Excessive sweating of the whole body. What to do if your whole body constantly and profusely sweats? What is hyperhidrosis?

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Treatment of hyperhidrosis, regardless of its location (generalized or localized) and the mechanism of development (primary or secondary), is carried out using the same methods and drugs, the action of which is aimed at reducing the intensity of the sweat glands.

Heavy sweating - the essence of pathology and the mechanism of development

Heavy sweating refers to the increased production of sweat in situations for which this is not normally typical. For example, if a person sweats at rest or with slight excitement, then we are talking about increased sweating.

Factors that provoke heavy sweating can be absolutely any physical, mental or physiological phenomena. However, the main difference between heavy sweating and normal sweating is the onset of profuse sweating in situations in which this would not normally occur.

The general mechanism for the development of any type of hyperhidrosis, regardless of the nature and strength of the causative factor, is excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the sweat glands. That is, a signal is transmitted through the nerve fibers of the sympathetic department of the peripheral nervous system to the sweat glands, which, as a result of this influence, are activated and begin to work in an enhanced mode. Naturally, if the sympathetic nervous system works too actively, then its influence on the sweat glands is also greater than normal, which leads to increased production of sweat.

However, increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system is just a mechanism of hyperhidrosis. But the exact reasons for the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system are unknown. After all, excessive sweating can develop against the background of complete health, and with certain diseases, and with emotional experiences, and with taking a number of medications, and with a whole series of very interesting factors that, at first glance, have nothing to do with sympathetic nervous system. However, scientists and doctors were only able to establish for sure that with increased sweating, provoking factors lead to one thing - activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which, in turn, enhances the work of the sweat glands.

Since an imbalance in the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is characteristic of vegetative-vascular dystonia, severe sweating is very common with this disorder. However, many people suffering from excessive sweating do not have vegetative-vascular dystonia, so this pathology cannot be considered as the most common and probable cause of sweating.

If severe sweating develops in a person against the background of any diseases, then its development mechanism is exactly the same - that is, excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Unfortunately, the exact mechanism of the influence of somatic, endocrinological and psychological disorders on the sympathetic nervous system is unknown, as a result of which the so-called “trigger” point of sweating has not been established. Since scientists and doctors do not know how exactly the process of active work of the sympathetic nervous system is started, it is currently impossible to regulate the centers of the brain that control the nerve fibers that transmit signals to the sweat glands. Therefore, to treat excessive sweating, only symptomatic remedies that reduce the production of sweat by the glands can be used.

Classification and brief characteristics of various types of severe sweating

Primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis

Secondary hyperhidrosis

In addition to dividing hyperhidrosis into primary and secondary, excessive sweating is also classified into the following three types depending on the volume of skin involved in the pathological process:
1. Generalized hyperhidrosis;
2. Localized (local, local) hyperhidrosis;
3. Gustatory hyperhidrosis.

Generalized hyperhidrosis

Localized hyperhidrosis

• Palms;
• Feet;
• Armpits;
• Area around the lips;
• Face;
• Back;
• Skin of the external genitalia;
• Anal area;
• tip of the nose;
• Chin;
• The scalp.

Usually sweat does not have any odor, but with local hyperhidrosis, bromidrosis (osmidrosis) or chromidrosis may develop. Bromidrosis is a foul-smelling sweat that is usually formed by poor hygiene or by consuming foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, tobacco, etc. If a person consumes products with a strong odor, then the aromatic substances contained in them, released from the human body through sweat, give it an unpleasant aroma. Bromidrosis, if hygiene is not observed, develops due to the fact that bacteria living on the surface of the skin begin to actively decompose protein substances released in sweat, resulting in the formation of foul-smelling compounds of sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, etc. In addition, foul-smelling sweat with hyperhidrosis can occur in people with diabetes mellitus, skin syphilis (syphilitic rashes) and pemphigus, as well as in women suffering from menstrual irregularities.

Chromydrosis represents the coloring of sweat in various colors (orange, black, etc.). A similar phenomenon occurs when any toxic substances and chemical compounds (mainly compounds of cobalt, copper and iron) enter the human body, as well as in the presence of hysterical seizures and systemic diseases.

Gustatory hyperhidrosis

Many doctors and scientists do not distinguish gustatory hyperhidrosis as a separate type of excessive sweating, but include it as part of the localized form of excessive sweating.

Features of local hyperhidrosis of some localizations

Excessive sweating under the arms (axillary hyperhidrosis)

However, isolated secondary excessive sweating in the armpits can be caused by the following diseases:

• Follicular mucinosis;
• Blue nevus;
• Tumors of cavernous structure.

Severe sweating of the head

• Neuropathy in diabetes mellitus;
• Herpes zoster of the face and head;
• Diseases of the central nervous system;
• Damage to the parotid salivary gland;
• Frey's syndrome;
• Skin mucinosis;
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy;
• Blue nevus;
• Cavernous tumor;
• Sympathectomy.

Excessive sweating of the feet (sweating feet, plantar hyperhidrosis)

The problem of excessive sweating of the feet is very relevant, since it causes severe discomfort to a person. After all, when the feet sweat, an unpleasant odor almost always appears; the socks are constantly wet, as a result of which the feet freeze. In addition, the skin on the legs, under the influence of sweat, becomes damp, cold, cyanotic and easily damaged, as a result of which a person is constantly faced with infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Excessive sweating of the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis)

Heavy facial sweating

Features of excessive sweating in various situations

Heavy sweating at night (during sleep)

Night sweats can be idiopathic or secondary. Moreover, if such sweating is secondary, then this indicates a severe systemic infectious or oncological disease. The causes of secondary night sweats can be the following diseases:

• Systemic fungal infection (for example, aspergillosis, systemic candidiasis, etc.);
• Long-term chronic infections of any organs (for example, chronic tonsillitis, etc.);

It should be said that although night sweats can be a symptom severe illness, in most cases, people suffering from this problem do not have any health problems. Typically, idiopathic night sweats are caused by stress and anxiety.

If a person has idiopathic night sweats, then to reduce its severity it is recommended to follow the following rules:

• Make the bed as comfortable as possible and sleep on a hard mattress and pillow;
• Ensure the air temperature in the room in which you plan to sleep is no more than 20 - 22 o C;
• If possible, it is recommended to open the bedroom window at night;
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

Heavy sweating during physical activity

To reduce sweating during exercise, wear loose, open, light clothing that does not cause additional heat to the skin. In addition, the areas of the most pronounced sweating can be treated with a special antiperspirant deodorant containing aluminum 1–2 days before planned physical activity. You should not apply deodorant to large areas of the body, as this blocks the production of sweat and can cause overheating of the body, manifested by weakness and dizziness.

Heavy sweating when sick

So, you should definitely consult a doctor if sweating is combined with any of the following symptoms:

• Significant reduction in body weight without dieting, physical activity, etc.;
• Weakening or increasing appetite;
• Persistent cough lasting more than 21 days in a row;
• Periodic frequent increases in body temperature above 37.5 o C, occurring for several weeks in a row;
• Chest pain, worsened by coughing, breathing and sneezing;
• Spots on the skin;
• Enlargement of one or more lymph nodes;
• Feeling of discomfort and pain in the abdomen, which occurs quite often;
• An attack of sweating is accompanied by palpitations and increased blood pressure.

In diseases of the thyroid gland and other internal secretion organs (endocrine glands), sweating develops quite often. Thus, attacks of generalized excessive sweating can occur with hyperthyroidism (Graves disease, thyroid adenoma, etc.), pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor) and dysfunction of the pituitary gland. However, with these diseases, sweating is not the main symptom, since the person has other, much more serious dysfunctions of the body.

With hypertension, generalized sweating often develops, since during an attack of high blood pressure the activity of the sympathetic nervous system increases.

Heavy sweating during menopause

Thus, at present, to improve the quality of life and alleviate a woman’s condition, there is a wide range of medications that stop such manifestations of the decline of menstrual function as sweating and hot flashes. To choose the best remedy for yourself, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist who can recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or homeopathic medicines (for example, Klimaksan, Remens, Klimadinon, Qi-Klim, etc.).

Heavy sweating after childbirth and during pregnancy

Thus, during pregnancy, some time after childbirth, as well as in the second half of the menstrual cycle, the effects of progesterone prevail, since it is produced much more than estrogen. And progesterone increases the functioning of the sweat glands and their sensitivity to ambient temperature, which, accordingly, leads to increased sweating in women. Accordingly, increased sweating during pregnancy and some time after childbirth is a completely normal phenomenon that should not be feared.

If sweating causes discomfort to a woman, then to reduce it during the entire period of pregnancy, you can use antiperspirant deodorants that are safe for the baby and do not affect its growth and development.

Night sweats - why we sweat at night: menopause (relief of symptoms), tuberculosis (treatment, prevention), lymphoma (diagnosis) - video

Heavy sweating in women and men

Heavy sweating - causes

The situation is completely different with secondary severe sweating, which is always caused by some reason, which is a somatic, endocrine or other disease.

So, the following diseases and conditions may be the causes of secondary severe sweating:
1. Endocrine diseases:

• Thyrotoxicosis (high level of thyroid hormones in the blood) due to Graves' disease, adenoma or other diseases of the thyroid gland;
• Diabetes;
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar);
• Pheochromocytoma;
• Carcinoid syndrome;
• Acromegaly;
• Pancreatic dysfunction (decreased production of enzymes by the pancreas).

• Tuberculosis;
• HIV infection;
• Neurosyphilis;
• Systemic fungal infections (for example, aspergillosis, systemic candidiasis, etc.);
• Herpes zoster.

• Endocarditis;
• Chronic tonsillitis, etc.

• Diencephalic syndrome of newborns;
• Diabetic, alcoholic or other neuropathy;
• Vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• Syringomyelia.

• Hodgkin's disease;
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas;
• Compression of the spinal cord by a tumor or metastases.

• Riley-Day syndrome;

• Fear;
• Pain;
• Anger;
• Anxiety;
• Stress.

• Hypertonic disease;
• Hyperplasia of sweat glands;
• Keratoderma;
• Withdrawal syndrome in alcoholism;
• Opium withdrawal syndrome;
• Damage to the parotid salivary glands;
• Follicular mucinosis of the skin;
• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy;
• Blue nevus;
• Cavernous tumor;
• Mushroom poisoning;
• Poisoning with organophosphorus substances (OPS).

• Aspirin and products containing acetylsalicylic acid;
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Gonadorelin, Nafarelin, Buserelin, Leuprolide);
• Antidepressants (most often Bupropion, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine);
• Insulin;
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (most often Paracetamol, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen);
• Opioid analgesics;
• Pilocarpine;
• Sulfonylurea derivatives (Tolbutamide, Gliquidone, Gliclazide, Glibenclamide, Glipizide, etc.);
• Promedol;
• Emetics (ipecac, etc.);
• Medicines for the treatment of migraine (Sumatriptam, Naratriptan, Rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan);
• Theophylline;
• Physostigmine.

Excessive sweating in a child - causes

Thus, many newborn babies sweat intensely during feeding, when they suck on the breast or milk from a bottle. Children during the first 3 years of life sweat very much during their sleep, regardless of whether they sleep during the day or at night. Increased sweating accompanies them during both night and daytime sleep. Scientists and doctors consider children to sweat during meals and sleep as a normal phenomenon, which reflects the baby’s body’s ability to remove excess heat to the outside and prevent overheating.

Remember that a child is adapted by nature to tolerate relatively low temperatures, and the optimal ambient temperature for him is 18 - 22 o C. At this temperature, a child can calmly walk in a T-shirt and not freeze, although almost any adult in the same clothes will be uncomfortable . Considering the fact that parents try to dress their children warmly, focusing on their own feelings, they constantly expose them to the danger of overheating. The child compensates for too warm clothes by sweating. And when heat production in the body increases even more (sleep and food), the child begins to sweat intensely in order to “shed” the excess.

There is a widespread belief among parents that excessive sweating of a child in the first 3 years of life is a sign of rickets. However, this opinion is completely untrue, since there is no connection between rickets and sweating.

In addition to these physiological causes of increased sweating in children, there are a number of factors that can cause hyperhidrosis in children. These factors represent diseases of the internal organs, which always manifest themselves with other, more noticeable and important symptoms, by the presence of which parents can understand that the child is sick.

Excessive sweating in children: causes, symptoms, treatment. Hyperhidrosis during pregnancy - video

Heavy sweating - what to do (treatment)

So, currently the following methods are used to treat severe sweating:
1. External application of antiperspirants (deodorants, gels, ointments, wipes) to the skin to reduce sweat production;
2. Ingestion of tablets that reduce sweat production;
3. Iontophoresis;
4. Injections of botulinum toxin (Botox) in areas with excessive sweating;
5. Surgical methods for treating sweating:

• Curettage of sweat glands in areas of excessive sweating (destruction and removal of sweat glands through an incision in the skin);
• Sympathectomy (cutting or compressing the nerve going to the glands in the area of ​​excessive sweating);
• Laser lipolysis (laser destruction of sweat glands).

Thus, the modern algorithm for using methods for treating hyperhidrosis is as follows:
1. External use of any antiperspirant on areas of skin with excessive sweating;
2. Iontophoresis;
3. Botulinum toxin injections;
4. Taking pills that reduce hyperhidrosis;
5. Surgical methods for removing sweat glands.

Antiperspirants are a variety of products applied to the skin, such as deodorants, sprays, gels, wipes, etc. These products contain aluminum salts, which literally clog the sweat glands, blocking the production of sweat and thereby reducing sweating. Antiperspirants containing aluminum can be used for a long time, achieving optimal levels of perspiration. Previously, drugs containing formaldehyde (Formidron) or methenamine were used as antiperspirants. However, at present their use is limited due to toxicity and relatively low efficiency compared to products with aluminum salts.

When choosing an antiperspirant, you need to pay attention to the aluminum concentration, since the higher it is, the stronger the activity of the product. You should not choose products with maximum concentration, as this can cause severe skin irritation. It is recommended to start using antiperspirants with a minimum concentration (6.5%, 10%, 12%) and only if they are ineffective, use a product with a higher aluminum content. The final choice should be made with a product with the lowest possible concentration that effectively stops sweating.

Antiperspirants are applied to the skin for 6–10 hours, preferably at night, and then washed off. The next application is made after 1 - 3 days, depending on how much the effect of the product is sufficient for that particular person.

If antiperspirants are ineffective in reducing sweating, an iontophoresis procedure is performed, which is a type of electrophoresis. With iontophoresis, using an electric field, drugs and salts penetrate deep into the skin, which reduce the activity of the sweat glands. To reduce sweating, iontophoresis sessions are performed with plain water, botulinum toxin or glycopyrrolate. Iontophoresis can stop sweating in 80% of cases.

If iontophoresis is ineffective, then to stop sweating, botulinum toxin is injected into the problem parts of the skin. These injections eliminate the problem of sweating in 80% of cases, and their effect lasts from six months to one and a half years.

Tablets that reduce sweating are taken only in cases where antiperspirants, iontophoresis and botulinum toxin injections are ineffective. These tablets include products containing glycopyrrolate, oxybutynin and clonidine. Taking these tablets is associated with numerous side effects (for example, difficulty urinating, sensitivity to light, palpitations, dry mouth, etc.), so they are used very rarely. Typically, people take anti-sweating pills before important meetings or events when they need to eliminate the problem reliably, effectively and for a relatively short period of time.

Finally, if conservative methods of stopping sweating do not help, you can use surgical treatment methods that involve the destruction and removal of sweat glands or cutting the nerves leading to the problem area of ​​​​the skin.

Curettage involves scraping out the sweat glands directly from the problem area of ​​skin with a small spoon. The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia and eliminates sweating in 70% of cases. In other cases, repeated curettage is required to remove some more glands.

Laser lipolysis is the destruction of sweat glands with a laser. In essence, this manipulation is similar to curettage, but is more gentle and safe, since it allows minimizing skin trauma. Unfortunately, at present, laser lipolysis to reduce sweating is performed only in certain clinics.

A sympathectomy involves cutting or clamping the nerve leading to the sweat glands located in a problem area of ​​skin with severe sweating. The operation is simple and highly effective. However, unfortunately, sometimes, as a complication of the operation, a person experiences excessive sweating in the adjacent area of ​​skin.

What is increased sweating, forms (primary, secondary) and degrees of hyperhidrosis, treatment methods, doctor’s recommendations - video

Deodorant (remedy) for heavy 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);
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Under hyperehidrosis

General information

Under hyperehidrosis(from the Greek “hyper” - excessive, increased, “hidros” - sweat) in medical practice it is customary to understand profuse sweating that occurs regardless of physical factors: increased physical activity, overheating, high ambient temperature or others. Sweating is a physiological process of secretion of watery secretion (sweat) by the sweat glands, which constantly occurs in the human body. The process of sweating protects the body from hyperthermia (overheating) and helps maintain its homeostasis (constancy): evaporating from the skin, sweat thereby cools the surface of the body and lowers its temperature.

In the body of a healthy person, sweating increases when the ambient temperature rises to 20-25°C, as well as during physical or psycho-emotional stress. When the ambient temperature rises to 36°C and above, the body is thermoregulated with the help of sweating; overheating is not allowed. Increased heat transfer and cooling of the body are facilitated by low relative humidity and active physical movement.

On the contrary, in a humid environment with still air, the process of sweat evaporation does not occur, so a long stay in a hot bath or steam room is not recommended. Excessive fluid intake sharply increases sweating, therefore, during intense physical activity or in a room with high air temperatures, you should not drink a lot of water. As a result of psycho-emotional arousal, skin receptors react by stimulating the secretion of sweat. Therefore, increased sweating occurs if a person experiences strong emotions, such as excitement, fear or pain.

Therefore, the main postulate in the fight against hyperhidrosis should be careful adherence to the rules of personal hygiene: you should take a shower daily (and sometimes more than once!), take warm baths for the palms and feet (preferably with an infusion of chamomile or oak bark), and do rubdowns. To eliminate the smell of sweat, it is recommended to use deodorants. It is not recommended to wear clothes, especially underwear and socks, made from synthetic fabrics, as they are not airtight. You should change your underwear, socks, and tights as often as possible. Shoes should be comfortable, light, with special insoles, and open in the summer. It is necessary to limit, and if possible completely exclude from the diet, too hot, spicy foods, alcohol, nicotine, coffee. Foods such as onions, garlic, and spices increase the unpleasant odor of sweat.

If hyperhidrosis is not a symptom accompanying the underlying disease, then the following types of conservative treatment are widely used in medical practice for its treatment:

• psychotherapeutic methods
• drug therapy
• antiperspirants
• physiotherapeutic methods

Psychotherapeutic methods of treating hyperhidrosis, in particular hypnosis, are aimed at eliminating the patient's psychological problems. The ability to keep their emotions and fears under control helps some people cope with the problem of hyperhidrosis.

For drug therapy of hyperhidrosis, different groups of drugs are used depending on the severity of the disease and contraindications. Belladonna (belladonna) preparations containing atropine act on the sympathetic nervous system, reducing its excitability and reducing the secretion of sweat glands.

Sedative medications (valerian, motherwort, herbal sedatives, etc.) and tranquilizers are indicated for people with a labile, unstable nervous system. By reducing the excitability of the nervous system, they help cope with everyday stress as a factor in the occurrence of hyperhidrosis. The selection of the correct drug and its dosage should be carried out by a doctor.

Modern methods of treating hyperhidrosis include Botox injections. The pharmacological effect of this treatment method is based on long-term (up to six months or more) blocking of the nerve endings that innervate the sweat glands and a significant reduction in sweating.

Antiperspirants have a local effect and, due to their chemical composition, which includes zinc and aluminum salts, formaldehyde, salicylic acid, triclosan, and ethyl alcohol, prevent sweating. By causing a narrowing or even complete blockage of the excretory ducts of the sweat glands, drugs in this group block the excretion of sweat. Side effects from their use include allergic reactions, dermatitis, and even severe swelling at the sites of application.

Among the physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, hydrotherapy (pine-salt therapeutic baths, contrast showers) is widely used, which has a restorative effect on the nervous system. Electrosleep, a therapeutic method of influencing the brain with low-frequency pulsed current, also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. The therapeutic effect of electrosleep is based on a sedative effect, enhancing inhibition processes, and improving the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

Often the problem of hyperhidrosis or erythrophobia is far-fetched by a person and is his psychological problem. In this case, you should consult a psychotherapist for treatment and correction. The disadvantage of conservative treatment of hyperhidrosis is the short-term effect, which requires regular treatment procedures: the effect of antiperspirants lasts up to 6 hours, the effect of Botox injections lasts up to 6 months.

Currently, the following are successfully used in the surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis:

The use of the listed methods of surgical treatment is the safest, gives a lasting positive result, and does not cause fear of side effects. They are low-traumatic and do not cause cosmetic defects, because The procedure is carried out through small punctures measuring only 10 mm. The technique of local surgical methods involves reducing the number of sweat glands, leading to a decrease in sweating. In 90% of cases, the problem of hyperhidrosis and unpleasant odor of sweat is completely eliminated.

Surgical methods for treating hyperhidrosis:

Curettage. The operation involves destruction of nerve endings and subsequent removal of sweat glands at the site of increased sweating. To more accurately determine the zone of hyperhidrosis, an iodine-starch test (Minor test) is performed before the procedure. Surgical procedures are performed under local anesthesia. A 10-millimeter puncture is made (for severe hyperhidrosis - 2 punctures), resulting in skin peeling. Then “scraping” is carried out from the inside.

Curettage is most often used for hyperhidrosis of the axillary zone. Increased sweating and unpleasant odor are eliminated. As complications, it may be accompanied by slight bleeding and hematoma, which are easily removable and safe. After several years, during which the positive effect persists, the nerve endings can be restored, and hyperhidrosis may recur.

Liposuction is indicated for overweight people. The process of sweating in the body is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, part of which is the sympathetic nervous system. During the operation, the nerves of the sympathetic trunk are destroyed and thus the action of the nerve impulse that causes sweating is suppressed. During surgical procedures, a Minor test is performed to determine the zone of hyperhidrosis, a puncture is made, a small tube is inserted into it, through which the nerve endings of the sympathetic trunk are destroyed and axillary tissue is removed. Both the course of the operation and possible side effects are similar to curettage. There is a slight decrease in skin sensitivity at the site of exposure, hemorrhage, and hematomas. If a subcutaneous accumulation of fluid forms, it is removed using a puncture.

Excision gives excellent results in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. However, after the procedure, a small scar (about 3 cm) remains at the site of treatment, causing some stiffness in movement. The operation, as in previous methods, is preceded by the determination of the zone of hyperhidrosis using the Minor test and its further complete excision. Despite all the ambiguity, the high efficiency rate of this method causes increased interest in it.

All of the above methods of local surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis show high efficiency and safety.

Hyperhidrosis is a disease that, like any other, reduces the quality of life and causes physical and psychological discomfort. To cure a disease and relieve its symptoms, and therefore improve a person’s well-being and emotional background, is a completely possible task with the modern level of development of medicine.

Hyperhidrosis can be local (local), in which there is increased sweating in certain parts of the body (armpits, palms and feet), and general.

Treatment of hyperhidrosis should begin with conservative methods. You should consult a psychologist, keep your body clean, and use antiperspirants. In some cases, with a slight increase in sweating, the use of iontophoresis and Botox injections are very effective. In the absence of contraindications, it is possible to use local surgical treatment methods to reduce sweating and get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat. Curettage, liposuction and excision of the skin of the axillary zone in most cases give a lasting positive treatment result and do not cause serious side effects.

In the event that these methods do not give the expected result, they resort to treating hyperhidrosis using sympathectomy - a surgical intervention called the central method.

Sympathectomy has been used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis since 1946, and its technique is quite well established. This low-traumatic procedure guarantees a positive treatment result that lasts for a long time. However, sympathectomy should be resorted to only in cases of extreme necessity in severe forms of hyperhidrosis that cannot be treated by other known methods. Exposure to the body using this method is fraught with such unpleasant consequences as dry skin of the face and palms. Subsequently, the skin condition returns to normal. A serious warning to performing sympathectomy is the threat of developing compensatory hyperhidrosis, which cannot be predicted or influenced by any treatment methods.

There are several types of sympathectomy:

• thoracic and cervical sympathectomy (routine operations);
• destruction or clipping of the sympathetic trunk (endoscopic sympathectomy);
• chemical blockade or electrical destruction of the sympathetic trunk (percutaneous intervention).

Surgery in all of these cases is performed under general anesthesia. The purpose of the operation is to disrupt the functioning of the sympathetic trunk by completely or partially destroying it. Traditional sympathectomy, performed through an incision in the neck or chest, has now given way to a more gentle and aesthetic endoscopic method. Endoscopic sympathectomy is carried out in one of the following ways: either by destroying the sympathetic trunk with high-frequency current, or by applying a special clip to it. Both methods are highly effective, with irreversible positive results in eliminating hyperhidrosis.

There is a risk of bleeding, increased sweating on the face after eating spicy or hot food, drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil (Horner's syndrome). It is currently not possible to eliminate compensatory hyperhidrosis after destruction of the sympathetic trunk. Compensatory hyperhidrosis in a pronounced form occurs only in 2% of patients who have undergone sympathectomy, and the prognosis for eliminating this side effect when applying a clip is more comforting.

It should be noted that 95% of people who have resorted to sympathectomy do not experience any troubles and are satisfied with the results of the treatment of hyperhidrosis. They overcame their illness and began a new, full life.

In the photo on the right: a patient with primary hyperhidrosis at rest at room temperature. Above - Minor's iodine-starch test on the back of the palms - colors from light orange to purple. Below - the test is repeated with the same patient under the same conditions 2 months after successful endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.

Complications of sympathectomy - compensatory hyperhidrosis

The operation of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (abbreviated ETS) in the vast majority of cases - 95-98% - gives a lasting long-term effect, however, according to statistics, in every tenth patient it is complicated by the so-called compensatory hyperhidrosis.

The human body is designed in such a way that it constantly tries to replenish lost function with the help of various compensatory mechanisms. Compensatory hyperhidrosis is the body’s response to a sudden cessation of its usual sweating function in certain areas of the body. Its manifestations are an increase in the intensity of sweating in other parts of the body that were not previously affected by hyperhidrosis. For example, after a sympathectomy of the armpits or palms, the chest or back often begins to sweat, and with a sympathectomy of the feet, the lower torso and thighs often begin to sweat.

The manifestation of compensatory hyperhidrosis cannot be calculated in advance, but the surgeon is obliged to warn the patient who has decided to undergo this operation about the likelihood of this side effect of sympathectomy. If sympathectomy was carried out by clipping the sympathetic trunk, then compensatory hyperhidrosis can still be overcome by repeated surgical intervention (removal of the clip and restoration of the intercostal nerve), whereas after electrical destruction, which implies complete destruction of the sympathetic nerve trunk, correction of compensatory hyperhidrosis is no longer possible. Unfortunately, it is impossible to calculate in advance the likelihood of compensatory hyperhidrosis occurring after radical sympathectomy, but modern medicine is working to find methods for predicting this complication.

Manifestations of compensatory hyperhidrosis due to sympathectomy usually occur in the first months after surgery. Over time, its manifestations may decrease significantly. A constant level of sweating is established within a year after the operation and practically does not change.

Compensatory hyperhidrosis is especially pronounced with increased physical activity, visiting a swimming pool, bathhouse or sauna, or being in a humid, hot environment. Moreover, under normal conditions, sweating can be within the physiological norm. Excessive sweating can be regulated by limiting the consumption of coffee and spices, as well as by air conditioning the room.

Since sympathectomy is a radical surgical treatment method, and like any surgical intervention is fraught with a lot of complications, it should be resorted to only in extreme cases, after all the undertaken methods of conservative treatment have shown their ineffectiveness.

Compensatory hyperhidrosis can be mild or severe, with profuse sweating in other areas of the body.

Compensatory hyperhidrosis can also occur with other surgical techniques, such as liposuction or curettage, also aimed at excision or blocking of sweat glands. However, as a result of these manipulations, its manifestation will not be so pronounced.

It is important for both the patient and the doctor to understand that radical surgical sympathectomy is the operation of choice and does not guarantee a 100% result. First of all, weigh everything “pro et contra” and decide what is least painful for you: living with ordinary hyperhidrosis or struggling with the irreversible consequences of compensatory hyperhidrosis all your life.

The latest methods for treating hyperhidrosis

The newest word in cosmetology is the method of treating hyperhidrosis using laser. Laser technology SmartLipo, familiar to some women and successfully used in the treatment of cellulite, has also found application in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Experts in the field of cosmetology have expanded the range of indications for laser treatment to include hyperhidrosis. The effect of thermal laser energy on the cells of the sweat gland leads to its complete blocking and cessation of function. The result is a complete cure for hyperhidrosis, which does not require additional interventions.

The manipulation is carried out on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia: a cannula with a laser beam at the end is inserted into the skin through a micropuncture and acts on the gland cells. The procedure is less traumatic due to superficial intervention, takes 20-30 minutes, does not require special preparation and subsequent stay in the clinic.

The risk of complications after laser treatment is practically absent: tissue hyperthermia does not occur, hematomas do not occur at the puncture site, in addition, laser radiation has an additional bactericidal effect on the intervention area.

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits is treated with a neodymium laser, which destroys up to 70% of the sweat glands. In just 1 session, axillary hyperhidrosis is completely cured. As a result of the procedure, the sweat gland is removed once and for all. Treatment of hyperhidrosis using laser technology today is the latest method and has not yet become widespread due to its high cost and insufficient number of trained specialists.

What is hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)– a serious pathology in which constantly sweaty feet, palms, increased sweating of the armpits, severe redness of the face during stress. Approximately 1% of the population suffers from excessive sweating.

Deodorants and other cosmetics are ineffective to eliminate excessive sweating and unpleasant odor. Excessive sweating reduces the quality of life: difficulties arise when communicating with other people, shaking hands, and especially many problems arise in intimate life.

The reasons for the increased function of the sweat glands are not known, but perhaps they lie in a local disorder of the nervous regulation of sweating. Idiopathic hyperhidrosis is characterized by increased sweating in one or more areas of the body, most often the armpits, palms and soles. Pathology occurs for reasons that are still unclear and is more common in women.

Causes of excessive sweating

Some scientists explain increased sweating by a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the activity of the sweat glands, as well as, accompanying these disorders, by an increase in the concentration of stress hormones in the blood - adrenaline and norepinephrine. The theory is confirmed by the fact that hyperhidrosis often accompanies mental disorders such as neuroses or depression.

According to some reports, this condition is associated with hereditary characteristics and an increase in the number of merocrine sweat glands, according to others - with their increased sensitivity to common irritants. As a result, at the slightest excitement, tension, or fear, the sweat glands begin to produce sweat in an amount 10 times higher than normal sweating.

Food-related hyperhidrosis most often occurs after eating a certain type of food, such as pepper, garlic, chocolate, coffee or any hot food. Increased sweating in the forehead and above the upper lip appears a few minutes after the start of the meal and disappears within 1 hour after finishing it.

Increased sweating with hyperthyroidism

Increased sweating in hyperthyroidism is always general, caused by increased tissue metabolism and is a compensatory condition necessary for the body to prevent an increase in body temperature. Along with excessive sweating, the patient is concerned about:

• increased heart rate;
• high blood pressure;
• general weight loss;
• weakness;
• increased appetite;
• emotional instability;
• nervousness;
• slight trembling of the limbs;
• menstrual irregularities.

The skin of the entire body is moist and, despite increased sweating, hot. As a rule, the higher the level of thyroid hormones in the patient's blood, the more severe the sweating.

Sweating in diabetes

Generalized sweating in diabetes mellitus is associated with damage to the peripheral nervous system characteristic of the disease and increased heat production caused by increased metabolism. Often, along with heat intolerance and general sweating, patients experience especially pronounced sweating in the upper body, in the head and neck area.

Increased sweating, combined with trembling and lightheadedness, in patients with diabetes may be associated with a sharp drop in blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) that accompanies an overdose of insulin. Hypoglycemia can also develop in completely healthy people in a state of hunger, with ethyl alcohol intoxication (drinking alcohol), or taking salicylates (aspirin).

Hyperhidrosis in menopausal syndrome

Hyperhidrosis in menopausal syndrome is one of the most characteristic manifestations of the disease and is combined with sensations of heat in the upper half of the body and face - hot flashes.

The causes of increased sweating, as well as other disorders that accompany menopause, lie in the aging of the hypothalamic structures that control the functioning of the endocrine glands and the release of biologically active substances (bradykinin and histamine) into the bloodstream, causing a sharp dilation of skin vessels, and therefore increased sweating.

Increased sweating with tumors

Increased sweating in malignant tumors occurs as a result of the production of biologically active substances by cancer cells that have a vasodilating effect.

Interestingly, the location of the tumor can often be judged by skin manifestations. Thus, ileal cancer is accompanied by increased sweating in the face and neck, lasting only a few minutes, and malignant bronchial tumors are accompanied by hot flashes that can last for days.

Excessive sweating associated with stomach tumors may be accompanied by blistering of the skin, especially on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Hyperhidrosis in carcinoid syndrome is always combined with other manifestations of tumors.

Excessive sweating may be a symptom of the following diseases:

Treatment of excessive sweating

To solve the problem, modern aesthetic medicine offers a well-proven method - the use of drugs based on botulinum neurotoxin type A. We are talking about Lantox or Dysport. The fact is that each muscle gland has a muscle fiber attached to it. When it contracts, sweat is released.

Often during a stressful or nervous situation, the sweat gland receives a false signal and produces too much sweat. Dysport and Lantox injections block signals from nerve endings to muscles, preventing the production of sweat. Before the procedure, it is necessary to conduct a special test - the so-called Minor test - to determine the area of ​​sweating and the degree of severity. Then the doctor begins to treat all sweating areas.

The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes: first, a special cooling cream is applied to the skin in the injection area, and then the doctor carefully injects small doses of the drug into areas of increased sweating. The number of injections is calculated individually. After the procedure, excessive sweat production is blocked for 2–3 days and is restored only after 6–12 months, after which the injections can be repeated.

Thermoregulation is not disturbed; on the contrary, the condition of the skin improves, as its level of hydration is normalized. With the help of injections, you can quickly, effectively and permanently improve the quality of your life, getting rid of eternally wet feet, wet palms and armpits. In just 10-15 minutes you can return to your normal lifestyle and enjoy freedom from the unpleasant odor of sweat!

Which doctors should I contact if I have excessive sweating?

Medicines for excessive sweating

Sweaty feet

As a rule, sweating and foot odor can be dealt with by following general hygiene rules and using various sprays and powders. However, for some people, sweaty feet are a chronic problem.

Why do my feet sweat?

The cause of sweaty feet is the work of the sweat glands on the feet. Excessive sweating causes intensive proliferation of bacteria, which in the process of vital activity decompose tissue particles on the surface of the skin, which leads to the formation of organic gases and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Sweaty feet become more intense when:

• high temperature;
• physical activity;
• excitement or other emotions.

If you experience excessive sweating, you should consult a doctor, as there are many reasons for this condition. Sweating can occur when eating salty foods, overactive thyroid gland, diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular or nervous system.

How to get rid of sweaty feet

To get rid of sweaty feet and the resulting unpleasant odor, it is necessary to reduce sweating and the growth of bacteria on the feet. To do this, you should carefully follow the rules of hygiene: keeping your feet dry will help changing socks several times a day, A washing feet with antibacterial soap will prevent the growth of bacteria.

In addition, you can use powders that absorb odor. Can be effective use of drisol - aluminum chloride solution. If you apply Drisol to your feet before bed, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and reduces sweating. However, using this drug may cause skin irritation.

The essence of another method is to use iontophoresis- penetration of an ionized substance through intact skin under the influence of direct current. With iontophoresis, the skin loses its ability to produce sweat. Success from using iontophoresis is possible after training, so the possibility of using iontophoresis should be discussed with your doctor.

In addition, there are other types of therapy: the use of atropine-like substances, the use of antibiotics and glutaraldehydes, but these can cause unwanted side effects.

Treatment of sweaty feet with folk remedies

Questions and answers on the topic "Excessive sweating"

Question:Hello, my name is Sergey, I'm 22 years old. For the last five years I have been suffering from generalized hyperhidrosis. Not only armpits and palms sweat, but also many other parts of the body. Very interesting, how much does endoscopic sympathectomy cost?

Answer: In generalized hyperhidrosis, endoscopic sympathectomy is contraindicated due to the risk of developing very severe compensatory hyperhidrosis.

Question:Is it possible to treat hyperhidrosis at home?

Answer: At home, treatment can be carried out using iontophoresis and the use of aluminum chlorides. In principle, there is a practice of performing Botox injections at home, which is not entirely correct from a medical point of view. If you were thinking about home remedies, then I have to disappoint you. There are no effective home remedies for treating hyperhidrosis.

Question:Hello! Please tell me, can there be local hyperhidrosis from birth? My baby's feet and palms are sweating and they are cold. The neurologist diagnosed him with vegetative-vascular dystonia and prescribed him to drink Cavinton. I'm afraid to give him this medicine. The boy is 6 months old. I developed hyperhidrosis when I was 9-10 years old and still have it. Your palms and feet also sweat. I'm afraid it was passed on from me. In general, the child is healthy, born without pathologies. Maybe there are still signs of this dystonia, I didn’t want to give him extra medications. After all, I know that hyperhidrosis cannot be cured. Help me figure out whether the child has dystonia or hereditary hyperhidrosis. Thank you in advance.

Answer: At 6 months, this may still be a reflection of the immaturity of the autonomic nervous system. It seems to me that special treatment is not worth it. If hyperhidrosis is transmitted (and this happens in half of the cases), then it will still not be possible to cure it with Cavinton.

Question:Hello! I'm 20, about a year and a half ago I started having problems with sweating, wet armpits, palms and legs! I went through all the doctors, blood tests, hormones, heart, etc. But the doctors just smiled and said that I was doing nonsense. Although this problem is killing my whole life. During the day I sweat, and around 12 at night I become dry and the sweat disappears, it’s gone! I feel human! Then I go to bed and wake up and my armpits, palms, legs are wet again, and so on all day. I quit smoking and it became less. But sweat does not obey laws. Sometimes it pours like a bucket, and sometimes it’s gone for 5 minutes. Then again. Dry at night. What could it be?

Answer: If sweating is limited to the armpits, palms, feet, is absent at night, increases with excitement, decreases with alcohol intake, then obviously you are in the 3% of the population suffering from local primary idylopathic (without an obvious cause) hyperhidrosis.

Question:Good afternoon. About six months ago I began to sweat a lot, especially my palms, armpits and feet. He was examined several times for infections, immune status, and the condition of internal organs - in general, everything is normal. Nowadays, excessive sweating causes great discomfort at work - the constant sweating of the palms is especially disturbing. How can you get rid of this disease or at least reduce sweating of your palms? I read that drugs like Maxim are quite effective, but are they suitable for me and what are their main side effects? Thank you!

Answer: You didn't indicate your age. This has some implications for defining the problem. Maxim will not help with the palms. It makes sense to try iontophoresis or Botox. If hyperhidrosis is particularly persistent, a sympathectomy can be considered, but this is a last resort and in any case only after a detailed discussion.

Question:I got sick with the flu, treated myself for a week - it didn’t help. I went to the doctor. They injected me with antibiotics, intravenous calcium, inhalation, etc. (it turned out to be tracheitis). I thought I had recovered, but increased sweating appeared after the illness. Tell me what to do? Thanks in advance!

Answer: Please clarify, is sweating general (the whole body sweats) or local (only the palms, armpits, etc. sweat)? When is sweating more pronounced: at night or during the day? There are several main reasons for increased sweating, including during recovery from a serious illness, after treatment with antibiotics, and increased sweating may also indicate disorders of the nervous system, etc. We recommend that you consult a therapist or neurologist.

Question:My 35 year old husband and 5 year old son sweat a lot after falling asleep for 2 hours (approximately). Is this related to some kind of disease or is it just a feature of the vegetative-vascular system (passed on to my son from my husband)?

Answer: Most likely, increased sweating is associated with the peculiarities of the autonomic system of your husband and child, but you need to check whether the sweating is accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

Question:Hello. I am 16 years old. I have excessive sweating in my legs, armpits, and face. My feet are sweating a lot. This greatly spoils shoes and air. Every day before school I wash my feet and apply Teimur paste, wash my shoes, and change my insoles. It's all useless. It's definitely not about shoes and lack of cleanliness. My armpits are still sweating a lot. Every day after coming home from school, large white spots remain on my jacket in the armpits. I still have a constantly oily face, especially my nose, it’s already shiny! I wash it every morning, within 2 minutes after washing it’s all greasy again, you’d think a person hasn’t washed for a month. Please tell me how this problem can be solved or mitigated? Thank you in advance.

Answer: Hello, the reason for excessive sweating and oily skin is the increased function of the sweat and sebaceous glands of the skin (which in turn may be associated with some hormonal changes occurring in your body). It is likely that the symptoms you have indicated are temporary and will soon subside. We strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist who will determine the exact cause of the disorder and prescribe treatment.

Question:Hello. My sweating suddenly and severely increased. Please tell me how to get rid of this quickly and what could be the reason for this? I’m not overweight, but I recently started running.

Answer: To combat hyperhidrosis, you should use antiperspirants and try to wear lighter clothing to avoid overheating. In which parts of your body do you sweat excessively?

Question:I am 23 years old, I have been suffering from the problem of sweating for a long time when I walk, do something and just sit. I recently noticed that my body is constantly hot, I examined the functioning of the thyroid gland, everything is normal, but I often have a rapid heartbeat. Can the work of the heart affect the occurrence of my problems? Thanks for the answer!

Answer: The work of the heart does not affect sweating, however, profuse sweating and rapid pulse together can be a manifestation of vegetative-vascular dystonia. Have you tried using antiperspirants?

Question:My daughter is 4 years old, 2 days ago she started coughing, the cough is not strong, dry, mainly at night; there is no fever, no runny nose, but these 2 days she has been sweating a lot, her skin is constantly moist and cool, her body temperature is exactly 36, she has no complaints, what could this mean?

Answer: Judging by the description, it can be assumed that the child has a mild ARVI. If the child’s condition does not improve over the next 3-4 days, be sure to show him to the doctor. There is no need to carry out any treatment before contacting a doctor. Just make sure your child drinks more.

Question:Lately my feet have started to sweat a lot, which is accompanied by a strong unpleasant odor, no matter what shoes I’m wearing. The skin of the feet is clean. What is it and how to treat it? Thank you!

Answer: It is possible that you have a fungal disease of the skin of the feet. See a dermatologist.

It is believed that sweating outside of a treadmill or, say, a gym is indecent. Allegedly, moisture indicates a lack of proper hygiene. Don't support this nonsense!

Sweating is healthy (almost always), no matter which syllable you stress on in the word “healthy.” Another question is that sweating is a multifaceted phenomenon, which has both obvious advantages and disadvantages. And all these mathematical signs are worth taking into account. Start over.

Where does sweat come from?

Sweating is primarily a physiological mechanism Mechanisms and controllers of eccrine sweating in humans. About the same as the one that makes your eyes blink hard and water if dust gets into them; skin - respond to ultraviolet radiation by developing a tan; the stomach produces acid when food enters it...

Sweat is part of the thermoregulation system. It is released when the corresponding parts of the brain (the so-called thermoregulation center) detect an increase in body temperature or environmental temperature.

At such moments, the autonomic nervous system gives a signal: “It seems like we’re burning!” The sweat glands receive a nerve impulse that causes their ducts to contract intensively, absorbing moisture from the surrounding tissues and throwing it out. This is how sweat forms on the surface of the skin. Then it evaporates. And this process reduces the temperature of the skin, and with it, thanks to the blood flow, the body as a whole.

From 2 to 4 million sweat glands are unevenly distributed over the surface of our body. Their concentration is higher under the arms, in the groin folds, on the palms, soles and face.

Everyone needs to sweat. Insufficient sweating (anhidrosis), when for one reason or another the sweat glands bring too little moisture to the surface of the skin, can be fraught with overheating and.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is not terrible from a physiological point of view, but it brings serious psychological discomfort. Which is especially unpleasant if the excess sweat also smells.

Why do people sweat even when it's not hot?

Increased sweating in the heat or during physical activity is, in general, predictable and understandable. Thus, by urgently reducing the temperature by evaporating moisture from the skin, the body reacts to overheating. However, there are conditions in which there is no increase in temperature, but there is excessive sweating. Such sweat, which appears without overheating, is called cold sweat.

The reasons why we break into a sweat without overheating can be quite varied. Here are some common options.

1. Strong emotions or stress

Lifehacker already talks about the unconscious defensive reaction “fight or flight”. Our brain interprets strong emotions and experiences as a signal of approaching danger and mobilizes the body: what if we have to fight with someone or flee?

Even if you have no intention of fighting with your boss or running away from the planning meeting, your body is still preparing for increased activity. Preventive sweating is one of the elements of this preparation. What if you tear at the enemy too quickly and instantly overheat? “Well, nooo,” says the sympathetic nervous system and starts the thermoregulation procedure in advance, rewarding the seemingly absolutely calm you with wet palms and a sweaty back.

2. Eating spicy foods

The work of the sweat glands sharply increases when eating dishes rich in spices (mustard, horseradish, red and black pepper, curry, onions, garlic, coriander, ...). Alcohol also often makes us sweat. This type of sweating is called food sweating Sweating (Normal Amounts): Causes, Adjustments, and Complications.

3. Some diseases

Sweating often accompanies illnesses associated with fever. For example, acute respiratory infections, flu, sore throat, all kinds of infections. Sudden cold sweat may be a side effect, including:

1. Hypoglycemia (sharp decrease in blood sugar levels).
2. Taking synthetic thyroid hormones.
3. Taking certain types of painkillers, including morphine.
4. All kinds of pain syndromes.
5. Cancer.

By the way, an important clarification! Be sure to visit your doctor if you experience the following symptoms along with increased sweating:

1. Chest pain.
2. Severe dizziness.
3. Difficulty breathing.

They may indicate serious problems.

Also a reason for mandatory consultation with a doctor is constant sweating that does not stop for a day or more.

4. Smoking

In addition to other unpleasant effects that nicotine has on our body, it also stimulates 8 reasons you sweat production of acetylcholine. This chemical compound also causes the sweat glands to work more actively. If you smoke a lot, you sweat more. The connection here is clear.

5. In women - pregnancy or menopause

Hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause are also often accompanied by increased sweating. And this is a natural process.

Why does sweat smell?

Sweat glands are not all the same. There are two types of them, which form sweat of fundamentally different composition.

Eccrine glands

Actually thermoregulatory elements. They make up about 75% of the sweat glands, are located throughout the body and are actively working from birth. The sweat they produce is colorless and odorless because it is 99% water. It is brought to the surface through special ducts that look like tiny pores.

Under normal conditions, the eccrine glands excrete about 0.5 liters of moisture daily. But with heat, physical activity, stress, and so on, the volume of sweat can reach 10 liters per day.

It is thanks to eccrine sweat that children, even if they are running around in the heat and find themselves thoroughly wet, can easily do without antiperspirants and a shower during the day. The thermoregulation function of the sweating system works perfectly, but it does not smell at all. Is it the situation with the following type of sweat glands...

Apocrine glands

They make up approximately 25% of the total number of sweat glands. They are larger than eccrine ones, and are located only in strictly defined areas of the skin: in the armpits and folds of the groin area, on the forehead and scalp. Apocrine glands are activated only after puberty is reached.

The moisture they produce is released onto the surface of the skin not directly, as is the case with the eccrine glands, but into the hair follicles. So, rising along the hairs, apocrine sweat appears on the skin - a milky, sticky liquid that, in addition to water, contains an impressive dose of fats, proteins, hormones, volatile fatty acids and other organic compounds.

It is believed that this type of sweat largely determines the specific smell of each person. By the way, another name for apocrine glands is sexual scent glands.

Otherwise, managing sweating primarily involves adjusting your lifestyle and daily habits:

1. Wear breathable clothing that will not make you feel hot.
2. Avoid excessive emotional reactions.
3. Remove foods and drinks from your diet that activate the sweat glands.
4. Quit smoking.
5. If your medications or existing medical conditions are causing your excessive sweating, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments.
6. Use antiperspirants and do it.

And remember: sweating is your friend, not your enemy. Treat this physiological feature with care and gratitude.

Sweating is a physiological process that occurs in the body of any person. Sometimes sweating can be excessive. Such an anomaly can be observed, for example, when the body is weakened by illness. In this case, sweating is one of the important symptoms; it is necessary to know exactly its cause in order to alleviate the person’s condition. Women have physiological characteristics that usually provoke excessive sweating. Often it is possible to get rid of it only with the help of special treatment.

Content:

Functions of sweating in the body

Sweat is secreted by special glands located in the skin. The process of sweating is especially intensified if a person is hot, he is faced with increased physical activity, during which the body may overheat. Due to the evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin, body temperature decreases. Another important function is to remove toxins from the body. As a rule, women under normal conditions sweat less than men, since they are physically weaker and the stress they have to deal with is less.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in women has many causes, including harmless, fairly easily removable, and dangerous ones associated with pathological conditions. Excessive sweating often causes a lot of trouble for a person, as it creates an unpleasant odor, leaves stains on clothes, and irritates the skin.

Types and causes of sweating

Hyperhidrosis can be physiological or pathological. In addition, increased sweating is divided into primary and secondary.

Primary (idiopathic) hyperhidrosis

It occurs in a healthy person in certain areas of the body (local sweating), this occurs only in specific situations. This type of anomaly can include sweating of the hands, which indicates a person’s strong excitement, sweat appearing on the forehead at a moment of tension or fear. Sometimes local hyperhidrosis is a physiological feature of the body (in the case of sweating of the head or feet, for example).

The causes of primary hyperhidrosis are:

1. Excessive fullness, presence of folds on the body. Excess subcutaneous fat interferes with heat transfer. The body overheats faster and needs to remove excess heat.
2. Wearing too tight, warm clothes, especially synthetic ones.
3. A state of nervousness and excitement (blood circulation accelerates, which contributes to increased energy consumption).
4. Walking or running briskly, doing heavy work.
5. Drinking alcohol, spicy and hot foods, as well as products containing caffeine (chocolate, cocoa, coffee). Increased sweating is caused by products that are commonly used as homemade antipyretics (raspberry jam, honey).

The use of certain medications (for example, aspirin, paracetamol, insulin) can cause increased sweating. Excessive sweating is caused by long-term treatment with antibiotics, disruption of the intestinal microflora and absorption of substances necessary for the body.

Secondary hyperhidrosis

Associated with various diseases. It can be either local or general (generalized).

Diseases that are usually accompanied by increased body temperature and increased sweating include:

1. Infectious diseases (tuberculosis, viral and bacterial infections) and inflammation of various organs, accompanied by chills.
2. Endocrine diseases, such as hyperthyroidism (dysfunction of the thyroid gland), diabetes mellitus, ovarian dysfunction (it leads to hormonal imbalance and diseases of the reproductive organs, as well as mammary glands).
3. Heart disease, which is often accompanied by fainting and the development of a heart attack.
4. Vegetovascular dystonia. Failure in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system leads to the inability to regulate heat exchange and the occurrence of panic attacks in patients.
5. Poisoning the body with harmful substances.
6. Metabolic disease.
7. Tumor diseases. Increased sweating is often one of the symptoms of cancer.
8. Mental problems or severe stress. Increased emotionality.

The causes of increased sweating in women are physiological changes associated with hormonal fluctuations (during menstruation or pregnancy) and aging of the body (during menopause).

Causes of hyperhidrosis due to hormonal fluctuations

Secondary hyperhidrosis against the background of hormonal changes in a woman’s body can be observed in the following conditions:

1. Premenstrual syndrome, the manifestations of which are experienced to one degree or another by any young woman, starting from adolescence. It includes, first of all, loss of strength and mood, headache and intense sweating. This condition occurs a few days before the start of menstruation.
2. Pregnancy. In the initial period, hyperhidrosis occurs due to a sharp change in hormonal levels, which affects all processes in the body. Subsequently, increased sweating occurs due to weight gain associated with fetal growth and increased stress on the heart and blood vessels.
3. The period after childbirth. Physical weakness and reverse hormonal changes in the body cause abnormal sweating.
4. Menopause. Increased sweating (hot flashes), blood pressure fluctuations, dizziness are typical symptoms of menopause. In some patients they are so severe that they lead to loss of ability to work. In such cases, hormone replacement therapy is performed to eliminate symptoms.

For most women, as a rule, after these processes are completed, hormonal levels return to normal, sweat production decreases, and they do not require medical assistance in eliminating hyperhidrosis.

Video: Types of hyperhidrosis, treatment methods

Symptoms and degrees of excessive sweating

Symptoms accompanying excessive sweating may include weakness, sleep disturbance, and increased urge to urinate. It is not uncommon for a person who sweats to have a red face. The skin is moist and has a grayish tint. In areas of increased sweating, irritation and itching occurs.

A reaction to strong excitement is sometimes the appearance of profuse, sticky, cold sweat on the palms. A business handshake or friendly touching of hands becomes a problem.

The smell of heavily sweating feet or armpits can poison your life and limit your communication with other people. A woman develops complexes about her “inferiority.” Sweating is often accompanied by nervousness and unexplained mood swings.

Depending on the strength of the manifestations, several degrees of such an anomaly are distinguished:

1. With increased sweating of the first degree, a woman manages to cope with her condition and does not experience any particular discomfort.
2. The second degree is considered to be the occurrence of complications due to sweating when shaking hands or during important meetings, social events, when it is very difficult to hide your deficiency.
3. The third degree of increased sweating is expressed in the appearance of neurosis in a woman due to the constant need to deal with its consequences and limit communication with other people to a minimum. Attacks of sweating occur very often and are long-lasting.

To determine whether sweating is truly excessive, special tests are recommended to determine the volume and rate of sweating. The degree of hyperhidrosis can be judged by the appearance of stains remaining on clothing or bedding.

With a mild degree, the diameter of the spots is no more than 10 cm, with an anomaly of moderate severity - no more than 20 cm, with severe hyperhidrosis - more than 20 cm.

Video: What is hyperhidrosis, its treatment

What to do if you are sweating excessively

First of all, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures even more carefully and frequently. To disinfect the skin in areas of severe sweating, use a weak aqueous solution of vinegar, salt, alum, baking soda or infusions of string, calendula, chamomile, or oak bark decoction. If the cause of sweating in a woman is excessive obesity, you should try to lose excess weight by following a low-calorie diet and intense exercise.

For sweaty armpits, it is recommended to apply an antiperspirant containing aluminum and zinc to the skin twice a day. It must be remembered that the skin must be dry. Apply this cosmetic product in the evening before going to bed, repeating the procedure in the morning. Antiperspirants work by tightening pores and temporarily blocking sweat glands. Sweat production gradually decreases. Deodorants are also used to eliminate unpleasant odors.

To eliminate skin irritation and odor, skin antiseptics are used (Diaseptic, Miroseptic, Bonaderm Ultra). For skin damage, ointments with antibiotics (Syntomycin, Levomekol) or hydrocortisone are used.

If there are no assumptions about the causes of excessive sweating, but this condition bothers you strongly and often, you should consult a therapist. Taking into account the patient’s other complaints, she will be referred to a specialist with a narrower profile (endocrinologist, gynecologist, neurologist) to determine the cause of the disorder and treat the diseases that caused it.

Methods for treating hyperhidrosis

To get rid of excessive sweating in women, treatment is carried out using traditional medicine and cosmetology, and folk remedies are used.

Tablets and external anti-sweating agents

Such drugs can only be used as prescribed by a doctor, since individual intolerance to the drugs or addiction to them is possible.

Alkaloid drugs based on belladonna or belladonna are prescribed. Among them are tablets Bellataminal (for increased excitability of the nervous system), Bellaspon (vasoconstrictor, antispasmodic), Belloid (eliminates vegetative-vascular disorders). These drugs are used for neuroses, to relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Tranquilizers (Diazepam, Phenazepam) are also used to relieve stress and nervous tension, which provoke increased sweating.

Pharmacies freely sell anti-sweating products that contain formaldehyde. They are used externally as auxiliary. With their help, the skin is disinfected and the effects of sweating are eliminated. Formidron solution, Formagel, and Teymurov ointment are used.

If hyperhidrosis cannot be eliminated using simple methods, more radical treatment is carried out.

Physiotherapy and cosmetic procedures for hyperhidrosis

To normalize the functioning of the sweat glands, physiotherapy is prescribed. The patient can also seek help from a beauty salon for injections to prevent increased sweat production.

Iontophoresis. This method is used for excessive sweating of the feet and palms. Special electrodes are immersed in a bath of water. Arms or legs are placed there and a weak electric current is passed. It takes about 10 sessions to stop sweating. The disadvantage of the method is the fragility of the effect. After 1 month, symptoms return.

Treatment with botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin (a drug that reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings) is injected around the perimeter of the area of ​​hyperhidrosis. After some time, the sweat stops secreting; for 6-8 months, the patient does not worry about hyperhidrosis.

Surgical methods

Laser treatment. Sweat glands are removed using a laser beam.

Sympathectomy. If other treatment methods do not help, surgery is performed to affect the structural elements of the autonomic nervous system. This allows you to completely get rid of hyperhidrosis.

Folk remedies for treating excessive sweating

Traditional healers advise taking baths with beer (2 bottles of 0.5 liters per bath of water) to get rid of excessive sweating.

A drinking solution based on sage and nettle is also used. Take 2 tbsp. l. leaves and brew 0.5 liters of boiling water. After cooling and straining, drink 50 g of infusion twice a day for 1 month.

A contrast shower helps with sweating. After it, it is recommended to drink soothing tea with mint, valerian, motherwort and belladonna.

Video: Doctor on the treatment of hyperhidrosis with folk remedies