Cure underarm sweating. How to eliminate the smell of sweat under the arms at home? How to get rid of smelly sweat

Axillary hyperhidrosis or increased sweating armpits are an unpleasant problem that many people face. It can be a natural reaction that accompanies growing up, changes in hormonal levels, as well as a symptom of a disease in the body. But even if sweating is not life-threatening, it causes discomfort to a person, which it contributes to bad smell, unsightly stains on clothes. What is armpit hyperhidrosis, and what methods are used to treat it?

What is armpit hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis (“hyper” – increased, “hydro” – water) is a term used by doctors to define excessive sweating. Usually sweating is a consequence of physical activity, severe stress, hot weather, but a pathological reaction not caused by these factors leads to malfunctions of the body.

The video below will help you better understand what hyperhidrosis is:

Causes and symptoms of manifestation

The causes of underarm hyperhidrosis can vary. Here are the main ones:

  • Heatwave. Give preference to natural cotton fabrics that will not float like synthetics.
  • Nutrition. Spicy food and alcohol in the summer cause inflammation of the sweat glands, which leads to an additional increase in sweating.
  • Changing hormonal background. This reason is relevant for adolescence, transitioning into adulthood, or menopause in women. Failures in the functioning of the endocrine and nervous systems also cause hyperhidrosis.
  • Kidney weakness. Patients with kidney problems need to pay attention to the manifestations of hyperhidrosis. Due to the fact that the organ cannot cope with its function, the body has to remove moisture through the skin.
  • Emotional stress.
  • Vegetovascular dystonia. Hyperhidrosis can be a symptom of this disease - then the patient’s hands, armpits and legs are always wet.
  • Diabetes.
  • Tuberculosis. Nocturnal hyperhidrosis should be addressed Special attention, because it may be a symptom of this disease.

If the moisture smells unpleasant when you sweat a lot, this indicates that bacteria, fungus or microbes are multiplying in this environment. This requires the help of a doctor to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Which doctor should I contact?

To determine the safety of armpit hyperhidrosis, you need to see a therapist who will check your health and listen to complaints. This is necessary to exclude the possibility of more serious diseases. If hyperhidrosis is not caused by another serious condition, your GP will refer you to a dermatologist who can help you find the appropriate treatment.

How to get rid of armpit sweating at home

Here are a few remedies that will help you fight armpit hyperhidrosis:

  • Antiperspirant (sweating in medicine is perspiration, hence the name) is a popular remedy used during excessive sweating, but it is recommended to use it rarely and not on an ongoing basis. Due to aluminum and zinc, which are part of the antiperspirant, the sweat glands become clogged. The drug must be used after consultation with a doctor, applied to clean skin. The same applies to the use of deodorants.
  • Formagel. The ointment has antiseptic and disinfectant properties and helps suppress sweating. The drug must be used once, applied for twenty minutes once a week.
  • Teymurov's pasta. Has antiseptic and deodorizing properties. Before treating hyperhidrosis with Teimur's drug, obtain medical consultation.
  • Urotropine (ampoules). The liquid must be applied to cotton swab, wipe your armpits with it and leave overnight.

What do the listed ones look like? medications, look at the photo below.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are widely used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Let's figure out how to take them:

  • Sage. You need to steam a tablespoon of the herb (you can buy it at the pharmacy) in a cup or glass and leave it for several hours until it steams. After preparation, the infusion should be divided into three doses and consumed throughout the day - after meals. This remedy will also be useful to use when making baths with it.
  • Lemon. If you need to quickly remove accumulated sweat, unpleasant odor, or “refresh” the armpit area, wipe the area with a slice of lemon. Lemon juice can be used as a natural deodorant.
  • Chamomile. An infusion, which is prepared by pouring six tablespoons of crushed chamomile flowers into two liters of boiling water, will be an excellent aid in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Let the chamomile infuse for an hour, then add two tablespoons of soda to the infusion and rub the armpits.

How to cure hyperhidrosis - effective pills

The tablets can help treat hyperhidrosis. Their action is aimed at reducing the secretion of sweat glands. Often, due to the stressful cause of hyperhidrosis, the doctor prescribes sedatives and antidepressants that calm the nervous system and help the patient cope with emotional stress. If this is not the reason, hyperhidrosis in the armpit area is treated with drugs containing herbal ingredients– belladonna and belladonna have an effective effect on the problem.

Treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis

When treating hyperhidrosis, various measures are carried out - rubbing with herbal decoctions, using ointments, antiperspirants, tablets, preparations containing hexahydrate, surgical intervention. Here we will look at several popular methods that will help get rid of the problem - laser, Botox, Dysport.

Laser

This effective treatment method has gained popularity, but before the operation it is necessary to undergo an examination that will identify allergies or other possible contraindications to its implementation. Laser treatment requires local anesthesia. Several advantages of such an intervention:

  • After it there are no scars, hematomas, or skin damage.
  • Laser radiation additionally sterilizes the armpit area.
  • Hair growth decreases or stops.
  • The duration of the event is short – up to half an hour.
  • The rehabilitation period is several hours.
  • Successful result is 80% percent.

Watch the video showing the laser treatment of hyperhidrosis:

Botox

This method of treating underarm hyperhidrosis is the most effective - only one percent of those treated do not get the desired result. Botox treatment has a minimum of contraindications:

  • lactation;
  • pregnancy;
  • hypertension in the stage of decompensation;
  • diabetes.

During treatment in this way, the doctor injects the drug into the armpits. As a result, nerve impulses sent to the sweat glands are blocked, and the person no longer experiences heavy sweating in moments of excitement or at high body temperature.

If you follow the necessary preventive procedures, the results will last for six months to a year. The only disadvantage of Botox is its high cost. To obtain a lasting effect, the procedure will have to be repeated after some time.

Dysport

Dysport injections, along with Botox, are gaining high popularity, despite the “youth” of the drug. Dysport, unlike Botox, eliminates not only the symptoms of hyperhidrosis, but also solves the problem from the inside. The effect after applying this procedure lasts about eight months.

Due to the painlessness and safety of the procedure, it is successfully used to solve problems in children. Dysport injections effectively eliminate not only local hyperhidrosis, but also general hyperhidrosis. To consolidate the result, you must avoid saunas, solariums and physical activity in the next week after injections, and do not use deodorants on the day of the procedure.

Hyperhidrosis of the armpits, or increased sweating, is a problem for many people, which not everyone can cope with. There are often cases when a person regularly smears his skin with antiperspirant, but sweat continues to be released and literally flows down the skin. In this situation, the use of conventional cosmetics is useless - more radical methods are needed to block the work of the apocrine glands for a long period.

Problem sweaty armpits is relevant today. Despite the fact that sweating is a natural process, we all try to avoid wet spots on our clothes and get rid of bad odors. You can buy anti-underarm sweat products at a pharmacy, cosmetics store, or make them yourself, but first you need to visit a doctor and determine the cause of hyperhidrosis.

Moderately sweaty armpits are normal. This is how not only thermoregulation occurs, but also the removal of toxins from the body. The armpits have the largest sweat glands, the work of which intensifies during the hot season. However, some people suffer from excessive sweating all the time, and this may be due to internal causes that cannot be eliminated with conventional anti-sweat medications.

Provocateurs of armpit hyperhidrosis are:

  • hormonal disorders, especially during menopause (so-called hot flashes), as well as during puberty;
  • imbalance endocrine system(hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus);
  • dysfunction of metabolic processes;
  • chronic infectious diseases;
  • application of some medicines;
  • psycho-emotional disorders, stress, nervous tension.

In this case, it is difficult to choose the most effective remedy for armpit sweating, since it is initially necessary to eliminate the root cause of the pathology and perhaps the problem of hyperhidrosis will resolve itself.

The cause of increased armpit sweating may be a simple lack of hygiene, obesity, improper eating behavior(abuse harmful products, alcohol). Wearing low-quality synthetic clothing also has a negative impact.

If the problem of excessive sweating is not associated with a disease, maintain regular hygiene and use antiperspirants. Cosmetic products for underarm sweat are produced in the form of sprays, rollers and sticks, it’s up to you to decide which one to choose.

Cosmetical tools

When purchasing an antiperspirant, you should understand that many products contain aluminum salts, which have a detrimental effect on health if used for a long time. But at the same time, such drugs effectively combat the problem of sweaty armpits, allowing you to maintain dryness for 24-48 hours.

There is an alternative - remedies for underarm sweating (deodorants), which contain only safe ingredients.

Cosmetics for excessive sweating containing aluminum:

  • Dry Dry - gel, antiperspirant spray. After application, the effect lasts up to 5 days.
  • Purax - recommended for use at night. Duration of action is several days.
  • Antiperspirants from the Garnier brand - manufacturers promise that your armpits will remain dry for 48 hours.

Cosmetics from natural ingredients(without aluminum):

  • Antiperspirants from the Aubrey brand containing essential oils and vitamins are an effective remedy for sweat with an antibacterial effect.
  • Deodorant 24Hr Roll-On Dry Touch Aluminum Salt-Free from Vichy for sensitive skin. Has an adsorbent effect (absorbs moisture) providing dryness for 24 hours.
  • The Clean Vekov brand (Russia) produces hypoallergenic antiperspirants for sensitive skin. The zinc salt included in the composition prevents sweating, and the armpits long time remain dry.

Which antiperspirant is the best is up to you to decide, because each person has their own selection criteria.

Pharmacy drugs

If antiperspirants do not cope with the problem of increased sweating, you can resort to the help of pharmaceutical drugs designed specifically to combat hyperhidrosis.

Medicines should be used in accordance with the instructions and consult your doctor first.

  1. To prevent your armpits from sweating, you can purchase Formidron solution. The remedy for hyperhidrosis prevents the production of sweat and has a drying effect. Use it carefully, since it contains formaldehyde (abuse has a negative impact on the central nervous system, reproductive organs and mucous membranes).
  2. The next remedy for armpit sweat in the pharmacy is Lassara paste. The drug not only blocks the intensive work of the sweat glands, but also has an antiseptic effect. The main components of the medicine are zinc, starch, petroleum jelly. Use the paste for 1 month by applying a thin layer to a clean skin surface.
  3. Combined product (powder) Galmanin. Due to the content of zinc, salicylic acid and starch, it copes well with the production of sweat and also has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.
  4. Teymurov's paste effectively eliminates hyperhidrosis, but in addition to zinc, lead, talc and glycerin, it contains formaldehyde, so it must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions. A thin layer of the product is applied to clean, dry skin for no longer than 4 days.
  5. Salicylic-zinc ointment (also available in the form of powder). Use locally, applying to small areas of the skin. Before use, read the contraindications. The medicine prevents the production of sweat and also has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Sometimes, in order to get rid of hyperhidrosis, a person needs more radical methods that block the work of the sweat glands.

Radical ways

A doctor should prescribe procedures for the destruction of sweat glands. Today the following methods are used:

  • Botulinum toxin injections - the substance is injected into the armpits, after which Botox begins its work - it blocks the production of sweat glands, reducing or completely stopping sweating. The procedure is painful, expensive, and the effect lasts up to 1.5 years.
  • Laser therapy - incisions are made in the armpit area, through which a special tube is inserted under the skin, through which a laser beam passes. It heats up the sweat glands, causing them to collapse. The technique allows you to keep your armpits dry for a year.
  • Curettage - the procedure gives the most lasting results. Manipulation is carried out under local anesthesia. The surgeon first destroys the innervation of the sweat glands, after which he completely or partially removes them. The effect lasts up to 5 years, and in some cases for life.

There are more gentle methods to eliminate excessive sweating.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Physiotherapy sessions are additional treatment- Do not forget to use medications for hyperhidrosis. Today the following procedures are popular:

  • Iontophoresis - special pads are placed under the patient’s armpits through which an electric current passes. The procedure is carried out daily for 5-10 days. The effectiveness of therapy is no more than 40%, so iontophoresis is not suitable for monotherapy; it rather complements the effect of medications for hyperhidrosis.
  • Infrared sauna (IR therapy) - not only reduces sweating, but also has a positive effect on the functioning of the body as a whole - improves tissue nutrition, normalizes metabolic processes and blood circulation.

To combat excessive sweating, electrosleep, electrophoresis using drugs, pine-salt baths and other physiotherapeutic procedures are also used.

Unconventional solution to the problem

You can buy a remedy for armpit sweat at a pharmacy or make it yourself. It is unlikely that you will be able to completely eliminate sweating, but it is possible to reduce the activity of the sweat glands and get rid of bad odor.

  1. Baking soda - 1 tsp. dissolve in a glass of boiling water, add a few drops of essential oil and use up to 5 times a day, rubbing the armpits.
  2. Apple cider vinegar - dilute 50 ml in 1 liter of water. Treat clean, dry skin daily before bed.
  3. Hydrogen peroxide - 5 ml diluted with a glass of water. Wipe your armpits several times a day.
  4. Salt - dissolve 30 g in a glass of water. Dampen a cloth and apply to your armpits for 10 minutes daily (preferably before bed).
  5. Lemon juice mixed with baking soda Treat the armpits in equal proportions until the odor disappears completely.
  6. Take baths with decoction every day for 15-20 minutes oak bark, this will help normalize sweating throughout the body.
  7. Homemade lotion - mix in equal amount vinegar and boric acid 4%. Wipe your armpits every evening, let them dry, then apply talc.

If you are suffering excessive sweating, and neither cosmetics nor medications help improve the situation, consult a doctor. Perhaps the reason lies deep inside and requires specific therapy.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)– sweating that is outside the normal range. He can be congenital feature 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 lesion 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 teenagers as well. adolescence 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. Acidic environment sweat from 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 sweat from 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 - congenital lesion hypothalamic-pituitary region of the brain in newborns. Accompanied by constantly elevated or low temperature, continuous crying, trembling, hesitation blood pressure;
  • Parkinson's disease - chronic neurological disease older age group, characterized increased tone muscles, trembling in the body, slowness of movements, 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 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 (with 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 malarial plasmodium. Accompanied by fever, chills, headache and vomiting;
  • Brucellosis – infection 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 venereal disease, affecting the mucous membranes, internal organs and nervous system. Causes damage nerve fibers 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 during abrupt refusal from 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 – malignant tumor 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 - malignant tumor lymph nodes, which is characterized by their increase, fever, swelling and cyanosis of the facial skin and weight loss;
  • Burkitt's lymphoma - single or multiple oncological tumors jaws, which can subsequently affect other internal organs. Occurs with fever and deterioration of general condition.
  • Systemic diseases. Autoimmune process (attack of one's own immune cells) damages blood capillaries, feeding 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 spinal damage gradually develop and large joints– headaches, tingling fingers, crawling sensation, 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 overeducation sweat is passed down 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;
  • Accommodation in 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 hysterics. 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?
  • Are there 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 appear first in axillary 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;
  • average 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;
  • relapsing course - exacerbations coincide with periods 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 necessary research and analyses:
  • biochemical analysis blood (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 herbal based products (valerian extract, motherwort, sedavite, sedatives herbal teas, 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, ethanol. 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%. Toxin blocks nerve endings, innervating 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 armpit 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. Operated 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. Skin areas are removed, sometimes subcutaneous tissue where the sweat glands are concentrated. 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 is injected into the chest carbon dioxide in order to displace organs, to give 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 vertebrae are affected. thoracic.
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 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 wipes, soaked in 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
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 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, when 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 through the sympathetic trunks activate the secretion of the sweat glands.

Among the reasons cited 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 normal limits, 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?
  • Which general state 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, drops 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 analysis blood;
  • 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.
High quality and quantitative methods sweating assessments
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 current and constant frequency 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 sweat gland cells 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. Needs care postoperative scars. 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. 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
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 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.
At 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 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. Benign tumor pituitary gland, which 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. Actively working sebaceous glands.
  • 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 includes a mechanism for getting rid of excess heat by expanding 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 the 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, disturbances heart rate, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. After the attack occurs heavy sweating(the person is “drenched in sweat”) and passing a large amount of urine, 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 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 for the patient to report symptoms chronic diseases: hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, dry skin and wounds that do not heal for a long time, increased 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 for recovery normal operation 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, once a 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 pronounced 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 chest practically not used due to high injury rates.
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
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.
  • Cold and hot 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 medicinal herbs containing tannins and stopping the proliferation 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.

Although sweating is considered normal process, wet spots under the arms and bad smell bring significant discomfort to a person. Therefore, people who face such problems try to solve them by all available means.

The human body is designed in such a way that the process of sweating is required for cooling. The body has several areas through which sweating occurs. One of these areas is the armpits.

Review of the best pharmaceutical remedies for armpit sweat

There are quite a lot of effective remedies for excessive sweating, which can easily be purchased at a pharmacy and will solve your problem forever. Sometimes more is used radical method– injections that help suppress the functions of the sweat glands and thus get rid of sweat forever. However this procedure is considered quite dangerous, because these glands control body temperature.

Formidron for severe sweating

This drug has been used for a long time, because it perfectly dries the skin and forms an invisible film on its surface. It is this that prevents active sweating. However, doctors advise treating this method with caution.

The fact is that this drug contains formaldehyde, which, with prolonged use, negatively affects the nervous system, mucous membranes and reproductive organs. It penetrates through the skin into the body and can accumulate in it, which in the future sometimes leads to the development of malignant tumors.

Dry Dry

This product is a colorless liquid long acting. Deodorant is applied to dry skin before bed. It dries quickly, has no odor and lasts for a week. After this, the procedure should be repeated.

Dry-dry has a tightening effect on the pores, which allows you to leave your armpits dry. At the same time, the work of the sweat glands does not suffer, and the sweat is redirected to other places.

Pasta Lassara

This product has an antiseptic effect and copes well with excessive sweating. The paste contains zinc oxide, starch and petroleum jelly. The drug is used for a month by applying a thin layer to the skin.

Although this remedy has almost no side effects, it is not recommended for pregnant women. It is also contraindicated during lactation.

Remedy for profuse sweating Galmanin

This powder contains zinc oxide, salicylic acid, talc and starch.

She represents combination remedy for local use.

Salicylic acid has a pronounced antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, and zinc oxide perfectly dries the skin. Therefore, powder is actively used to combat excess sweating.

Salicylic-zinc ointment

With the development of hyperhidrosis of the armpits an excellent remedy will become salicylic-zinc ointment. The main ingredients of this drug are salicylic acid and zinc oxide. This composition is produced in the form of a paste. There is also powder for sprinkling on sale. This remedy has an antiseptic, drying and anti-inflammatory effect.

It is worth considering that the cream is not applied to large areas of the skin, as it can lead to increased sweating. Contraindications to the use of the composition are pregnancy, anemia, poor blood clotting, and stomach ulcers.

Pasta Teymurova

This is one of the most popular underarm treatments. Teymurov's paste contains zinc oxide, talc, lead, and glycerin. It also contains formaldehyde and acids. Thanks to these components, the drug has an antiseptic and drying effect and prevents active sweating.

Apply the product to dry and clean skin and rub in evenly. It is necessary to use the composition for 3-4 days. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

How to deal with the smell of sweat using folk remedies

Since most pharmaceutical drugs have many contraindications and side effects, many people prefer to use folk remedies to solve their problems. How to deal with the smell of sweat on your own?

How to eliminate odor with baking soda

To get an effective composition that helps eliminate the smell of sweat, you can use ordinary baking soda. To do this, pour a teaspoon of the product into a glass of boiling water and add a little essential oil.

The resulting composition is used to wipe the armpits. To do this, you must first apply it to a cotton pad. It is recommended to do the procedure 2-3 times a day for a month.

Hydrogen peroxide

To combat the smell of sweat, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in a glass of water. Then moisten a napkin in the resulting product and wipe the surface of the armpits.

Thanks to systematic application this tool It will be possible to cope with all bacteria and prevent the appearance of sweat odor. It is recommended to treat clothing with the same product to eliminate microorganisms on the surface of the fabric.

Apple vinegar

This product effectively copes with bad smell, and preparing the composition is quite simple. To do this, you need to dilute 3 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 liter of water. After an evening shower, the skin should be wiped dry. Soak a cotton pad in the prepared product and wipe the skin with it. It is recommended to go to bed only after the vinegar has completely dried.

How to reduce sweating with lemon juice

Since this product contains citric acid, it can combat most bacteria that live in the sweat environment. To eliminate unpleasant odor, simply wipe the skin of your armpits with lemon juice regularly.

To increase the effectiveness of the procedure, the juice can be mixed with baking soda, and it is recommended to do this in equal parts. It is advisable to first wash your armpits and dry them thoroughly. You need to treat the problem area until the smell of sweat completely disappears.

Don't worry if your skin becomes a little lighter - this feature is due to the whitening properties of lemon juice. After some time, its color will be completely restored.

Increased sweating and unpleasant odor of sweat are quite common problems that cause people a lot of inconvenience. To cope with similar discomfort, you can use pharmacy or folk remedies. The main thing is to choose the most effective one and strictly follow the instructions for its use.

With the arrival of the summer heat, armpit hyperhidrosis becomes a cause of discomfort for many people. Get rid of excessive sweating In reality, all you need to do is choose a method and start acting.

If you walk quickly, travel on public transport, walk outside with children, or just watch exciting films, you often feel unpleasant moisture under your arms. However, there is no need to worry, since sweating is the most natural reaction body to overheating, physical activity, emotional stress, stress.

Active sports can cause underarm hyperhidrosis

For a healthy person, such a physiological feature is the norm and this phenomenon is called perspiration. If sweating occurs even when you bend over to tie your shoelaces, then this is a violation of the sweat glands in you. hyperhidrosis.

Underarm hyperhidrosis: causes

Factors influencing the intensity of sweating are very diverse:

  • In summer time synthetic clothing does not allow the body to breathe, so it is better to change it to cotton
  • It is also important watch your diet and try to eat less spicy food in hot weather, since spices contain substances that cause severe inflammation sweat glands
  • Alcohol– not the last reason for profuse sweating. Those who abuse high-alcohol drinks know firsthand about increased sweating
  • Hyperhidrosis affects people with hormonal changes(women - during menopause, adolescents - during formation), with disorders of the endocrine and nervous systems
  • Excessive sweating may also be caused by kidney disease who cannot cope with the removal of fluid from the body naturally


Alcohol consumption is one of the reasons for the development of hyperhidrosis

IMPORTANT: Sometimes the presence of hyperhidrosis in a person allows the doctor to diagnose tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, vegetative-vascular dystonia. The main thing is not to be shy and seek help from a specialist.

Underarm hyperhidrosis: which doctor should I contact?

This question is asked by 80% of people suffering from excessive sweating. The answer is simple: a therapist or family doctor. He will find out the reasons and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.



The therapist will examine and prescribe treatment for armpit hyperhidrosis

First you will need to take the following tests:

  • General analysis of urine and blood
  • blood for hepatitis, HIV and hormone levels indicating abnormalities in the thyroid gland
  • blood chemistry

IMPORTANT: If the test results do not reveal any pathology, a more in-depth study is carried out to determine the presence of oncology. If there are suspicions of diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis or thyrotoxicosis, the patient is sent for consultation directly to a specialized specialist.



Hyperhidrosis of the armpits causes many unpleasant moments

Deodorant for armpit hyperhidrosis

If you notice a problem such as excessive sweating, initial stage It is possible to use antiperspirants as a treatment.

Because active substance antiperspirants are aluminum chloride, many are afraid to use them.



Deodorant for hyperhidrosis helps get rid of unpleasant odor

But you should know that this component does not “clog” the pores, but helps connect with the proteins of the skin of the armpit and narrows excretory duct sweat glands As a result, the amount of fluid released is reduced to normal, but does not disappear completely.

IMPORTANT: Antiperspirants differ from deodorants in that they fight excessive sweating, while deodorants only mask the unpleasant odor. Therefore, parallel use of these two means is possible.

The main thing is to correctly apply cosmetics to the skin:

  • antiperspirants are applied to clean, dry skin without irritation or cuts at night
  • in the morning they use regular deodorant to surround themselves pleasant aroma all day


Antiperspirant for hyperhidrosis is applied in the evening

If you follow these simple instructions, your armpits will remain dry from two days to a week after each procedure.

Among medical antiperspirants, according to user reviews, the most effective are:

  • Odaban manufactured in the UK since 1971, available in the form of a 30 ml spray with 20% aluminum chloride content and has proven itself in the world market from the best side
  • DRY DRY produced by the Swedish company Scandi Line, available in a 35 ml bottle, contains 30.5% aluminum chloride hydrate


Effective deodorant for armpit hyperhidrosis

These drugs are not addictive, so long-term use is possible.

Tablets for armpit hyperhidrosis

When antiperspirant therapy is powerless for hyperhidrosis, drug treatment is used. At the beginning of treatment, the doctor makes an appointment sedatives– valerian, peony or motherwort tinctures, since increased sweating may be associated primarily with vegetative disorders of the body.

If this does not have the desired effect, specialists, depending on the cause of hyperhidrosis, prescribe medications containing belladonna and belladonna extract.

These include:

  • Bellaspon- tablets to be taken after meals three times a day with warm water. If the disease is severely advanced, you can take up to 6 tablets per day. Their action is aimed at calming, “falling asleep” the nervous system
  • Belloid— tablets in the form of dragees, which need to be taken three times a day, 1-2 pieces, for the treatment of thyroid pathologies
  • Bellataminal- reduces extreme excitability of the nervous system associated with constant neuroses, you need to take 1 tablet after meals 2-3 times a day


Bellataminal - tablets for armpit hyperhidrosis

If hyperhidrosis is caused by increased emotionality or frequent stress, the doctor may prescribe tranquilizer pills to normalize the mental state. But since they are addictive, the course of treatment should not exceed 4 weeks and be carried out under the constant supervision of a specialist.

IMPORTANT: It must be remembered that any drug treatment has side effects and it must be carried out strictly following the instructions and on the direct recommendation of a doctor.

The problem of excessive sweating can be solved by using a laser procedure that lasts approximately 2/3 hours. The treatment is based on the use of a neodymium laser, which destroys the cells of the sweat glands without the appearance of burns, scars, or hematomas on the surface of the epidermis.



Treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis with laser

The procedure is carried out directly in medical center using local anesthesia. After such a session, the patient, ideally, should forget about his problem forever. But in most cases, the procedure has to be repeated several times, after which about 70% of the sweat gland cells are completely destroyed.

The procedure has a number of contraindications:

  • pregnancy and lactation
  • taking antibiotics
  • infectious diseases in the acute period
  • diabetes

IMPORTANT: An integral part laser treatment hyperhidrosis is the appearance of a specific odor, but after 5-6 hours it completely disappears.

Botox injections, which are popular in modern medical cosmetology, will help get rid of hyperhidrosis for some time.

Their action is based on temporarily blocking the transmission of impulses in nerve fibers, but after regeneration of conductivity, a relapse occurs and everything must be started all over again.



IMPORTANT: The use of Botox is not a treatment, but a cosmetic procedure.

Video: Treatment of hyperhidrosis with Botox

Underarm hyperhidrosis, treatment at home

If increased sweating is not caused by serious illnesses, but by nervous tension, emotional overload or stress, home treatment is possible.

The closure of the sweat ducts for some time and general relaxation of the body are facilitated by baths using sea ​​salt, decoctions of oak bark, oats, sage or chamomile.



  • If you don’t have enough time for baths, you can limit yourself to rubbing your armpits with tinctures of chamomile, sage, oak, as well as boric acid, lemon or alum
  • Helps in the fight against hyperhidrosis compresses, which should be applied at night, having previously cleaned the armpits
  • So-called contrast compress involves alternate application to problem area gauze soaked either in hot or cold water. No less effective is a saline solution (200 ml warm water 2 tbsp. spoons of salt), applied to the armpits for 10 minutes
  • A necessary condition for effectiveness home therapy is dietary adjustments. Raspberries, honey, pepper and various hot seasonings should be excluded from the menu, and a daily emphasis should be placed on strawberries, currants, and apples


Nutrition adjustments - required condition in the treatment of underarm hyperhidrosis

IMPORTANT: The main thing is home treatment hyperhidrosis is a systematic pattern that lasts for a long time.

  • How can an ordinary white powder, available in every person’s kitchen, solve the problem of 90% of the world’s population?
  • Soda, or scientifically sodium bicarbonate, is a natural disinfectant, destroying a lot of bacteria
  • It can be applied to damp armpits in the morning, shaking off any remaining residue, and the dryness of the laundry, combined with the absence of an unpleasant odor, is guaranteed throughout the day


  • Baking soda can also be one of the components in the manufacture of homemade antiperspirants.
  • Homemade antiperspirant recipe: You need to combine 60 ml of soda and corn starch, then add 5 tbsp. spoons of cocoa butter and mix everything thoroughly
  • The resulting thick mass should be placed in a container convenient for subsequent use and cooled until hardened. The result is a product that is no different in consistency from industrial products.

To prevent clothing that is wet under the armpits from hyperhidrosis from putting a person at least in an awkward position, developers of personal hygiene products have offered sweat pads to female and male consumers.

They act very simply, but effectively: during their use, sweating is blocked, while no functional disturbances in the functioning of the sweat glands are observed.



The wipes are odorless and can be used as many times as needed. The material used depends on the manufacturer:

  • in Russian inserts " Stop agent» cellulose impregnated with silver ions is used
  • Austrian manufacturers in their gaskets PURAX They use sheep wool, which absorbs moisture very well
  • Dutch 1-2 Dry Dry consist of cotton

IMPORTANT: Depending on the amount of sweat a person produces and the type of clothing, pads can be small, medium and large. The color scheme is presented in two options: white and black.

These products have many advantages, but from the point of view of consumers, they also have their disadvantages:

  • some users experience an unpleasant odor
  • discomfort when wearing
  • high price

Armpit hyperhidrosis: reviews

Oleg, 39 years old: The problem of sweaty armpits has haunted me since my school years. Every time I went to the board, sweat began to stand out intensely, so much so that the clothes in the armpit area immediately got wet. I was very ashamed, I was lost, I could not answer. My classmates knew about my problem and constantly made fun of me. Now I use Dry Dry wipes. The situation improved and I began to feel more confident.



Ira, 25 years old: A friend has been getting Botox injections every spring for several years now. She is very pleased with the result. The effect of Botox is sufficient for the entire period of heat.

Svetlana, 28 years old: My work involves big physical activity. The sweat that came out every now and then really bothered me. Deodorants didn't help. On the advice of a doctor, I decided to have laser treatment of the sweat glands. I went through several procedures. After that the situation improved a lot.



Hyperhidrosis cannot be called an insoluble problem. Weigh all the pros and cons, choose a method of treating hyperhidrosis that is convenient for you, and get rid of unpleasant sweating.

Video: How not to sweat? Modern methods of combating sweat (radio waves, Botox and laser)