Lots of sweating. Causes and treatment of excessive sweating in humans

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, and neurological origin.

Hyperhidrosis is classified according to severity:

Light type, when sweating causes practically no discomfort to a person, and sweat stains on clothes are no more than 10 centimeters;
The average type 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 types 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. Heavy sweating occurs 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 recommended to take additional magnesium supplements. Research shows that increased sweating due to exercise reduces the concentration of magnesium in the blood to a critical level, which leads to loss of strength and disruption of the cardiovascular system.

Causes of severe sweating 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:

Too tight shoes, thick socks made of synthetic material, as a result of which the process of sweat evaporation is disrupted due to poor ventilation.
Long walk.
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 consult 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 therapy is aimed at eradicating it; accordingly, by eliminating the original 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:

Use of antiperspirants. Good products are (effective for up to 10 days), “Dry Dry” (the bottle lasts for 6 months).
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.
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.
Physiotherapeutic manipulations. These include baths with the addition of medicinal herbs, electrophoresis, electrosleep, etc.
Laser helps treat excessive underarm sweating. The procedure helps destroy up to 70% of the sweat glands.
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 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.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)– sweating that is outside the normal range. It can be a congenital feature of a person or a symptom of a disease: tuberculosis, obesity, thyroiditis.
Hyperhidrosis may be local and cover certain areas of the body (palms, feet, armpits) or general(generalized), when excessive sweating occurs throughout the body.
Sweating mainly manifests itself in paroxysms in response to irritants (stress, alcohol, increased hormone levels, etc.); in a small number of patients it is constantly present.

Why is hyperhidrosis dangerous?

First of all, hyperhidrosis provokes social problems. An unpleasant odor and sweat stains cause discomfort in the person himself and the hostility of others. The disease can ruin your personal life and affect your choice of profession. Such people try to avoid public speaking, which is incompatible with teaching, working on television, etc. With severe hyperhidrosis, the patient severely limits communication and begins to lead a secluded lifestyle.

Hyperhidrosis can cause the development of certain diseases. Thus, sweating feet creates favorable conditions for the development of fungus. And hyperhidrosis of the axillary and groin area increases the risk of hidradenitis - inflammation of the sweat gland and purulent damage to surrounding tissues. In addition, constant skin moisture is often accompanied by the appearance of diaper rash and pustular rashes.

Who suffers from hyperhidrosis?

Sweating is quite common. About 2% of the population are familiar with its manifestations. However, this figure may be several times higher, because most people do not turn to a specialist with this problem. Women make up more than half of patients with hyperhidrosis, which is associated with their increased emotionality and hormonal activity during certain periods of life. The problem is widespread among adolescents - during adolescence, the axillary sweat glands are activated. Among adults, the number of patients remains unchanged. And after 50 years, people complain less about sweating due to the deterioration of the functioning of all glands, including sweat glands.

How does hyperhidrosis occur?

Most people develop seasonal hyperhidrosis, which worsens in the spring and summer. Permanent hyperhidrosis occurs less frequently. In this case, sweating occurs in any weather, and does not depend on stress or work. Sometimes hyperhidrosis has a recurrent course, when after a period of increased sweating the work of the glands returns to normal, but over time the problem returns. This course of the disease is associated with hormonal surges or malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system.

How does a person secrete sweat?

Sweat is an aqueous solution of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, lactic and uric acid salts, ammonia and other substances. When it leaves the sweat glands, it is transparent and odorless. The specific aroma is given to it by the waste products of bacteria living on the skin.

Sweat glands, which are appendages of the skin, are responsible for the secretion of sweat in humans. In total, there are about 2.5 million of them on the surface of the body. At room temperature and low activity, they secrete from 400 ml to 1 liter of sweat per day. During physical activity and in the heat, the amount of sweat can exceed 2 liters per day. Such indicators are considered the norm.

Sweat glands are divided into eccrine and apocrine. They are located unevenly on the body - some areas of the skin are more saturated with them. Local hyperhidrosis often appears in these places. It is divided according to the place of manifestation:

axillary;
palmar;
plantar;
facial;
inguinal-perineal.

Eccrine sweat glands produce clear, odorless sweat. It contains a large amount of acids and salts, therefore it prevents the growth of bacteria and protects the skin from inflammation. Most eccrine glands are found on the palms of the feet, chest, back and forehead.

Apocrine sweat glands secrete a whitish secretion with a specific odor. It contains cholesterol, fatty acids and other biologically active substances. This sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria. It is believed that the secretion of the apocrine glands contains pheromones, the smell of which attracts members of the opposite sex. Apocrine glands are found in the armpit and groin area, as well as near the genitals.

Why do humans need sweat glands?

Sweating has many beneficial functions:

Preventing overheating. Sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, lowering body temperature.
Protecting skin from bacteria. The acidic environment of the sweat of the eccrine glands prevents the proliferation of microorganisms.
Signals for the opposite sex. Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, the composition and smell of the sweat of the apocrine sweat glands changes, which signals the opposite sex whether it is ready or not ready to reproduce. Although in recent centuries this function has lost its importance.

What increases sweating?

Increased ambient temperature. Thermal receptors sense an increase in temperature and send impulses to the corresponding parts of the spinal cord and brain, which are responsible for thermoregulation. From there, signals are sent to the sweat glands to increase sweating.
Stress and nervous tension. In this case, the level of stress hormones – adrenaline and norepinephrine – increases. They bring the entire nervous system into an excited state. This includes the activation of processes in the centers that regulate the functioning of the sweat glands. As a result, they are instructed to produce more sweat. Increased sweating during stress is called - psychogenic hyperhidrosis.
Active physical work. When muscles work, a lot of energy is released, which increases body temperature. In this case, sweat provides protection against overheating.
Spicy and hot food. This phenomenon is based on reflex connections between the centers of salivation and sweating. Sweat production is increased by:

extractives of meat, fish, mushrooms;
spices;
alcohol;
tea, coffee and other drinks containing caffeine.

Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. The hypothalamus and the centers of the autonomic nervous system in the medulla oblongata and spinal cord, as well as the sympathetic nerve nodes (ganglia) located near the spine are responsible for thermoregulation and sweat removal. Nerve impulses travel along nerve fibers (trunks). If there is a malfunction in any of these areas of the nervous system, this may increase sweat production. The reason may be:

brain or spinal cord injury;
inflammation of surrounding tissues;
mental shock;
dysautonomia – foci of destruction in the autonomic system;
diencephalic syndrome of newborns is a congenital lesion of the hypothalamic-pituitary region of the brain in newborns. Accompanied by constantly high or low temperature, continuous crying, trembling, fluctuations in blood pressure;
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disease of the older age group, characterized by increased muscle tone, body tremors, slowness of movements, and inability to maintain balance;
stroke is an acute disorder of cerebral circulation. Signs: severe headache with nausea and vomiting, lethargy or agitation, speech impairment, paralysis of individual muscles;
epilepsy – sudden onset of seizures;
damage to the hypothalamus, in addition to increased sweating, is manifested by sleep disturbances, surges in blood pressure, and impaired vascular tone;
concussion or brain injury - loss of consciousness, amnesia, headache, nausea, vomiting, pale skin.

Infectious diseases, acute and chronic. The appearance of viruses and bacteria in the blood is accompanied by the production of pyrogens - substances that affect thermal sensitivity neurons. The development of fever and excessive sweating is caused by:

Tuberculosis. Its symptoms are weakness, pallor, fatigue, apathy, slight increase in temperature, cough (in the pulmonary form);
Flu – fever, weakness, headache, muscle and joint pain, dry cough;
Sore throat - fever, sore throat, purulent plaque on the tonsils or accumulation of pus in the lacunae;
Septicemia is the entry into the blood of a large number of pathogenic microbes. Manifested by fever, malaise, muscle and abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe intoxication, a characteristic rash in the form of small hemorrhages;
Malaria is a disease caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Accompanied by fever, chills, headache and vomiting;
Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella. You can become infected with it through contact with domestic animals (cows, goats, pigs), through their meat and dairy products. Manifested by high fever and headache, soreness in muscles and joints.

Syphilis a sexually transmitted disease that affects the mucous membranes, internal organs and nervous system. Leads to damage to the nerve fibers of the dorsal roots, which is accompanied by asymmetrical local hyperhidrosis.
Hormonal imbalances cause endocrine hyperhidrosis. Sweat production is influenced by hormones of the gonads, hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Excessive sweating occurs:

in adolescents with high concentrations of sex hormones;
in women during menopause when estrogen levels decrease and follicle-stimulating hormone increases;
for hyperthyroidism and other pathologies of the thyroid gland;
with pheochromocytoma - a tumor of the nervous system that synthesizes adrenaline and norepinephrine;
with carcinoid syndrome - a tumor that produces hormonal substances that stimulate the sympathetic fibers of the NS.

Elevated levels of catecholamines. These substances ensure the transmission of impulses in nerve trunks and the interaction of cells in the body. They appear in the blood:

during intense physical work;
for pain of various origins;
with drug or alcohol withdrawal, “withdrawal” that occurs when abruptly quitting these substances;

Tumor diseases cause an increase in temperature and sweating through an effect on the thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus. Hyperhidrosis appears in the evening and night hours and is observed throughout the body. Provokes him.

lymphocytic lymphoma is a malignant tumor of lymphatic tissue. Symptoms: weakness, weight loss, sleep and digestive disorders;
histiocytic lymphoma is an oncological lesion of lymphoid tissues. Manifestations depend on the location of the tumors;
mixed lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes, which is characterized by their enlargement, fever, swelling and bluishness of the facial skin and weight loss;
Burkitt's lymphoma - single or multiple oncological tumors of the jaw, which can subsequently affect other internal organs. Occurs with fever and deterioration of general condition.

Systemic diseases. An autoimmune process (an attack by one’s own immune cells) damages the blood capillaries that supply the nerve trunks. This leads to dysfunction of the organs for which these nerves are responsible.

Raynaud's disease. Manifested by spasm of blood vessels in the fingertips. They become colder and acquire a bluish color. The spasm is quickly replaced by vasodilation;
rheumatoid arthritis - symmetrical damage to small joints, weakness, morning stiffness. Symptoms of damage to the spine and large joints gradually appear - headaches, tingling fingers, crawling sensations, pain when breathing, etc.

Taking medications. Some drugs that affect the autonomic nervous system stimulate sweat production. These side effects have:

propranolol;
pilocarpine;
physostigmine;
antiemetics;
antidepressants.

Hereditary predisposition. It has been established that the tendency to excessive sweat formation is passed on from generation to generation. The reasons for this phenomenon have not been established. People who develop hyperhidrosis for no apparent reason are diagnosed with primary hyperhidrosis" This distinguishes it from secondary hyperhidrosis, which is always associated with diseases.

As you can see, the list of reasons for increased sweating is very extensive. Often, to eliminate hyperhidrosis, it is enough to eliminate the cause that causes it.

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis– increased sweating associated with stressful situations and strong emotions. With stress and anxiety, large doses of adrenaline are released into the blood. This hormone increases the activity of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs, including the sweat glands. A large number of commands are generated in the nerve centers, causing the sweat glands to work more intensely.

In people suffering from psychogenic hyperhidrosis, even minor irritants cause severe sweating. For example, if a healthy person’s armpits only slightly sweat when embarrassed, then a sick person’s face may become covered with large drops of sweat, and wet spots will appear on their clothes. This is often accompanied by redness of the facial skin. This feature of the body is probably associated with the increased sensitivity of the receptors responsible for binding adrenaline.

Due to the fact that during sleep the sympathetic nervous system rests and inhibition processes predominate in it, sweating decreases at night.

Causes of psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Psycho-emotional stress– any situation that evokes strong positive or negative emotions in a person.
Acute psychological trauma– a stressful situation that had a short-term impact on the psyche, but left serious consequences.

loss of a loved one;
a break up;
conflict;
loss of property, work;
fright;
speaking in front of an audience;
making a serious diagnosis.

Chronic psychological trauma when a person has been in an unfavorable situation for a long time due to various factors:

Domestic violence;
Cheating spouse;
Divorce of parents;
Living in a dysfunctional family;
Lack of parental affection.

Neuroses– long-term reversible disorder of mental functions. It is caused by prolonged negative emotions and stress, overwork or serious illnesses. This condition is characterized by a tendency to hysteria. Neuroses are accompanied by autonomic disorders and often sweating.
Asthenia– a psychopathological disorder characterized by various disorders of the autonomic nervous system. The main symptom is chronic fatigue, which is often accompanied by tachycardia, pain in the heart, sweating and depression.
Long-term insomnia, disrupting the balance of excitation and inhibition processes in the nervous system.

Neurocirculatory dysfunction(vegetative-vascular dystonia) a disorder of the nervous system in which the tone of the sympathetic department may be increased or decreased.
Pain. When a patient experiences pain and associated anxiety, adrenaline and catecholamines are released. These substances contribute to the emergence and transmission of impulses, due to which the sweat glands are stimulated, mainly on the palms and soles.

Diagnostics psychogenic hyperhidrosis

To diagnose and treat psychogenic hyperhidrosis, patients with excessive sweating consult a neurologist or dermatologist.

Survey. At the first stage of diagnosis, the doctor collects an anamnesis. He is interested in:

When did the first signs of hyperhidrosis appear?
What preceded them (stress, illness)?
Which areas experience the most sweating?
In what situations does it intensify, is there a dependence on tension and excitement?
Do you have any complaints about night sweats?
Does the patient suffer from sweating all the time or does the problem appear periodically?
How often does the patient have to shower and change clothes throughout the day?
Does any of your relatives suffer from excessive sweating?
Does the patient have acute or chronic illnesses?

Inspection. The doctor visually assesses:

The condition of the patient’s clothing, the presence of sweat stains on it. They primarily appear in the armpit area. Less common on the back and in places where skin folds form. Based on the size of the spot in the armpit, you can roughly estimate the degree of hyperhidrosis:

norm – up to 5 cm;
mild degree – up to 10 cm;
medium degree – up to 15 cm;
severe degree – over 20 cm.

Symmetrical arrangement of spots. Unsymmetrical sweating indicates damage to the nerve fibers of the sympathetic nervous system.
Sweat on your face. Sweating is often limited to specific areas where the sweat glands are better innervated. This is the forehead, upper lip. In 70% of patients, an attack of psychogenic hyperhidrosis is accompanied by redness of the facial skin.

The diagnosis of “hyperhidrosis” is established based on the patient’s complaints if excessive sweating disrupts his daily life. In most cases, the doctor makes a diagnosis based on survey data, since it is rarely possible to observe an attack of psychogenic hyperhidrosis with your own eyes.

Psychogenic hyperhidrosis is confirmed by the following signs:

sudden onset;
Patients associate the appearance of hyperhidrosis with acute or chronic psychological trauma;
increased sweating in situations that cause anxiety in the patient;
reduction of sweating during sleep;
recurrent course - exacerbations coincide with periods of increased anxiety (session, business trips);
The face, palms and feet sweat the most, less often intense sweating over the entire surface of the body.

Laboratory research. Additional research is needed to rule out diseases associated with sweating.
List of necessary studies and analyses:

biochemical blood test (AST, ALT, glucose, calcium, bilirubin);
blood test for hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses;
blood test for syphilis - Wasserman reaction;

With psychogenic hyperhidrosis, test results are within the normal range– no acute or chronic diseases are detected. If the test results are not satisfactory, the patient is referred for further examination to specialized specialists.

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of sweating

Treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis

Treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis is aimed at reducing sweating, as well as reducing anxiety, increasing stress resistance and reducing the excitability of the sympathetic part of the nervous system.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Psychological counseling	Up to 70% if you complete the full course. The method helps to identify the problem or situation that caused sweating and resolve it. The psychologist will also tell you how to cope with situations that cause anxiety and teach you techniques for reducing stress. Disadvantages: the course can take up to several months. Requires self-discipline and strict implementation of recommendations.	The patient, together with the psychologist, analyzes the stressful situation and learns to respond adequately to it.
Medication method - sedatives, antipsychotics, tranquilizers and antidepressants	80-90%, provided the drug is correctly selected. The specialist individually selects the drug and dose, which reduces the likelihood of side effects. Disadvantages: there are contraindications and serious side effects (lethargy, increased appetite, obesity, addiction). Caution: Some antidepressants increase sweating.	Sedatives plant-based products (valerian extract, motherwort, sedavite, soothing herbal infusions, bromides) are used 3 times a day for 8-10 weeks. If there is no effect, consider prescribing tranquilizers or antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants reduce stimulation of sweat glands by the nervous system. Mianserin, lerivon. Dosage from 10 to 30 mg per day. Fluoxetine, Prozac. Dosage 20 mg 1 time per day. The effect of taking antidepressants occurs within 2-3 weeks of use. Course 6-8 weeks. Neuroleptics. Sonapax in a daily dose of 80-150 mg per day. The dose is increased and discontinued gradually. Tranquilizers prescribed when psychogenic hyperhidrosis is combined with a vegetative disorder. Anaprilin and clonazepam can lead to a decrease in sweating. They are prescribed in dosages from 10 to 80 mg per day. Duration of treatment is from 4 weeks.
Physiotherapeutic methods	70-80%. Sedative methods of electrotherapy restore the balance of inhibitory and excitatory processes in the cerebral cortex. They reduce the number of nerve impulses entering the areas responsible for sweat production. Reduce the level of stress hormones. Disadvantage: procedures can have a temporary effect that lasts from 20 to 40 days.	7-12 procedures are prescribed per course. Electroson. Duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. Pulse frequency 20 Hz. Frequency: every other day. Galvanic collar according to Shcherbak. Current strength up to 15 m A. Duration 7-15 minutes. Daily. in areas of increased sweating. Creates a depot of ions in the skin, which reduces sweat production. Current strength up to 15 mA. Daily or every other day. Pine-salt baths. Water temperature 36 degrees. Duration 15-25 minutes. Daily.
Medical antiperspirants	60-80%. They contain zinc and aluminum salts, salicylic acid, formaldehyde, triclosan, and ethyl alcohol. These connections narrow or block the ducts of the glands, preventing sweat from being released out. In this case, sweat is removed through other parts of the body. Validity period from 5 to 20 days. They contain antibacterial substances that stop the growth of bacteria, preventing the appearance of a specific odor. Disadvantages: they eliminate the manifestations, not the cause of sweating. Blockage of the excretory ducts of the sweat glands can cause swelling and irritation of the skin, inflammation of the sweat glands.	Apply to washed and dried skin at the frequency indicated in the instructions. Antiperspirants are applied after an evening shower and washed off with soap and water in the morning. The active substances remain in the ducts of the sweat glands, ensuring their narrowing.
Botulinum toxin injections – drugs Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Over 95%. The toxin blocks the nerve endings that innervate the sweat glands. This leads to a complete stop of sweat production in the treated area. Treatment areas: face, feet, palms, armpits. Disadvantages: temporary effect. Repeated injections are necessary after 6-8 months. Possible temporary side effects: muscle weakness and numbness in the injection area. They go away on their own in 3-30 days. High cost - from 20 thousand rubles.	Before the procedure, a Minor test is performed to determine the boundaries of the area of increased sweating. A syringe with a thin insulin needle is used to inject the area of increased sweating, injecting botulinum toxin preparations. One procedure is enough to treat hyperhidrosis for 6-8 months.
Laser treatment	About 80%. Using a laser introduced under the skin to a depth of 1-4 mm, the sweat glands are destroyed. In these areas, sweat production will no longer be restored. Suitable for the treatment of hyperhidrosis of the armpits, feet, palms and face. Disadvantages: only those glands that were close to the punctures stop functioning. The high cost of treatment is over 30 thousand rubles.	The area of hyperhidrosis is determined and local anesthesia is performed. Through punctures with a diameter of 1-2 mm, an optical fiber is inserted to the depth of the sweat glands. With its help, part of the sweat glands is destroyed. A certain amount remains intact, ensuring minimal sweating in the area. During the session, hair follicles are damaged and hair growth in the axillary area decreases.
Local (local) surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis	Over 90%. After removal of the sweat gland, there is a lasting, lifelong effect. Suitable for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis. Disadvantage: hematomas and fluid accumulations often form at the intervention site. Scars may form at the site of the procedure. Most patients develop compensatory hyperhidrosis, which causes increased sweating of the face, chest, back and thighs. Given the likelihood of complications, surgical treatment is used when other methods are ineffective.	A Minor test is first performed to identify overactive sweat glands. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Curettage of the axillary area. After 1-2 punctures in the axillary area, a surgical instrument is inserted, with the help of which the sweat gland is “scraped out.” At the same time, the nerve endings are injured. This is the most common local surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. Excision of the skin of the axillary area. Areas of skin and sometimes subcutaneous tissue where sweat glands are concentrated are removed. This method is indicated for patients who have inflammation of the sweat glands, hidradenitis (“bitch udder”). Liposuction of the axillary area indicated for obese patients. During the removal of fatty tissue, nerve fibers and sweat glands are injured.
Central surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis – sympathectomy	About 100%. The effect is lifelong. During the operation, the sympathetic trunk (nerve fibers) responsible for the functioning of the sweat glands is destroyed. Indicated for severe hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms. Disadvantages: numbness of the skin in the armpit area. Local complications at the intervention site (hematoma, edema). In 10% of patients, severe compensatory hyperhidrosis develops, which exceeds the initial one.	The operation is performed under general anesthesia. A 5 mm long puncture is made in the 3rd intercostal space. 1 liter of carbon dioxide is injected into the chest in order to displace the organs, giving the surgeon the opportunity to view and manipulate. An endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted through the hole, which is used to destroy (destruct) the nerve ganglia. When treating sweating of the armpits and palms, the centers located at the level of 2-5 thoracic vertebrae are affected. Maybe clipping(applying a clip) to the sympathetic trunk leading to the sweat glands. There are also more gentle methods of destroying the sympathetic trunk using chemicals or high-frequency electric current. However, in these cases, partial destruction of the nerve occurs. Therefore, there is a small chance that the nerve fibers will recover and hyperhidrosis will return.

Also necessary measures that complement the conservative treatment of hyperhidrosis (without surgery) are:

Compliance with personal hygiene rules. Warm or contrast shower 2 times a day, more often if necessary. Daily change of linen, which should consist only of natural fabrics that are breathable and absorb moisture well.
Taking B vitamins: B3 and B5.
General strengthening of the body, including air baths, contrast showers and other hardening methods.
Baths with oak bark decoction 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes. To treat hyperhidrosis in the armpits, you can use gauze pads soaked in a decoction.
Spa treatment. Sea bathing, sunbathing, brine baths (with salt concentrate).

Features of the treatment of psychogenic hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5	6
Axillary (axillary)	Antiperspirants based on aluminum chloride Dry Control, Odaban, NO SWEAT	Sedative physiotherapy	Injection of the axillary area with botulinum toxin	Systemic treatment with sedatives	Curettage of the axillary area	Sympathectomy - destruction of the nerve ganglion or trunk
Palmar (palmar)	Antiperspirants with aluminum chloride more than 30% - Dabomatic 30%, Max F 30% or 35%,	Sedative physiotherapy and iontophoresis	Injection with botulinum toxin		Thoracoscopic sympathectomy
Plantar (plantar)	Aluminum chloride or glycopyrrolate topically Dabomatic 30% Dry Dry 30.5%, Max F 35%	Treatment of feet with preparations containing formaldehyde Formidron Formagel.	Botulinum toxin injection	Systemic treatment with sedatives and anticholinergics

If desired, the patient can skip the second stage and proceed to the third.

Primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis– increased sweating in the absence of pathologies that may be accompanied by active work of the sweat glands. In severe cases, the skin on the face, feet and palms not only becomes wet, but becomes covered with drops of sweat.

Primary hyperhidrosis appears in childhood or adolescence, and after 40 it tends to decrease. This form of the disease has little to do with the emotional state and ambient temperature.
Primary hyperhidrosis is often permanent, less often it occurs in attacks. Patients cannot clearly determine what exactly provokes an attack of sweating, since it occurs at rest, at normal temperature, in a well-ventilated area.
Primary hyperhidrosis is predominantly local. It covers one or several areas: feet, palms, armpits, face.

Causes primary hyperhidrosis

The main cause of primary hyperhidrosis is increased excitability of the nervous system, namely its sympathetic department. A large number of nerve impulses passing along the sympathetic trunks activate the production of secretion from the sweat glands.

Among the reasons are hereditary predisposition. During the survey, as a rule, it turns out that the patient’s relatives also suffer from excessive sweating.
This feature of the body may be associated with various factors affecting the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system:

high sensitivity of the body to adrenaline and norepinephrine;
high, but within the normal range, level of hormones - sex, thyroid;
features of the functioning of the nervous system, when a large number of nerve impulses are synthesized in the subcortical centers and ganglia of the autonomic nervous system;
an excess of the mediator serotonin, which ensures high conductivity in the trunks of the sympathetic nervous system.

Diagnostics primary hyperhidrosis

Survey. Taking an anamnesis is often the basis for making a diagnosis. The doctor is interested in:

When did sweating first appear?
Do other family members have similar problems?
In what situations does it increase?
How strong is it?
How much does it interfere with everyday life?
What is your general health? Do you have any chronic diseases?

Your doctor may use various hyperhidrosis quality of life questionnaires for people with axillary sweating.

Factors confirming primary hyperhidrosis:

early onset of the disease, in childhood or adolescence;
Other relatives also suffer from excessive sweating;
there is no clear connection with strong emotions and stress;
sweating is symmetrical, usually the disease affects the feet, palms and armpits. Less often the whole body;
There is no heavy sweating during sleep. Night sweats indicate other diseases and require additional diagnostics;
there are no signs of infectious or other acute and chronic diseases.

Inspection. During the examination, the dermatologist may identify:

sweat stains on clothes;
diaper rash and rashes in areas of sweating;
in some cases, beads of sweat are found on the skin.

These signs are present in all forms of hyperhidrosis, so examination does not make it possible to determine the form of the disease, but only confirms its presence.

Laboratory research:

general blood analysis;
biochemical blood test (AST, ALT, glucose, calcium, bilirubin);
blood test for hepatitis B, C and HIV viruses;
fluorography or x-ray of the lungs;
blood test for syphilis - Wasserman reaction;
blood test to determine glucose levels;
blood test for thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH, parathyroid hormone);
general urine analysis.

With primary hyperhidrosis, test results do not exceed the norm.
Qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing sweating

In practice, determining the amount of sweat produced during hyperhidrosis is not very important. Therefore, quantitative methods for assessing hyperhidrosis are rarely used. The most requested is the Minor test.

Treatment primary hyperhidrosis

Treatment is prescribed based on how much discomfort the disease causes a person.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Medication	About 60%. Anticholinergic drugs block the transmission of excitation from postganglionic nerve fibers to sweat and other glands. Due to this, sweating is reduced. The effect appears on the 10-14th day of taking the drug. The course of treatment is 4-6 weeks. Disadvantages: Large doses are required to treat sweating. Anticholinergics have an extensive list of contraindications and side effects after taking the drugs.	Natural anticholinergics drugs Bellataminal or Bellaspon. 1 tablet 3 times a day. Synthetic anticholinergics Atropine – 1 mg twice a day. Scopolamine in solution - 0.25-0.5 mg. Deprim Forte 1 capsule 1-2 times a day.
Physiotherapeutic methods - iontophoresis	Up to 70%. Exposure to low voltage and constant frequency current temporarily narrows the channels of the sweat glands at the site of exposure. The accumulation of aluminum and zinc ions in the skin causes a temporary narrowing of the sweat gland ducts. Used to reduce sweating on the palms and soles. Disadvantages: requires regular use. Repeated courses after 3-4 months.	To reduce sweating of the feet and palms, use baths filled with tap water. Under the influence of low voltage current, ions penetrate into the skin. The effect of current on the receptors causes a reflex narrowing of the gland ducts. Iontophoresis with tap water and electrophoresis with local anticholinergics showed equal effectiveness.
Medical antiperspirants	Up to 70%. The compounds penetrate into the mouths of the sweat glands and create an insoluble sediment there, which causes a narrowing or temporary blockage of the excretory duct. Disadvantages: risk of developing irritation and hidradenitis. Temporary effect from 5 to 50 days.	Prepare the skin. Hair in the axillary area is shaved. It is important that the skin is clean and dry, otherwise burning and irritation will occur. The drug is applied at night, when sweating is minimal, and the residue is washed off in the morning.
Injections of botulinum toxin preparations (Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin)	About 95%. They are considered the best method of treatment when antiperspirants and physiotherapy are ineffective. The drugs disrupt the transmission of acetylcholine, which blocks the passage of impulses along the nerve fibers to the sweat gland. Disadvantages: temporary effect up to 8 months. In rare cases, side effects develop - temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, muscle weakness of the arms. In patients with high titers of antibodies against botulinum toxin, injections are not effective.	The perimeter of the hyperhidrosis site is injected with botulinum toxin. Preparations based on it are identical and have the same effect. The doctor determines the dose individually. After 1-3 days, the conduction of impulses going to the sweat glands is blocked, and sweat production stops for 6-8 months.
Laser treatment	Up to 90%. The thermal energy of the laser destroys the cells of the sweat gland and hair follicles. Flaws. High cost of the procedure. There is an insufficient number of laser installations and specialists performing this procedure.	They do a Minor test. Local anesthesia of the area is performed. A hollow needle is inserted to a depth of several mm, through which an optical fiber passes. The laser beam destroys the sweat glands. A small part of the glands remains unaffected and continues to function, this avoids compensatory hyperhidrosis.
Local (local) surgical treatment	Up to 95%. The operation is performed on the axillary area. The surgeon removes the sweat gland, or part of the skin and fatty tissue. Disadvantages: there are contraindications. Traumatic. Postoperative scar care is necessary. There is a risk of complications: hematomas, growth of scar tissue.	Curettage axillary zone. Through a puncture with a diameter of less than 1 cm, a curette (surgical spoon) is inserted, with the help of which the sweat gland is removed. Liposuction. Removing part of the fatty tissue allows you to destroy the nerve fibers and stop the activity of the sweat glands.
Central surgical treatment – percutaneous or endoscopic sympathectomy	About 95%. With percutaneous up to 80%. Using electric current, laser, chemicals or surgical endoscopic equipment, the doctor damages or completely destroys the nerve fibers that transmit impulses to the sweat glands. Disadvantages: swelling, hematoma, risk of developing scars that impede movement, drooping eyelids. In 50% of those operated on, compensatory hyperhidrosis develops - sweating of the torso, thighs and inguinal folds appears. In 2% of cases this causes more discomfort than primary hyperhidrosis. Based on this, sympathectomy is recommended for patients with secondary hyperhidrosis when there is no other option to cure the disease.	Endoscopic surgery. An endoscope with a surgical instrument attached to it is inserted through a puncture in the armpit. With its help, the surgeon cuts the sympathetic trunk or places a clamp on it - a clip - to prevent impulses from the nerve ganglia to the sweat glands. During percutaneous surgery The doctor inserts a needle into the area near the spine. Next, he destroys the nerve with electric current or chemical means. However, in this case, he cannot see the nerve itself. This causes ineffectiveness of the procedure and damage to nearby organs. Open surgery

Features of the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5
Axillary (axillary)	Medical antiperspirants MAXIM 15%, KLIMA 15%, AHC20 classic 20%			Local surgical treatment – removal of sweat glands	Central surgical treatment: sympathectomy
Palmar (palmar)	Treatment of aluminum with Dabomatic chloride 30%, Max F 30% or 35%,	Injections Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Systemic drug treatment with anticholinergics		Central surgical treatment - sympathectomy
Plantar (plantar)	Treatment of aluminum with chloride "DRYDRAY" 30.5%, foot powder "ODABAN" 20% Dabomatic 30% Dry Dry 30.5%, Max F 35%, Teymurov paste	Treatment with formaldehyde preparations, liquid Formidron, Paraformbetonite powder.	Botulinum toxin injections	Systemic drug treatment with anticholinergics

Endocrine hyperhidrosis

Endocrine hyperhidrosis– increased sweating that accompanies diseases of the endocrine glands. At the same time, the patient suffers from generalized hyperhidrosis when sweating increases throughout the body.
With endocrine pathology, the level of hormones in the blood of patients increases. These substances have several mechanisms to control the sweat glands:

directly affect the thermoregulation center;
increase excitability and conduction of impulses along the sympathetic fibers of the nervous system;
enhance metabolism;
dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, bringing more fluid to the sweat glands.

Causes endocrine hyperhidrosis

Diabetes. Changes occur in the autonomic nervous system. Myelin, a substance that protects nerve roots and fibers, is destroyed, which affects the innervation of the sweat glands. In patients, sweating occurs only in the upper half of the body, while the skin of the pelvis and lower extremities suffers from dryness. In diabetes mellitus, in addition to hyperhidrosis, the following symptoms occur: dry mouth, thirst, increased volume of urine, muscle weakness, decreased immunity and wounds that do not heal for a long time.
Hyperthyroidism and other thyroid diseases, accompanied by an increase in thyroid hormones, which increase the number of heart contractions, blood flow speed and metabolism. These processes cause increased heat generation. Sweating in this case is a mechanism of thermoregulation. Hyperthyroidism is indicated by: increased irritability and tearfulness, weight loss, slight increase in temperature, increased heart rate, increased upper (systolic) and decreased lower (diastolic) pressure, protrusion of the eyeballs, increased appetite, heat intolerance.
Obesity. Excess fat deposits under the skin and around internal organs disrupt thermoregulation mechanisms. Fat retains heat in the body, and to reduce temperature, the body increases the rate of sweating. The ability of adipose tissue to produce sex hormones - estrogens, which affect the thermoregulation center, has also been proven.
Acromegaly. A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces somatotropin. This disease in 80% of cases is accompanied by a decrease in the level of sex hormones and an increase in the level of thyroid hormones. An imbalance of hormones activates metabolic processes, increases heat production and increases sweating. With acromegaly, characteristic symptoms occur: enlargement of bones, including facial ones (lower jaw, brow ridges, cheekbones, nose), enlarged skull, thickening of fingers, joint pain. The skin thickens, becomes denser, and gathers into folds. The sebaceous glands are active.
Menopausal syndrome. The restructuring in the female body is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels and an increase in the level of follicle-stimulating hormone. Estrogens have a direct effect on thermoregulation. Their deficiency affects the hypothalamus, which mistakenly diagnoses overheating of the body. This gland turns on the mechanism of getting rid of excess heat, dilating peripheral vessels and increasing sweating, which provokes hot flashes and an attack of hyperhidrosis. Such symptoms accompany menopause in 80% of women. The onset of menopause is also indicated by: anxiety, tearfulness, dryness of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, which is accompanied by burning and itching, weight gain, and deterioration of skin condition.
Pheochromocytoma– tumors of the nervous system that synthesize adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones stimulate the nervous system and increase the number of impulses reaching the sweat glands. Associated symptoms: paroxysmal increase in blood pressure. During a crisis, a characteristic picture develops: fear, chills, headaches and heart pain, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. After an attack, severe sweating occurs (the person is “drenched in sweat”) and a large amount of urine is passed out, up to 5 liters.
Carcinoid syndrome– tumors that produce hormonal substances that stimulate the sympathetic fibers of the nervous system. In addition to increased sweating, patients are concerned about: abdominal pain, loose stools, disturbances in the functioning of the heart caused by damage to the valves, narrowing of the bronchi - bronchospasm, accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing. Dilatation of superficial vessels leads to redness of the face, neck and upper torso.
Puberty. During this period, the functioning of the gonads is not stable. Constant fluctuations in hormone levels affect the state of the nervous system. Stimulation of its sympathetic department causes sweating of the face, feet, palms and armpits. This situation can last 1-2 years or accompany a person throughout his life.

Diagnostics endocrine hyperhidrosis

Survey. At the appointment, the doctor will ask a standard list of questions:

When did the sweating start?
What are the circumstances surrounding its appearance?
In what areas is it most pronounced?
In what situations do seizures occur?
Are evening and night sweats common?
What is your general health? Are there any chronic diseases?

Characteristic signs of endocrine hyperhidrosis:

generalized sweating throughout the body;
sweating increases in the evening and at night;
symmetrical arrangement of sweating zones;
attacks of hyperhidrosis have little to do with nervous or physical stress;
The attacks are so severe that you have to change clothes.

It is important that the patient report symptoms of chronic diseases: hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, dry skin and wounds that take a long time to heal, and an increase in the amount of urine. This will help the doctor correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment or refer for additional examination to identify hidden pathologies.

Inspection. During examination, the doctor may identify the following signs:

sweating areas are located symmetrically;
the majority have generalized sweating - over the entire surface of the body;
redness of the skin of the face and body associated with the expansion of superficial capillaries.

Laboratory diagnostics
In addition to general tests (fluorography, general and biochemical blood tests, general urinalysis), great importance is given to determining the level of glucose and hormones.

The following test results may indicate endocrine hyperhidrosis:

Blood test to determine glucose level - over 5.5 mmol/l;

Blood test for thyroid hormones

Free hormone T3 (triiodothyronine) – over 5.69 pmol/l;
Free hormone T4 (thyroxine) – over 22 pmol/l;
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – over 4.0 µIU/ml;
Parathyroid hormone – over 6.8 pmol/l;

Test for sex hormones (for women and men)

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) – for women less than 1.2 mU/l (the phase of the menstrual cycle must be taken into account), for men less than 1.37 mU/l;
Estradiol/estrone index – less than 1;
Inhibin – less than 40 pg/ml for women, less than 147 pg/ml for men;
Testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin or SHBG – less than 7.2 nmol/l. ml for women, less than 13 nmol/l for men.

Qualitative and quantitative methods for assessing hyperhidrosis are rarely used in the endocrine form of the disease. Due to the low information content and labor intensity of the procedure.

Treatment endocrine hyperhidrosis

Endocrine hyperhidrosis is treated by an endocrinologist, together with a dermatologist. The basis of treatment is hormonal therapy to restore normal functioning of the endocrine glands. Other methods are aimed at alleviating the condition of patients, but they do not eliminate the cause of the disease.

Treatment method	Efficiency	How it is produced
Medical antiperspirants	About 60%. The components of antiperspirants narrow the ducts and slow down the work of the sweat glands. Disadvantages: risk of developing irritation and suppuration of the sweat glands in people with low immunity. Allergy development is possible.	Antiperspirant (aerosol, sticker, powder, cream) is applied in the evening to intact skin. Before application, the body is washed with soap, and areas of hyperhidrosis are dried with dry wipes or a hairdryer. In the morning, wash off any remaining product with warm water and soap. The frequency of repetition of the procedure is indicated in the instructions (every other day, 1 time per week).
Physiotherapeutic methods	60-70%. Under the influence of low-frequency current, a reflex contraction of the ducts of the sweat glands and blood vessels of the skin occurs. This leads to decreased sweating. Disadvantages: often the effect is not expressed enough. The action ends after a few days.	The baths are filled with tap water and connected to an iontophoresis apparatus. Water is a conductor of current and a source of ions. The immersed parts of the body are exposed to a galvanic current, and the ions are deposited in the skin for several days. The procedures are carried out every other day, 7-12 per course.
Botulinum toxin injections (Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin)	95%. The toxin disrupts the conduction of nerve impulses that control the functioning of the sweat gland. Disadvantages: 5% of people are insensitive to botulinum toxin. The procedure may cause a feeling of numbness and muscle weakness. With endocrine hyperhidrosis, sweating often occurs throughout the body. Therefore, piercing individual areas does not bring significant relief.	Using the Minor test, the limits of sweating are determined. Then they are injected with the drug. The manipulation is carried out using a thin insulin needle with a step of 2 cm. After 1-2 days, the toxin blocks the nerve fibers and the glands stop working.
Local surgical treatment	95%. It is used to treat local hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms, which is rare in the endocrine form. Disadvantages: traumatic. Not effective for sweating all over the body.	Removal of individual sweat glands - curettage. Removal of subcutaneous fat, which damages the nerve fibers leading to the glands. After such an intervention, sweating significantly decreases or stops completely.
Central surgical treatment – sympathectomy	85-100%. With percutaneous up to 90%. The doctor damages or completely destroys the nerve nodes that transmit impulses to the sweat glands. Indicated for hyperhidrosis of the armpits and palms. Disadvantages: swelling, hematoma, risk of developing scars that impede movement. In 50% of those operated on, compensatory hyperhidrosis develops - sweating of the torso, thighs and inguinal folds appears. In 2% of cases this causes more discomfort than primary hyperhidrosis. Based on this, sympathectomy is recommended for patients when it is not possible to cure the chronic disease that causes sweating.	The intervention is performed under general anesthesia. Endoscopic surgery. For palmar hyperhidrosis, surgery is performed on the D2-D4 segment (ganglia near the 2-4 vertebrae of the thoracic spine). In the axillary – on the D3-D5 segment. For palmar and axillary – on the D2-D5 segment. For plantar hyperhidrosis, sympathectomy is not performed due to the risk of postoperative sexual disorders. During percutaneous surgery The doctor inserts a needle into the area near the spine. Next, he destroys the nerve with electric current or chemical means. However, in this case, he cannot see the nerve itself. This causes the procedure to be ineffective and the risk of damage to nearby organs. Open chest surgery with cutting the chest, it is practically not used due to the high level of traumatism.

The drug method for endocrine hyperhidrosis is not used, since anticholinergic drugs can worsen the patient’s condition.

Features of the treatment of endocrine hyperhidrosis of the armpits, legs and palms

Type of hyperhidrosis	Stages of treatment
Type of hyperhidrosis	1	2	3	4	5
Axillary (axillary)	Medical antiperspirants MAXIM 15% KLIMA 15% BONEDRY 20% Everdry	Botulinum toxin injections. Preparations Botox, Dysport, Ipsen, Xeomin	Iontophoresis with tap water	Removal of sweat glands - curettage	Sympathectomy – destruction of the nerve ganglion
Palmar (palmar)	Medical antiperspirants: KLIMA, Everdry, Active Dry, Odaban 30%	Botulinum toxin injections	Iontophoresis with tap water	Sympathectomy for nerve ganglion destruction
Plantar (plantar)	Antiperspirants DRYDRAY 30.5%, foot powder ODABAN 20%	Treatment with formaldehyde preparations Formidron, Paraformbetonite powder.	Botulinum toxin injections	Iontophoresis with tap water

Prevention of hyperhidrosis

Wearing loose clothing made from natural fabrics. Sweat stains are less noticeable on dark-colored items or clothes with small prints.
Wearing “breathable” shoes, and open ones in the summer.
Use of special antibacterial insoles and liners.
Fighting flat feet. Irregular foot structure is accompanied by increased sweating.
Contrast shower 2 times a day for general hyperhidrosis. Baths with contrast water 2-3 times a week for local hyperhidrosis. Changing temperatures improves blood circulation in the skin and helps narrow the ducts of the sweat glands.
Baths or applications with decoctions of medicinal herbs containing tannins and stopping the growth of bacteria. They use oak bark, celandine, and mint.
Baths with potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate). Every other day or 2-3 times a week. Duration 15 min.
Taking vitamins. Vitamins A, E, and B group affect the skin and sweat glands.
Taking sedatives to normalize the functioning of the nervous system. Valerian, motherwort, and ankylosing spondylitis reduce nervous stimulation of the sweat glands.
Treatment of chronic diseases that cause sweating.

Let's summarize. According to experts, the most effective method of treating local hyperhidrosis (armpits, palms, feet) is the administration of botulinum toxin. Its effectiveness is over 90%, and the likelihood of side effects is minimal compared to other methods. The cost of such treatment for hyperhidrosis starts from 17-20 thousand rubles.

Increased sweating in women is a very common problem that worries many representatives of the fair sex. This phenomenon is very unpleasant and leads to strong female experiences. In this article we will look at the main causes of hyperhidrosis, as well as methods for eliminating it. It is very important to know that increased sweating in women may indicate the presence of extremely serious diseases in the body. Therefore, it is very important to understand the causes of such an unpleasant phenomenon and begin treatment.

What is sweating?

Sweating is a very important function performed by the body of every person. During this process, a special secretion is released, as well as metabolic products. It is also worth considering that sweating performs a thermoregulatory function. That is, your body will begin to sweat if the ambient temperature is too high, as well as with excessive physical activity. This phenomenon is considered absolutely normal. By the way, our sweat glands work constantly, without interruption, even when we are in optimally comfortable conditions or sleeping. But if your sweat glands are working excessively for no apparent reason, then you need to think about the state of your health. In this case, there may be very serious disorders in your body.

As you know, sweat itself has absolutely no odor. But when bacteria begin to multiply in it, you can smell an extremely unpleasant aroma. Pathogenic microorganisms will not only cause an unpleasant odor, but can also become the basis for the development of inflammatory processes in the body.

Main types of hyperhidrosis

Some representatives of the fairer sex sweat intensely in their sleep. If this happens to you, be sure to pay attention to the conditions in which you sleep. The room may be very stuffy, or your clothes and bedding may be made of synthetic materials. In this case, it will be very easy to eliminate increased sweating in women.

Increased sweating can have several locations on the female body. Depending on this, several types of this disease are distinguished. Let's look at them in more detail:

plantar hyperhidrosis is characterized by increased sweating that occurs in the palms;
with palmar disease, very legs;
but the axillary type of the disease is characterized by increased sweating in the armpits.

These types of hyperhidrosis are quite common. Much less often, increased sweating in women occurs throughout the entire body.

The right choice of clothing is the key to good health

One of the main reasons for excessive body sweating is the wrong choice of clothing. Of course, all representatives of the fair sex try to take care of their bodies and perform hygiene procedures correctly. However, for some reason many people simply forget about the correct selection of clothes. The way the dress you buy looks is very important. However, what is even more important is what material it is made from. Synthetic fabrics are very harmful to the human body. They do not allow the skin to breathe, which means it is impaired. Very often, women suffer from increased sweating in the armpits when wearing fabrics such as acrylic, viscose or polyamide. Of course, blouses made from synthetic materials look amazing, but at the same time they have a detrimental effect on your health. Imagine what will happen to your body if it does not breathe for twelve hours.

Excessive emotionality

Increased sweating in women, the causes of which can be very diverse, often occurs in the fair sex, who have a very strong emotional reaction to certain life situations. For example, very often speaking in public leads to anxiety, and this in turn causes emotions, which lead to excessive sweating. Some women are very shy, so they begin to worry when everyone's attention is paid to them. This situation can also lead to the fact that the sweat glands begin to work more actively.

Increased sweating in women, the causes of which are described in detail on this resource, can begin in childhood. For example, if a girl was very worried when the teacher at school called her to the blackboard, and this started to sweat a lot, then this problem will only worsen with age.

In fact, this problem is not so easy to solve. The first thing you need to learn to do is control yourself and your emotions. If you can’t come to this on your own, be sure to consult a psychologist, he will help you cope with excessive emotionality and solve the problem of excessive sweating.

The cardiovascular system has abnormalities

It's no secret that very often disorders of the cardiovascular system can lead to problems such as increased sweating in women's armpits and other parts of the body. Most often, such a disease can begin to develop in hypertensive patients. In this case, increased sweating may be the very first symptom of such a serious disease. Please note that hypertension is a disease that develops very slowly and gradually. You may feel completely normal until a certain point comes. If you notice that you are starting to sweat for no particular reason, the first thing you need to do is contact a cardiologist. This is especially true for women who are overweight and about forty to forty-five years old.

Why increased sweating in women is a question that concerns many representatives of the fair sex. There can be many reasons. And one more of them is the presence of vegetative-vascular dystonia. This disease is much more common in women than men, and age does not matter. The first symptoms of such an illness will be low body temperature, as well as very frequent dizziness. Vegetative-vascular dystonia worsens when the fair sex begins menstruation. The patient may suffer from chills, which will be accompanied by a phenomenon such as increased sweating in women. At night, this phenomenon can also be observed, and it will especially intensify if a woman sleeps in uncomfortable conditions. Your hands, feet and armpits will sweat the most.

Another cause of excessive sweating is hypotension. This disease most often manifests itself in the morning, immediately after the woman wakes up. In this case, low pressure will be present until the female body adapts to the vertical position. Notice the women who can't get to work until they've had a cup of coffee. This phenomenon indicates low blood pressure. Excessive sweating may indicate that your blood pressure has dropped significantly.

Very often, excessive sweating is a signal that indicates the presence of serious diseases in the body. Therefore, be sure to go to the hospital for a diagnosis. After all, problems with the cardiovascular system can lead to death.

Presence of infections in the body

Increased sweating of the head in women sometimes indicates the presence of infections in the body. This includes the common cold, flu, sinusitis, pneumonia, and any other infectious diseases. The presence of infections in the body leads to inflammatory processes in the body, and this causes increased body temperature. The main symptoms of such diseases are chills, weakness, aching joints, and sometimes increased sweating. Moreover, it is precisely this that is the protective reaction of the human body to the presence of infection in it.

Please note that many infectious diseases can be present in the body in a latent form. A woman will notice a decrease in performance and weakness, but such conditions will be short-lived. Increased sweating will indicate that an infection is hiding in the body. You will notice how your arms, legs, armpits, and also your forehead become damp. If you sweat excessively at night, this may indicate that you have tuberculosis.

Increased sweating in women will be described below) can be observed during poisoning. Moreover, such a process will be completely natural and normal, since toxic substances can also leave the body along with sweat.

Female causes of hyperhidrosis

What to do if sweating is increased? The causes and treatment in women depend on many factors, so the specialist must find an individual approach to each patient.

In fact, very often increased sweating does not indicate the presence of any problems. This phenomenon can begin to bother a woman during hormonal changes, for example, during puberty, or menopause. During such time intervals, the female body goes through a process of adaptation and restructuring, so there is nothing wrong with sweating. Very often, sweating indicates that a girl is pregnant, so be sure to take this fact into account.

Also, a representative of the fair sex may sweat a lot during menstruation. You should consult a doctor only if the problem is very severe and interferes with normal life activities. In this case, the gynecologist may prescribe you to undergo a course of treatment with drugs containing hormones.

Antiperspirant against excessive sweating for women

Ratings of products such as antiperspirants can be found on the Internet, but before you do this, you need to figure out which drug is best for you. An incorrectly selected product will simply clog your pores and lead to the proliferation of a large number of bacteria. This way, not only will you not eliminate excessive sweating, but you will also become tired of dealing with the unpleasant odor.

There is a huge selection of different antiperspirants. Manufacturers produce them in the form of spray, cream, powder, and so on. But the release form is not the most important thing you should pay attention to.

An antiperspirant against excessive sweating for women can have cosmetic and therapeutic effects. Cosmetic antiperspirants will not completely relieve you from excessive sweating. Therefore, they are recommended for use by women whose hypohidrosis is not very noticeable. Such remedies will have a very short-term effect.

But medical antiperspirants have a stronger effect on the body. However, it is recommended to use them only as prescribed by a doctor, so as not to harm the body even more. This remedy cannot be used very often. Do this once every three to four days, or better yet, just once a week. If you use such a product regularly, it can lead to the fact that the sweat glands atrophy completely and stop producing sweat altogether. Let's look at the drugs most often recommended by doctors: Maxim, Orban, Klima, and others.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis

In fact, there is no exact method for how to cure excessive sweating in women, because the causes of this phenomenon can be very diverse. Please note that it is very important to understand the exact cause of this illness, so be sure to consult a doctor in order to eliminate this cause.

Powders containing methenamine and boric acid also have a good effect. Experts recommend that women try Botox injections and laser treatment. However, such procedures have a fairly high price.

conclusions

It is very important to eliminate the causes of such an unpleasant phenomenon as increased sweating in women. Treatment of this disease can begin only after its causes have been identified. Therefore, be sure to consult a specialist and undergo a full examination. After all, such an unpleasant phenomenon may hide more serious problems. For example, you may have a serious infection lurking, or a specialist may discover a serious cardiovascular disease. So take charge of your health today. Start eating right, exercising, getting rid of bad habits, and you will see how your health will improve significantly. Be healthy and take care of yourself, and do not forget that excessive sweating is not a death sentence.

Sweating is an individual characteristic for everyone. It depends on the number and location of sweat glands, the composition of the blood and the human nervous system. The onset of some kind of disease is indicated not by the fact of sweating itself, but by a sharp change in the amount of sweat or its smell.

Sweating is distinguished by several signs.

There is general sweating, when a person sweats throughout the whole body, and local sweating, when only part of the body sweats: legs, palms, armpits.
Also, severe sweating can be congenital or acquired.

These characteristics and accompanying symptoms are the most important arguments in determining the causes of excessive sweating.

You won't be able to stop sweating at all. Sweat is secreted by the human body for several purposes:

cooling the body in hot weather
removing excess fluid from the body
removal of excess minerals and toxins

Violation of any of these functions can lead to serious illnesses, so you need to deal with sweating in moderation. How to understand when profuse sweating still does not exceed the norm? Proper sweating is physiologically justified. It must fulfill its function. The causes of sweating in a healthy person can be: sports, rich food, hot climate, unexpected fear.

In these cases, avoiding synthetic fabrics and properly regulating the temperature in the room will help reduce sweating.

Innate tendency to sweat

If a person sweats a lot during childhood, it is called congenital sweating. In this case, the reason for increased sweating is an increase in the number of sweat glands and their greater responsiveness to stimulation from the nervous system. Such people sweat more often under stress and strong emotions, and sweat very much during physical activity.

Knowing this physiological feature, they need to wear loose-fitting clothes and only made from natural fabrics - this will help them sweat less. You shouldn't overuse antiperspirants at all. This type of deodorant clogs the ducts of the sweat glands and sweat is forced to accumulate in the duct and is partially absorbed back into the skin. You still won’t be able to stop sweating completely, and the accumulation of sweat is an excellent environment for the proliferation of microbes and inflammation.

Hormonal changes

Excessive sweating can occur when the body experiences hormonal changes: during adolescence, pregnancy and menopause.

All these processes force the human body to adapt to new conditions. And if adaptation is complicated by stress, illness or an unhealthy lifestyle, one of the complications may be an increase in the responsiveness of the sweat glands to irritants.

Teenage years

During adolescence, increased sweating is caused by hormonal changes in the body and increased stress levels.

Sensitive teenagers often feel nervous - at the board, during an exam. A characteristic sign of nervous sweating is wet palms. In this case, in order to sweat less, you need to be less nervous. The easiest option is to drink soothing tea with mint and lemon balm, or herbal tablets such as Persen or Novopassit. A much better way to reduce youthful passions is to practice yoga, dancing or any other hobby that calms the child.

Pregnancy

Excessive sweating during pregnancy is caused by a decrease in the production of estrogen and an increase in the amount of progesterone, which provokes a deterioration in metabolism. This way, excess fluid can come out with sweat. To sweat less, you need to avoid synthetic fabrics in clothes and styles that fit your figure. It is also better to avoid hot shoes and shoes with rubber soles for a while.

Climax

With the cessation of menstruation, the amount of estrogen in a woman’s blood drops and the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone increases. These changes lead to "hot flashes" - sudden bouts of heat followed by heavy sweating throughout the body.

This creates especially many problems when it is cold, since a wet body can easily become hypothermic. You can stop sweating only by contacting a gynecologist. He will prescribe the necessary corrective treatment, most often hormone replacement therapy.

Physiological reasons

The most natural cause of increased sweating is high ambient temperature. When it’s hot outside and in the house, a person sweats to cool down. The main thing is to maintain the correct drinking regime - from 2 liters of liquid per adult. It is advisable to drink water, mineral water and fruit drinks with minimal sugar content.

Hypersweating is also natural when playing sports. When muscles work under load, they produce heat and warm the body very much. In cases of sports, getting rid of sweating is a completely bad idea. Just the opposite, if you sweat a lot, you work well. And a shower after a good workout will not leave any traces of the smell of sweat.

Synthetic clothing and shoes are the most common causes of excessive sweating. Shoes with rubber soles and synthetic fabrics do not dissipate heat at all, causing the body to overheat and sweat. If you wear such shoes constantly, fungi will begin to develop in the damp environment of the sneakers, and in addition to the unpleasant odor, there will also be a problem with the feet. To avoid sweating, you need to choose breathable shoes made of leather or suede. And open shoes for the warm season.

When to start worrying

When sick, a person sweats differently than he did all his life before. Depending on the type of illness, sweating may occur constantly or occur only periodically. However, any change in the amount of sweat produced and its smell is a sign that you should pay attention to. It may hint at an endocrinological disorder - such as diabetes mellitus or hyperthyroidism. Or, together with a decrease in the amount of urine excreted, talk about kidney disease.

Endocrinology

Due to the increase in blood sugar caused by diabetes, the fibers of the peripheral nervous system - the same ones that innervate the sweat glands - suffer. As a result, the stimulation of the glands increases and more sweat is released.

Heavy sweating may indicate diabetes mellitus if at the same time a person experiences constant thirst. Also important symptoms are an increase in the frequency of urination at night and poor heat tolerance. If these symptoms appear, you need to make an appointment with a therapist or endocrinologist.

The second endocrine disorder that causes excessive sweating is hyperthyroidism - excessive production of hormones by the thyroid gland.

In addition to body sweating, the patient will be bothered by the following symptoms:

nervous excitability, irritability
enlarged thyroid gland
weight loss
trembling hands
heat intolerance
exophthalmos - protrusion of the eyes

Hyperthyroidism will not go away on its own. All these symptoms are corrected by hormonal therapy, or surgically, as prescribed by an endocrinologist.

Kidney diseases

If a person sweats a lot, you need to pay attention to the amount of urine. A reduction in the volume of urine excreted, the appearance of sediment, foam, and a change in its color are symptoms of kidney disease. They are also characterized by swelling. It starts under the eyes and then goes down.

With kidney disease, their ability to filter blood deteriorates, and fluid is retained in the body. In this case, increased sweating is an attempt by the body to get rid of excess moisture.

If any of the listed symptoms are present, you need to go to a therapist, or better yet, go straight to a nephrologist.

When you need to see a doctor urgently

Sometimes sweating is a symptom of an emergency. If a rush of cold sweat is accompanied by chest pain and fear of death, this may be a myocardial infarction, and you should urgently call an ambulance.

If profuse sweating is accompanied by high temperature, these are symptoms of infectious diseases.

And if there is drooling and abdominal pain - poisoning with organophosphorus chemistry or muscarine.

Infectious diseases

One of the symptoms of infectious diseases can be high temperature, and profuse sweating is associated with it. Of course, in the case of infections, other symptoms will be clearly expressed. But sweating is a striking feature of the five infectious diseases.

Poisoning and drug use

These are aspirin, insulin and pilocarpine. Painkillers such as morphine and promedol also cause sweating.

This is a side effect that is almost ignored when reading the instructions, and then mistakenly perceived as a symptom. If sweating has become completely intolerable, you should consult your doctor about switching to another drug.

Excessive sweating may also be associated with poisoning from organophosphates and fungi.

If there is severe lacrimation, increased salivation, constriction of the pupils, watery diarrhea and abdominal pain, these are symptoms of poisoning, with which you urgently need to call an ambulance.

Treatment and prevention

It is customary to combat excessive sweating using cosmetics and antiperspirants. This is bad because instead of curing sweating, antiperspirants clog the sweat gland duct. Microbes accumulate there and inflammation develops - hidradenitis. It manifests itself in swelling of the sweat glands, most often in the armpits, pain and itching. Hidradenitis is a reason to immediately consult a doctor.
Treatment of sweating, as a rule, consists of treating the causes that caused this symptom.

If hyperhidrosis occurs from birth or due to hormonal changes, then this is part of the normal physiology of the body and cannot be “improved.” All you can do is follow simple rules:

To prevent your feet and body from sweating, wear clothes made from natural fabrics and breathable shoes appropriate for the weather.
To prevent your palms from sweating, be less nervous and drink sedatives.
To prevent your face from sweating, avoid very hot and spicy foods.
Take a contrast shower once a day.
Take care of yourself and avoid drafts

And remember, sweating is not a symptom, but a normal reaction of the body to overheating. Sweating in the heat or during sports, or from excitement is not a shame. This means that the person is healthy and all his systems are working perfectly.

Bibliography

When writing the article, the therapist used the following materials:

Adhikari S. General medical practice according to John Nobel / [S. Adhikari et al.] ; edited by J. Nobel, with the participation of G. Green [et al.]; lane from English edited by E. R. Timofeeva, N. A. Fedorova; ed. trans.: N. G. Ivanova [and others]. - M.: Praktika, 2005
Mikhailova L. I. Encyclopedia of Traditional Medicine [Text] / [ed.-comp. Mikhailova L.I.]. - M: Tsentrpoligraf, 2009. - 366 p. ISBN 978-5-9524-4417-1
Palchun, Vladimir Timofeevich ENT diseases: learning from other people's mistakes: a guide with a reference book of medicines: dozens of case histories, medical errors, pharmaceutical reference book, diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses, ear diseases, pharynx disease, diseases of the larynx and trachea, medical documentation, mordi and vitae anamnesis / B T. Palchun, L. A. Luchikhin. - M: Eksmo, 2009. - 416 p. ISBN 978-5-699-32828-4
Savko Lilia Universal medical reference book. All diseases from A to Z / [L. Savko]. - St. Petersburg: Peter, 2009. - 280 p. ISBN 978-5-49807-121-3
Eliseev Yu. Yu. Complete home medical reference book for the treatment of diseases: [clinical manifestations of diseases, methods of traditional therapy, non-traditional methods of treatment: herbal medicine, apitherapy, acupuncture, homeopathy] / [Yu. Yu. Eliseev and others]. - M: Eksmo, 2007 ISBN 978-5-699-24021-0
Rakovskaya, Lyudmila Alexandrovna Symptoms and diagnosis of diseases [Text]: [detailed description of the most common diseases, causes of occurrence and stages of disease development, necessary examinations and treatment methods] / L. A. Rakovskaya. - Belgorod; Kharkov: Family Leisure Club, 2011. - 237 p. ISBN 978-5-9910-1414-4

Sweat glands have evolved to protect against overheating. At the same time as sweat, excess salts are removed from the body and the water-salt balance is regulated. However, excessive sweating is a problem not only for the person who sweats, but also for those who are nearby.

Causes of excessive sweating

It is necessary to immediately make a reservation that the concept of “increased” sweating is quite individual. For physiological reasons, men sweat more than women.

With uniform overheating, some areas sweat much more, others almost imperceptibly. The largest concentration of sweat glands is located in the armpits, palms and soles. Sweat in the armpits becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which gives a persistent odor to the body and clothes. The situation is even worse in cases where feet sweat a lot: “fragrant” socks need to be changed after a few hours. What does hyperhidrosis – increased sweating – mean?

Problems with hormones

The most noticeable hormonal surges in women are observed during pregnancy and at the end of reproductive age (the onset of menopause). In addition to increased sweating, a jump in the level of female hormones during menopause leads to a feeling of heat in the face, hot flashes, and rapid heartbeat.

During pregnancy, excess sweating is aggravated by excess weight and accelerated metabolic reactions.

However, if, along with hyperhidrosis, other alarming symptoms appear that cannot in any way be considered a variant of the norm:

Numbness of the limbs
Swelling of soft tissues
Pain in the heart area
Headache
High blood pressure
The appearance of an odor of ammonia, protein in the urine,

You should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination to make sure that the disease of the internal organs does not progress due to hormonal changes.

Hyperthyroidism

Problems with the thyroid gland in residents of modern megacities are not uncommon. The “legacy” makes itself felt - the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, environmental pollution, lack of iodine in foods.

A disease in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones is called hyperthyroidism. One of the symptoms indicating thyroid pathology is excessive sweating. If in addition to it there are:

Heart Rate Failure
Tremor of limbs
Dry mouth
Losing weight with normal and increased appetite
Irritability, nervousness,

then it’s time to urgently pay a visit to the endocrinologist - perhaps we are talking not only and not so much about a disease of the thyroid gland, but about a neoplasm in the pituitary gland.

Unnecessary sweetness

Excessive sweating is one of the symptoms of high blood glucose levels. With diabetes, the connection between tissues and sweat glands is disrupted, thermoregulation is disrupted, as a result of which a person constantly sweats, especially at night.

Cold sweat, combined with weakness, headache, dizziness and confusion, is associated with extremely low blood sugar levels.

Heart problems

Many disorders of the heart and blood vessels are accompanied by excessive sweating. People suffering from arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, vascular thrombosis, angina pectoris, and ischemic manifestations know about this problem firsthand and, unfortunately, it is not the worst in this case.

The sweat glands also work intensively when the heart muscle or tissues of the heart sac are inflamed.

Emotions under control!

A person who is able to control the external manifestation of his emotions may not show strong shock, surprise, fear, anxiety, anger through facial expressions, words, and gestures. But the body reacts by releasing adrenal hormones - adrenaline and norepinephrine - into the blood. They cause the heart to beat faster, blood vessels to constrict, and sweat glands to release excess moisture. The palms, forehead, neck, and armpits sweat especially noticeably in stressful situations.

Finally

The causes of hyperhidrosis can be much more prosaic:

Overheating of the body
Excess salt in the body
Clothing that interferes with normal heat transfer
Taking medications that have a diaphoretic (diuretic) effect
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abuse of chocolate, coffee, alcohol, sweet soda, spicy seasonings, foods high in trans fats
Smoking

Deodorants, antiperspirants, cosmetic powders are just one way to hide the consequences of improper functioning of the sweat glands. If the problem is acute and accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, there is a need to visit a doctor and undergo an examination. It is necessary to eliminate the cause, not its manifestations.