate group. Hypersweating of the body causes great inconvenience, but a comprehensive examination does not reveal any pathology. Then we are talking about “essential” hyperhidrosis, that is, it is considered as a separate disease, not associated with any other.

So, what to do if the sweating is very severe? If the cause is a disease, it is necessary to treat it. If this is your physiological feature, you need to get rid of sweating as such.

General hygiene

Observe basic hygiene rules. Take a shower at least twice a day, remove vegetation from the armpits. Of course, these measures will not get rid of sweating, but they will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor.

Clothes and shoes

Be very careful about your clothing - firstly, change your underwear after every shower. Secondly, choose clothes made from natural materials and not too tight. And if your feet sweat a lot, then you need to change your socks whenever possible. And shoes should be made of natural materials so that the leather can “breathe.”

Nutrition

If you are prone to heavy sweating - review your menu. It is necessary to completely eliminate or at least minimize the consumption of spicy foods and spicy seasonings. They lead to severe sweating. The same applies to alcoholic and caffeinated drinks - you should avoid them at least during the hot season.

Deodorants and antiperspirants

The deodorant contains substances that can neutralize the unpleasant odor of sweat, which is associated with the proliferation of microbes in the armpits. It can be in the form of a gel, spray, powder or cream.

In case of increased sweating, a spray is a more effective remedy that perfectly masks the smell of sweat. However, this deodorant is not suitable for sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions. A roll-on deodorant is suitable for travel; thanks to its convenient packaging, it will not spill on the road and will not take up much space. Cream deodorant and gel deodorant, unlike other products, are more expensive. But their action is more prolonged.

Any deodorant contains either triclosan or farnesol - these are substances that destroy bacteria. Triclosan is designed to cope with the pungent unpleasant odor of sweat, but it aggressively affects the natural microflora. Women with sensitive and fair skin need a more gentle farnesol-based deodorant.

Antiperspirant, due to the content of organic salts, zinc and aluminum, is able to block the sweat glands, thereby reducing sweating. However, it is not suitable for regular use, since with regular use the skin risks losing its natural protection.

Antiperspirant deodorants are effective because they simultaneously kill bacteria and reduce sweating.

How to use deodorants and antiperspirants correctly

1. Apply deodorant only to dry and clean skin.
2. Remove armpit hair regularly. This advice applies to both women and men - hair not only retains unpleasant odors, but also promotes the growth of bacteria.
3. If the skin in the armpits is irritated, avoid alcohol-containing products and replace them with talcum powder or baby powder.
4. A deodorant with a bacteriostatic effect will help get rid of unpleasant odor.
5. If you produce too much unscented sweat, switch to antiperspirant deodorants that effectively combat excessive sweating.
6. If hygienic cosmetics do not help get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat, you should consult a doctor - excessive sweating may be associated with endocrine or nervous disorders.

Treatment of excessive sweating

Few people would agree to put up with excessive sweating. Doctors are working to solve the problem, and new treatments for hyperhidrosis are emerging.

Drug therapy

More often, doctors prescribe sedatives (calming) drugs that normalize the activity of the central nervous system. And if the cause of increased sweating is a hormonal imbalance, a course of hormonal therapy may be prescribed. All pharmacological drugs must be prescribed by a doctor - self-medication can lead to the development of serious complications.

Iontophoresis

This is the treatment of excessive sweating with the help of weak electrical discharges. The most popular method is the Drionic apparatus. The method is effective for mild sweating. Treatment courses must be repeated every three months.

Injection methods

A more effective treatment is to inject special medications, such as Botox, under the skin. The principle of action of the injections is simple - the neural connection of the sweat glands with brain cells is blocked. You can forget about sweating for about six months. The disadvantage of treatment is the high price.

Surgical intervention

In rare cases, when all other treatment methods are useless, doctors may decide on the need for surgical intervention - the sweat glands are destroyed.

Traditional methods of treating excessive sweating

Folk remedies sometimes turn out to be no less effective than, for example, Botox injections.

Cold and hot shower

The first and simplest remedy is a regular contrast shower. It is best to do it twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. Make sure that temperatures are acceptable - do not go to extremes. Reduce the temperature of cold water gradually, otherwise you may catch a cold. Approximately three to four alternations are needed, each lasting about 30 seconds. After a shower, thoroughly rub yourself with a terry towel.

Oak bark

Whatever sweating you experience - be it hands, feet, armpits or other parts of the body, be sure to try a decoction of oak bark. Oak bark contains a large amount of substances that normalize the functioning of the sweat glands and have a bactericidal effect.

The decoction is prepared as follows: place five tablespoons of carefully crushed oak bark in an enamel bowl, pour in a liter of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until half of the water has boiled away. After this, cover the pan with a lid, wrap it in a terry towel and leave for about an hour.

Strain using a gauze cloth and pour into a glass container. The decoction must be stored exclusively in the refrigerator and for no more than three days so that it does not lose its healing properties. Compresses should be done every evening after a shower. Soak gauze pads in oak bark decoction and apply them to problem areas for 20 minutes. As the napkins dry out, they need to be changed. You will notice an improvement within 3 days, and the full course of treatment should last at least 10 days.

Apple vinegar

The most common apple cider vinegar is no less effective. During the day, wipe problem areas as often as possible with a cotton pad soaked in vinegar. And before going to bed, make compresses - soak gauze pads in a solution of apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon of vinegar in half a glass of water) and apply to problem areas for 10 minutes. After this, rinse your skin with cool water. The duration of treatment is 14 days.

Pasta Teymurova

Of course, this method can be called folk very conditionally - after all, Teymurov’s paste is sold in the pharmacy. But it is so popular among the people that it has become a truly folk remedy. It's quite simple to use. Apply a thick layer of paste to thoroughly cleansed problem areas of the skin and let it dry completely. Rinse with plenty of running water and pat dry with a terry towel.

As a rule, a noticeable effect is visible after the first use. But in total it is necessary to carry out at least 10 such procedures. Otherwise, excessive sweating returns very quickly. After a full course of treatment, most people do not even remember sweating for the next six months.

Walnut leaf tincture

To prepare this tincture you will need three tablespoons of crushed walnut leaves. You can use both dry and fresh leaves. Place in a glass container and fill with one glass of vodka. Leave to infuse in the refrigerator for 10 days, stirring occasionally. The resulting tincture should be applied to areas of increased sweating at least five times a day. The duration of treatment is 14 days.

Coniferous ointment

If sweating is very severe, you can try pine ointment. To prepare it, you need five tablespoons of honey and three tablespoons of crushed spruce or pine needles. Melt honey in a water bath, add pine needles and boil for about 10 minutes. Then pour the resulting mass into a glass container and place it in the refrigerator for 10 days.

Every day before going to bed, apply a thick layer of ointment to problem areas. After 20 minutes, rinse your skin with plenty of running water and pat dry with a towel. More often, excessive sweating disappears after the first procedure, but treatment cannot be stopped - it must last 14 days. Otherwise it will come back in a couple of days.

Please note that if a person has an allergic reaction to honey, the ointment should be made a little differently. Three tablespoons of pine needles must be poured with 5 tablespoons of water, brought to a boil and mixed with an equal amount of baby cream, left for a week.

Lotions with potassium permanganate solution

In addition to contrasting compresses, lotions with a solution of potassium permanganate are very effective in helping to get rid of sweating. You will need half a glass of warm water, gauze cloth and a few grains of potassium permanganate. Note! In order to dissolve potassium permanganate, you need to place it in a gauze cloth and lower it into water - the solution should have a pale pink color. This is necessary to prevent the ingress of undissolved grains of potassium permanganate, which can cause skin burns.

Soak two gauze pads in the resulting solution and apply them to the armpits for about 20 minutes. Change the napkins as they dry out. The procedure must be carried out twice a day - morning and evening. Sweating will decrease on the second day. However, treatment cannot be stopped - it must last at least 10 days.

Salt water lotions

Salt water lotions are no less effective. They are carried out the same way. However, carefully observe the proportions - you should take no more than one teaspoon of table salt per glass of water. You can use both coarse and fine salt. You cannot make a more concentrated solution - the effect will not increase, but it is very possible to get skin irritation in the armpit area. After all, the skin in this area is very, very sensitive. Lotions should be done twice a day - morning and evening for at least ten days.

Sage tea

As we have already mentioned, sometimes the cause of increased sweating is problems with the central nervous system. Therefore, you can try sage infusion - it has a strong calming effect. Preparing the infusion is simple - place two tablespoons of chopped sage herb in a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water.

It is necessary to infuse sage for at least three hours. Then strain the infusion using gauze. The resulting infusion should be drunk in small sips throughout the day. The duration of treatment is at least 10 days.

Pharmaceutical chamomile

When talking about methods of treatment with folk remedies, one cannot fail to mention pharmaceutical chamomile. It also reduces sweating and relieves inflammation of the sweat glands. To do this, prepare a chamomile decoction. It is prepared as follows: place 5 tablespoons of dry chamomile inflorescences in an enamel pan, pour in a liter of water and bring to a boil over low heat. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes.

After this, wrap the pan with a thick terry towel and leave to steep for two hours. Strain the broth using gauze and pour into a bottle. With the resulting infusion, you need to wipe the armpit area as often as possible - at least five times a day. It is recommended to make a compress at night - soak two napkins in chamomile infusion and apply for 20 minutes. After this, let the skin dry naturally.

Tincture of calendula

Folk remedies based on calendula are no less effective against sweating. In particular, alcohol tincture. It is prepared as follows: place three tablespoons of dried calendula flowers in a glass container, pour one glass of vodka. Leave in a cool, dry place for 10 days, shaking occasionally.

After this, treatment can begin. It is necessary to wipe your armpits every three hours with a cotton pad soaked in this tincture. Before going to bed, make a compress - pour 0.2 liters of warm water into a bowl, add one teaspoon of tincture. Soak two cloth napkins in the resulting solution and apply to the skin in the armpit area, leave for 20 minutes. The duration of treatment is one month.

Remedies for severe sweating of feet

If you are faced with a problem such as sweating feet, you can try the following remedies. First of all, make soda baths - in the evening before going to bed, dissolve half a glass of baking soda in three liters of warm water and soak your feet in the solution for about 15 minutes. You need to do such baths for at least a week. In most cases, this measure can significantly reduce foot sweating.

In addition, birch leaves help a lot - both fresh and dry can be used. Scald the leaves with boiling water, cool and apply to the foot and between the toes. This procedure should be done once a day until the sweating subsides.

Remedies for severe sweating of palms

If you are bothered by wet palms, try to get rid of the problem as follows. Pour three tablespoons of oak bark into a glass of water and boil for about five minutes. Leave to steep for about an hour. Then heat a glass of water, mix it with the bark decoction and hold your palms for at least 10 minutes. It is enough to do this procedure once a day for a week.

Increased sweating is a natural reflex reaction of the body's thermoregulation system to high ambient temperatures. The release of sweat helps protect the body from overheating and balance the internal temperature.

Increased sweating is also observed during sports, especially during periods of intense physical activity.

However, the constant occurrence of profuse sweating in situations not associated with either the hot season or physical exercise usually signals a pathology of thermoregulation or sweat glands.

Causes of increased sweating

Sweat is released onto the surface of the skin through special exocrine glands; it contains mineral salts, urea, ammonia, as well as various toxic substances and metabolic products.

The reasons for increased sweating may be the following:

• disorders of hormonal balance in the body during puberty, menopause, hyperthyroidism and toxic goiter, diabetes, obesity;
• neuropsychic and psychosomatic disorders, diseases of peripheral vessels and nerves;
• infectious diseases accompanied by a sharp rise or fall in temperature (various types of tuberculosis, septic conditions, inflammatory processes);
• cardiovascular pathologies (blood pressure disorders, heart failure);
• some cancers, especially brain tumors;
• pathologies of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, calculous pyelonephritis);
• congenital abnormalities of the thermoregulation system;
• the result of acute or chronic poisoning with alcohol, chemical or narcotic substances, or food.

Sometimes increased sweating is a kind of indicator of a person’s psycho-emotional state. Sweating in this situation is the body’s reaction to stress and an increased release of adrenaline into the blood.

The causes of sweating are an individual question; it is best to find out after receiving the results of the examination and determining the underlying disease.

What causes increased sweating?

The constant and most acceptable body temperature for the body is regulated by a special physiological thermoregulatory system. Its basis is a certain efficiency, at which the full functioning of all organs and systems is possible.

The temperature indicators of the body can vary significantly depending on the external and internal influence of many factors, however, to maintain the optimal temperature in the body, there is a thermoregulation system.

Thermal receptors, located in many tissues of the body, including the skin and vascular wall, constantly receive information about temperature fluctuations in the internal environment of the body and the surrounding space. Such information comes from receptors through the spinal cord to the brain, and reaches the immediate central regulatory departments, which are located in the hypothalamus - the highest center for balancing vegetative functions in the body.

The cause of irritation of the hypothalamus determines the body's response to changes in temperature, in particular, in the form of increased sweating.

Let us recall that endocrine disorders, metabolic disorders, a sharp release of adrenaline into the blood, etc. can be irritating agents for the hypothalamus.

Symptoms of excessive sweating

Increased sweating usually occurs in localized areas of the body (feet, palms, forehead, face, armpit and groin area) or everywhere. The skin in areas of sweating is often moist and cool to the touch; the hands and feet sometimes acquire a bluish tint due to impaired peripheral circulation.

Often, symptoms of increased sweating accompany fungal or bacterial skin diseases.

The secretions of the sweat glands do not have any odor as such. Sweat acquires a repulsive “aroma” due to bacterial microflora that lives on the skin and feeds on skin secretions. True, in some cases, bacteria may have nothing to do with odor: sweat may be accompanied by the excretion through the skin of certain substances that have a unique inherent odor (toxic components of tobacco products, alcohol toxins, processed products of garlic, onions, chemical compounds).

In rare cases, the sweat produced can be colored in different colors: this manifestation of sweating is sometimes observed in people working in hazardous chemical plants.

Increased sweating of the armpits

Increased underarm sweating becomes a real problem for some people, especially in the summer heat. Sometimes the situation is so serious that you even have to see a doctor. Why is this happening?

In principle, the secretion of sweat by the glands of the same name is a natural physiological function of the system that maintains the temperature balance inside the body and also regulates basal metabolism. Sweat removes water and mineral compounds through the skin. This process is an adequate reaction of the body to an abnormally hot temperature for normal vital processes. In addition, sweating can also occur during times of severe stress and emotional outbursts, during intense sports and simultaneous intake of fluids, and during disturbances and failures of the thermoregulation system, accompanied by metabolic disorders.

It is important to pay attention not only to the amount of sweat produced, but also to its smell, which arises as a result of the activity of bacteria living on the surface of the skin.

Sometimes, to get rid of armpit sweating, it is enough to reconsider your diet, stop eating too spicy and salty foods, and alcohol. However, we should not forget that this symptom can also be a sign of more serious disorders, for example, metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalance.

Increased sweating of the feet

Increased sweating of the feet is quite common. This problem can be partially solved by carefully observing the rules of personal hygiene, but sometimes the issue is so serious that it concerns not just one specific person, but also the people around him: family, colleagues, friends and relatives. Sweaty feet would not pose such a problem if it were not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, which, in the chronic course of the process, becomes almost a person’s calling card.

The thing is that the feet contain numerous sweat glands, which begin to work intensively in an unfavorable environment, in their opinion: tight shoes, hot socks, long walks, etc. The presence of sweat and the lack of oxygen access inside the shoes contribute to the increased proliferation of bacterial flora present on the skin. The vital activity of such microorganisms occurs with the release of organic gas, which is the cause of such a repulsive odor.

There are situations when sweating of the feet is accompanied by changes in the condition of the skin between the toes: cracks, folds, blisters may appear on it, and sometimes the tissues may become inflamed due to infection. In such cases, it is better to visit a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment and get rid of the unpleasant problem.

Increased body sweating

If increased body sweating is observed during sports or physical activity, then this process is considered natural.

However, if total body sweating occurs for unknown reasons, clothes often become wet and soaked with sweat, and there is a persistent unpleasant odor emanating from the body and clothes, you should take the issue seriously and consult a specialist.

There can be many reasons for an increase in the amount of sweat produced:

• hereditary factor, which consists in the congenital characteristics of the body and its sweating system; in the presence of such a factor, members of the same family may experience constant sweating of the palms, legs, armpits and face;
• sweating can be a sign of some other disease (endocrine, infectious, nervous, etc.).

An increase or sharp decrease in body temperature, febrile conditions caused by the presence of an inflammatory or infectious process in the body also contribute to increased sweating of the body. In such cases, it is enough to measure the body temperature to understand the reason. If there are no temperature changes, you can suspect some endocrine diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, increased thyroid function, and diseases of the peripheral nervous system. To diagnose such pathological conditions, you need to visit a doctor and undergo certain tests.

Increased sweating of the head

Increased sweating of the head is the most noticeable among all types of sweating. A person can “break into a sweat” not only during training or during hard physical labor, but also under normal conditions. And there is a certain physiological explanation for this.

Sweating on the forehead is often associated with emotional experiences and stressful situations, and this is especially true for shy and modest people, or those who endure such conditions, as they say, “within themselves.” The release of sweat during excitement and anxiety is the body’s response to irritations of the nervous system.

The next factor in increased sweating of the head may be a dysfunction of the sweat glands themselves, or the thermoregulation system. Such disorders may be the result of an imbalance in the basic metabolism, or a consequence of a traumatic brain injury. Often, a violation of the basic metabolism is manifested in overweight people, regardless of the time of year and ambient temperature.

Increased sweating at night

Why does excessive sweating happen at night? This patient complaint is quite common. The autonomic nervous system does not play any role here, the cause should be looked for much deeper.

Increased sweating at night is most common in the presence of tuberculous foci in the body, or with lymphogranulomatosis.

Here is a short list of possible pathologies with profuse sweating at night:

• tuberculosis - an infectious lesion of some organs and systems, often occurs in a latent form; the main symptoms are night sweats and weight loss;
• lymphogranulomatosis - an oncological disease of the lymphatic system, along with increased sweating at night, an increase in the size of peripheral lymph nodes can be observed;
• AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus; night sweats are only a small part of the extensive symptoms of this disease; diagnosis is carried out in the laboratory;
• dysfunction of the thyroid gland - accompanied by hormonal disorders, which can provoke increased production and secretion of sweat;
• diabetes mellitus, obesity are systemic diseases characterized by pathological metabolic disorders.

Often, excessive sweating at night can be observed in women during pregnancy or lactation, which is not a pathological condition.

Increased sweating during sleep

A symptom such as increased sweating during sleep brings a lot of inconvenience to its owner: a person wakes up wet and is often forced to change sleeping linen and bedding.

Most often, the causes of this phenomenon can be hormonal dysfunctions, metabolic disorders, mental imbalance and stressful situations. Rarely, there are cases when it is impossible to determine the root cause of excessive sweating during sleep.

It is also important to take into account external factors for the appearance of profuse sweating during sleep. This is a high temperature in the room, the location of heating devices in close proximity to the sleeping area, bedding made of synthetic fabrics, and a blanket that is too warm.

Sometimes a person “breaks into a sweat” directly from the content of his dreams: terrible dreams, especially those reinforced by real events that took place the day before, provoke the release of adrenaline into the blood, which contributes to a sharp increase in sweating. In such cases, it is recommended to take sedatives during the day and especially at night; you need to sleep in a well-ventilated room and not on a full stomach.

Increased sweating in women

Increased sweating in women can have many causes, and among them is not only an increase in ambient temperature.

The most common cause of female sweating is a hormonal disorder, which can be observed at various periods of life: puberty, the manifestation of premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, menopause. This is usually due to an increase in estradiol synthesis during these periods of time. Sweat may appear on the hands, face, and armpits, sometimes accompanied by facial redness and bouts of heat.

If you notice that increased sweating is not associated with the cyclical hormonal activity, or sweat is released in pathologically large quantities, it is necessary to undergo endocrine system examinations and check the level of hormones in the blood. Sometimes even a small adjustment in the amount of a certain hormone in the body can help solve the problem of excessive sweating.

Slight sweating during periods is usually considered a natural phenomenon and does not require treatment, provided that they do not cause particular discomfort to the woman and do not negatively affect her health.

Increased sweating in men

What is the difference between increased sweating in men and the same manifestation in women? Yes, practically nothing: hormonal surges are also inherent in men, however, in a slightly different way of development. Estrogen hormones in the male body play an important role, but their number is disproportionately small compared to the female body. An increased increase in estrogen can be observed with a lack of testosterone production, the main male hormone. In this condition, excessive sweating and sudden flushes of blood are often found, which may be accompanied by a transient feeling of heat.

Men are most characterized by hard physical labor, active power loads, which cannot be imagined without signs of increased sweating. And this is quite normal.

Strong psychomotor agitation, accompanied by a large release of adrenaline into the blood, is also the cause of frequent sweating in men.

However, if excessive sweating occurs constantly and not only in a state of physical and emotional activity, this may be a cause for concern and a reason for a medical examination.

Increased sweating in a child

Signs of sweating in a child may be associated with normal overheating of the body, or be a symptom of certain diseases.

The child’s sweating system starts only from the second month of life. However, at first, when the process of thermoregulation is not yet perfect, the receptors adapt to the influence of external factors, and therefore the body temperature may fluctuate, and the child himself may sometimes become covered in sweat. An infant is especially prone to overheating or hypothermia; at this age it is necessary to closely monitor his well-being.

A child's thermoregulatory system may stabilize within four to six years.

If increased sweating in a child still causes concern, you should consult a pediatrician, since sweating can be a sign of many pathological conditions:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart defects, heart valve insufficiency, vegetative-vascular dystonia);
• lymphodiathesis, vitamin D deficiency, initial signs of rickets, endocrine pathology;
• use of medications not agreed with the doctor, both by the child and the mother (if the child is breastfed).

To prevent excessive sweating in childhood, watch your child, try not to wrap him in all his clothes at the same time, check that the blanket is chosen correctly, and that it is not hot in the room where he sleeps and plays. Believe me, overheating is no less dangerous for children than hypothermia.

Increased sweating during pregnancy

Symptoms of sweating during pregnancy are a natural phenomenon associated with a dramatic change in hormonal levels in a woman’s body. Hormone levels change throughout the entire gestation period, so increased sweating during pregnancy can be observed in any trimester.

Often, a large amount of sweat is released at night, although the room may not be hot at all: in such a situation there is also nothing to worry about, when the hormonal balance stabilizes, the symptoms of sweating usually go away. Along with increased sweating, there may be an increase in oiliness of the skin, or, conversely, excessive dryness.

Pregnant women, as a rule, do not need to worry about increased sweat production; they just need to introduce additional hygiene procedures: take a shower more often, change their underwear, both underwear and bed linen. Try not to wear synthetic clothing and ventilate the room more often, especially in the bedroom.

Increased sweating in teenagers

Increased sweating is very common in adolescents: during this period of life rapid puberty begins, a hormonal surge is obvious, which is manifested by the appearance of these symptoms.

Peak puberty is between 12 and 17 years of age. At this time, the endocrine system of the body is activated, involving the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which are responsible for the development of the physique, metabolic processes, and reproductive function.

Hormones synthesized by the pituitary system stimulate the formation of mammary glands, follicular growth, steroidogenesis, and provoke active activity of the testes and ovaries. Hormonal levels increase many times during this period, which significantly contributes to the appearance of excess sweating.

Increased hormonal activity also affects the adolescent’s psycho-emotional balance, which enhances the effect on the parasympathetic nervous system and further increases sweat production.

Excessive sweating in adolescence brings many unpleasant moments, manifested in the release of sweat on visible parts of clothing and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. This issue can be successfully resolved by observing hygiene rules, using antiperspirants and carrying a change of underwear, especially in the summer heat.

Increased sweating during menopause

Menopause is a difficult period in a woman’s life. The production of estrogen gradually decreases, hormonal activity subsides. The moment of restructuring of the hormonal system is manifested by irritability, mood swings, increased sweating, and hot flashes of the skin.

Increased sweating during menopause is a very common occurrence: during this period, the balance of the thermoregulatory system is disturbed, the body does not always react correctly to changes in the temperature of the surrounding and internal environment. The vascular system also suffers from disharmony: the vessels either narrow or dilate, and thermoreceptor signals do not keep up with the constant change in body temperature.

It is known that menopause is a temporary phenomenon; all its manifestations will go away on their own as soon as the excess hormonal activity subsides. You just need to survive this period of life. Very often, when sweating increases at this time, certain hormonal drugs are prescribed that soften changes in activity. It may also be sufficient to use infusions and decoctions of various herbs recommended by traditional medicine. If sweating bothers you too much, it makes sense to consult a doctor.

Increased sweating after childbirth

Almost all women suffer from excessive postpartum sweating, which occurs mainly immediately after childbirth and a week later. Through sweating, the body gets rid of excess fluid that has accumulated throughout the nine months of pregnancy.

Increased sweating after childbirth is accompanied by increased urination, which is explained by the same reasons.

The hormonal changes that occur in a woman during this period also contribute to the etiology of increased sweating: now the main role in the body is played by prolactin, which promotes the production of breast milk by the mammary glands.

Gradually, the hormonal background, which has undergone significant changes during pregnancy, returns to normal, as it was before pregnancy.

Sweating after childbirth is a completely natural phenomenon if it does not appear along with some other symptoms: hyperthermia, fever, headache, weakness, which may be a sign of a postpartum infection.

In no case should you limit the amount of fluid you drink in order to reduce body sweating: this can lead to a decrease in the amount of breast milk, or to its complete disappearance.

Diagnosis of increased sweating

Increased sweating can be a symptom of many diseases, so diagnosis must be comprehensive. You may have to visit several specialists: a cardiologist, endocrinologist, neurologist or therapist.

A thorough history taking will allow the doctor to explore the problem more broadly and, possibly, make a preliminary diagnosis, which can be confirmed or refuted in the future. Additional symptoms, which are present in the clinical picture of the disease along with excessive sweating, are of great importance in the process of making a diagnosis. The doctor will carefully examine the patient and interview him to clarify some points.

Of the laboratory diagnostic methods, a general blood test is mandatory. Additional techniques may include testing venous blood for the content of certain hormones and the amount of glucose in the blood.

Diagnosis of increased sweating depends on the general picture of the disease, on the stage and form of the primary process, which led to increased sweat production.

Treatment of excessive sweating

It is difficult to determine a specific treatment for excessive sweating, since sweating may be a consequence of some disease, and treatment will be prescribed only in accordance with the detected pathology.

If increased sweating does not have a specific cause, or is a temporary phenomenon associated with a certain period of life (pregnancy, menopause), you can try to reduce the extent of its manifestation.

Treatment of excessive sweating should begin with careful adherence to hygiene rules: daily shower, periodic wiping with a damp towel, changing linen. By the way, it is better to choose underwear from natural fabrics, without adding synthetics.

It is also important to follow dietary recommendations: the daily diet should consist of natural products containing a minimum of spices, salt, and a maximum of vitamins and microelements. It is recommended to limit drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, chocolate), as well as alcoholic beverages.

Remedies for excessive sweating

Among the numerous remedies for getting rid of excessive sweating, several of the most common are:

• the use of sedatives will solve the problem of sweating due to psycho-emotional stress or a stressful situation;
• iontophoresis method - a physiotherapeutic method that helps cleanse skin pores, improve the functions of sweat and sebaceous glands;
• Hormone replacement therapy – taking hormonal medications to stabilize dysfunction;
• endoscopic sympathectomy method – eliminates disturbances in the functioning of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system;
• the use of botulinum toxin injections (Botox) – blocks the activity of the sweat glands;
• aspiration curettage – surgical destruction of the sweat glands, as a rule, eliminates problems with sweating forever;
• ultrasound and laser curettage are almost the same as aspiration (surgical), but much less effective;
• method of liposuction of axillary zones.

However, sometimes the effect can be observed from the use of conventional antiperspirants.

Use of antiperspirants

Antiperspirant is a cosmetic product that reduces the manifestations of excessive sweating. An antiperspirant against excessive sweating can be produced in the form of a spray, a ball or a solid version, containing mainly different amounts of aluminum compounds (chloride or hydrochloride), or a combination of aluminum and zirconium. Products with diphemanil methyl sulfate have the most gentle effect.

The action of most antiperspirants is based on blocking the work of the sweat glands: sweat continues to be produced, but does not reach the skin surface. Difemanil acts differently: it blocks the sending of an impulse to secrete fluid from the sweat glands.

Any deodorants, including antiperspirants, contain the substances triclosan or farnesol, which have a detrimental effect on microbes that give sweat an unpleasant odor. Triclosan copes well with this, but can also destroy the natural microflora of the skin. Therefore, for sensitive skin it is better to use products with the active ingredient farnesol.

Sometimes the effect of antiperspirants can provoke an allergic reaction or skin irritation, so their use on damaged or sensitive skin prone to allergies is not recommended.

Treatment of excessive sweating with folk remedies

Traditional medicine can also help get rid of excess sweat.

If you are concerned about excessive sweating in the armpit area, you can use the following remedy: treat your armpits every day with horsetail tincture (one part of the raw material to 10 parts of alcohol, leave for two weeks). You can also use the tincture on walnuts in the same proportions.

Excessive sweating of the facial area responds well to treatment with regular washes, where fresh, unboiled milk or strong tea leaves are used instead of water. After washing, the face should dry on its own, without using a towel.

Excessive sweating on the feet can be treated with baths of a strong decoction of oak bark. Baths should be done every day until excess sweating completely disappears. You can also wash your feet with a baking soda solution (1 teaspoon of baking soda per glass of water). This procedure should be carried out at least twice a day.

Total sweating can disappear by using mint infusion, which is used to rinse the body after taking a shower or bath.

Sweaty palms can be removed by rubbing your hands with lemon juice, or just a slice of lemon. You can wipe your palms with boric alcohol, which is sold at the pharmacy.

Treatment of excessive sweating with folk remedies is usually quite effective, so do not neglect it.

Prevention of excessive sweating

Methods for preventing excessive sweating include the following:

• the sleeping area should be well ventilated and not hot;
• Sleepwear and bedding should be made from natural fabrics; the blanket should be selected according to the season;
• Avoid eating a heavy dinner immediately before bed; food products and dishes should not contain hot spices, large amounts of salt, caffeine, cocoa, or alcohol;
• observe the rules of personal hygiene - take a shower 1-2 times a day, wipe with a damp towel, change your underwear and clothes on time, and if necessary, carry a spare one with you;
• choose shoes according to the season, according to size, and those made from natural materials;
• If possible, avoid stressful situations, take care of your mental and emotional health; Yoga and meditation are encouraged;
• take care of your physical health, prevent excess weight; Watch your diet, eat less sweets and starchy foods, so as not to provoke metabolic disorders.

Prediction of increased sweating

In cases where increased sweating is not a sign of any disease, but exists on its own, the prognosis for increased sweating is favorable.

A situation where the use of antiperspirants and other hygienic cosmetics does not bring a positive result is a reason to consult a doctor, because excessive sweating can signal endocrine or metabolic disorders of the body.

If a primary disease is detected that causes increased sweating, you should take the treatment prescribed by your doctor. When qualified therapeutic interventions are prescribed and medical prescriptions are followed, relief from excessive sweating usually occurs within the first month after the start of treatment.

Increased sweating during menopause also goes away on its own or with the use of certain hormonal medications, which are prescribed by a doctor after laboratory tests.

Excessive sweating during pregnancy and breastfeeding also disappears without a trace after the end of these life periods and normalization of hormonal levels.

This article was written to once again show that many symptoms that cause us some discomfort are completely treatable. Increased sweating in some cases can be treated simply by following preventive measures. Be attentive to your body and your health, and life will give you more joyful feelings.