What Is Focal Hyperhidrosis
Focal hyperhidrosis is a chronic skin disorder that you can inherit from your family. It results from a mutation in your genes. It is also called primary hyperhidrosis. Most people who sweat excessively have focal hyperhidrosis.
Focal hyperhidrosis usually affects only the armpits, hands and feet, and head. It tends to start early in life, before age 25.
Dealing With Sweaty Hands
Its common for people struggling with nervous sweating to get clammy hands regularly. This can make a simple handshake practically unbearable. Unfortunately, if the thought of shaking someones hand makes you panic, you automatically produce more sweat. And because there are more sweat glands in the palms of your hands than other areas of your body, your hands can get sweaty real quick.
Basically, its a Catch-22. The more you worry about your clammy hands, the more they sweat. So what do you do? Well, you dont have let the thought of having sweaty hands deter you. Instead, follow these tips to reduce the amount of sweat your hands produce.
Does Curing Excessive Sweating Stop The Related Anxiety
Date: January 1, 2014
Imagine a life captivated by fear of your own sweat, when a simple handshake is accompanied by crippling anxiety.
Thats reality for people who have hyperhidrosis, in which overactive sweat glands cause heavy, even dripping, perspiration. Although the coinciding psychological conditions are usually managed with anti-anxiety medications, the physical cause of the emotional distress often goes unrecognized and untreated. Yet, says Malcolm Brock, M.D., a thoracic surgeon at Johns Hopkins, some evidence suggests that treating hyperhidrosis can curb the persons anxiety.
Treating hyperhidrosis usually involves a minimally invasive technique that decreases perspiration, Brock explains. Anecdotally, weve had several patients who came to us on anxiety medications and were diagnosed with a primary psychiatric problem, but whose actual anxiety was secondary to hyperhidrosis, Brock says. When we treated their sweating, many were able to stop the medications.
For more information, or to watch an educational video on excessive sweating, visit hopkinsmedicine.org/sweat_disorders.
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Certain Hacks Can Reduce Anxiety From Hyperhidrosis
Tips to make hyperhidrosis less embarrassing include:
- Bathe daily to reduce body odor.
- Apply baby powder to shoes to absorb moisture.
- Wear sandals to keep your feet cool and dry.
- Choose clothing thats appropriate to your activity level. Wear moisture-wicking fabrics while exercising and colored fabrics to hide sweat stains.
- Apply antiperspirant to your skin at night.
How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated
Your primary care provider may refer you to a dermatologist for hyperhidrosis treatment. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and overall health. The provider may start by recommending lifestyle changes or medications.
- Lifestyle changes: Changing your routine may improve minor hyperhidrosis symptoms. Your provider will discuss all your treatment options and help you decide whats right for you.
- Aluminum-based antiperspirants: Antiperspirants work by sealing up sweat glands so your body stops producing sweat. Your provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription-strength varieties. Stronger antiperspirants may help more. But they are also more likely to cause side effects, such as skin irritation.
- Oral medications: Anticholinergic drugs can make aluminum-based antiperspirants work better. Potential side effects include blurred vision and problems peeing. Your provider may recommend an antidepressant, which may lessen sweating while also calming anxieties. Beta blockers may also be recommended by your provider.
- Clinical-grade cloth wipes: Prescription-strength cloth wipes containing glycopyrronium tosylate may reduce armpit sweating. Each single-use cloth comes in its own package. You should use the wipes daily for continued benefits.
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Iontophoresis For Facial Hyperhidrosis
Iontophoresis is a treatment that has been used to treat excessive sweating since the 1940s. Its usually applied to the hands or feet but recent improvements in its application have made the treatment more effective for craniofacial hyperhidrosis too. An easy way of understanding this procedure is to think of it as an injection without a needle. It is non-invasive and uses a low-level electric current to drive medications through the skins surface with the use of special pads. The process is usually repeated two or three times a week until the desired results are realized. At this point, recipients are switched to a maintenance schedule of once per week. Iontophoresis devices can be purchased allowing patients to self-medicate at home. The equipment is pricey and probably not covered by your insurance.
Preventing Nervous Sweating On The Face
When your nervous sweat appears on your head, face, or neck, its hard to hide which of course, makes it even more embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent nervous sweating on your face.
Our top recommendation for head, face, and neck sweating is using SweatBlock and no we arent just tooting our own horn. It actually does work. Before you go to bed at night, wipe down your face and neck with a SweatBlock towelette. Then, go to sleep and let SweatBlock work its magic. When youre sleeping, your sweat glands arent as active. So the clinical-strength antiperspirant on the towelette can easily get into your pores. While one nighttime treatment is enough to reduce the amount of sweat you produce for between four and seven days, you can also carry a SweatBlock towelette with you just in case.
Speaking of towelettes, you can also carry alcohol wipes with you to use in the event of an emergency. If a situation arises that makes you nervous, quickly wiping down your face with an alcohol wipe will close your pores so excessive amounts of sweat cant escape. If you wear makeup, consider wiping your face down with an alcohol wipe before applying your makeup to close your pores. Keep in mind though, alcohol is very drying. You might want to also use a lightweight moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated properly.
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What Are The Complications Of Hyperhidrosis
Over time, excessive sweating could put you at an increased risk of developing a skin infection. Hyperhidrosis can also impact your mental health.
You may find yourself changing how you act to hide your symptoms from others. Constant sweating may be so severe that you avoid routine actions . You may even give up activities you enjoy to avoid problems or embarrassment from excessive sweating.
In some cases, extreme sweating may be due to a severe and life-threatening problem. See a healthcare provider right away if you ever have chest pain or feel queasy or dizzy along with sweating symptoms.
Wear A Sweat Proof Undershirt
The best way to keep nervous sweats from showing through your clothing is to arm yourself with a sweat proof undershirt. Check out the Thompson Tee these shirts feature patented sweat proof technology built into every undershirt that completely absorbs sweat so moisture doesnt reach your outer layer.
Wearing a Thompson Tee beneath your shirt or blouse enables you to rest easily, knowing that even if you cannot prevent sweating completely, your secret will be safe.
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Signs Of Excessive Underarm Sweat
Feet and toes may always appear prune-like, similar to when you sit in the bath for too long, and the skin on the feet can become red or white, or it may peel or itch, Dr. Shainhouse says.
Hyperhidrosis sweating tends to occur on both sides of the body. So if you have excessive sweating under your right armpit, youll also have excessive sweating under your left armpit.
Sweating associated with hyperhidrosis mostly occurs while youre awake and stops when youre asleep.
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Dr David D Burns Shows A Nervous Sweaty Man His Shame Attacking Exercise
When the man came back to the office next week, he found Dr. Burns dressed very casually in a t shirt and jeans. And he was holding a water bottle. To the mans surprise, Dr. Burns told him that they would be going for a walk instead of sitting in the therapy office.
As they walked outside, Dr. Burns reminded the man how he had promised to do exactly what he said to cure the nervous sweating. The man agreed again.
Soon they came to a busy convenience store. Dr. Burns opened the water bottle and started splashing water onto his armpits.
What are you doing!?! the man exclaimed.
Here, put some water on your armpits too, said the therapist, acting like this was totally normal.
The man reluctantly did it too. Now they both looked like they had just been running in a marathon, all sweaty.
Now I want you to go inside this convenience store, point at your armpits and loudly tell everyone how sweaty they are, the doctor told him.
I cant do that! the man cried. He was busy trying to HIDE his wet armpits from the people walking into the store.
Okay, if I do it first, then will you promise to do it after me? asked the doctor. The nervous man couldnt believe his well educated therapist would do this, and he agreed.
Sure enough, Dr. Burns walked into the convenience store. He lifted up one of his arms to reveal a big wet stain, and loudly said Hey look how much Im sweating today! Wow it sure is hot outside!
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Fear Of Social Situations
Social anxiety disorder is not uncommon and affects an estimated 12% of adults at some point in their lives. If you feel anxious about social events and avoid them, it can be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Fear of being judged, embarrassed, humiliated, or scrutinized by others are red flags that point to social anxiety. Extreme shyness and remaining silent in groups can signal social anxiety, too.
Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating is the main symptom of hyperhidrosis.
Sweating can become so severe that armpit sweat can drip down your arms and body, and sweaty feet can make it difficult to walk around on noncarpeted floors because of the risk of slipping, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica, California.
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Social Phobia Or Hyperhidrosis
Nervous sweating is related to a condition called Hyperhidrosis. Primary Hyperhidrosis is a condition of excessive sweating without known cause or triggers, while Secondary Hyperhidrosis is triggered by certain cues, including anxiety. In general, if the excessive sweating you fear only occurs in situations where others can see you, never when you’re alone, that’s a strong indication it’s a type of Social Phobia.
If you search the Internet, you’ll find lots of medications and even surgery offered for this condition. Be aware that the research on such treatments is not very strong. If yours is a Secondary Hyperhidrosis, it’s probably smart to try the least intrusive methods of help before even thinking of drugs or surgery. Above all, be an informed consumer,because the Internet is full of questionable self help products. Check whatever you find with your physician and mental health professional before proceeding.
Know Your Sweat Triggers
Eating hot and spicy foods, smoking, or drinking too much alcohol and caffeine can cause you to sweat more than usual. Make sure to avoid these common sweat triggers before a nerve-racking situation to keep anxiety sweating at bay.
Some other common sweating triggers include:
- Worry or fear of being judged
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Dr K: Anxiety Medication May Help Relieve Excessive Sweating
Thu., Nov. 17, 2011
DEAR DOCTOR K: I sweat a lot, particularly on my forehead, when I get nervous. This is especially true when Im about to meet new people. Its very embarrassing. Any suggestions?
DEAR READER: Sweating helps you to maintain your body temperature. But when your body sweats more than it needs to, thats called hyperhidrosis.
Sometimes excess sweating occurs over only one part of the body. This may include your underarms, the palms of the hands, or as in your case the forehead.
Why do we sweat in the first place? Sweating helps our body lose heat. On a hot day, when we exercise and increase our internal body heat, or when we have a fever, the evaporation of sweat from our skin helps our bodies get rid of excess heat.
Sweat glands are also activated as part of the fight-or-flight response. This is a protective response for avoiding or dealing with danger. The fight-or-flight response causes our heart to beat faster, our muscles to tense up, and prompts other changes that raise our internal body heat. Thats why, when you become anxious, your body reacts by sweating, to help get rid of extra heat.
Start by consulting a dermatologist. He or she will address the sweating rather than the emotions that may be triggering it.
If such a liquid medicine doesnt work, your doctor may suggest botulinum toxin injections. This substance inhibits the nerves that trigger the sweat glands.
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What If Medications Or Lifestyle Changes Dont Improve My Symptoms
If your symptoms dont improve, your healthcare provider may recommend more specialized therapies:
- Iontophoresis: You place your hands or feet in a shallow tub of tap water. A special device emits a low electrical current through the water, blocking sweat glands over time. Each treatment takes 10 to 20 minutes. You may need repeated treatments. Insurance may cover the equipment, enabling you to do the therapy at home.
- Botox® injections: Injecting botulinum toxin into an overactive nerve can stop sweat production for months at a time. Treatments must be repeated and can be costly.
- Microwave therapy: Your provider places a high-tech device against the affected area. The device emits thermal energy , which destroys sweat glands permanently. Providers perform this hour-long procedure in their office. It can significantly reduce underarm sweating for good.
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What Symptoms Does Hyperhidrosis Cause
Hyperhidrosis symptoms can range widely in their severity and impact on your life. Minor symptoms may ebb and flow over a long time. Or excessive sweating may be an everyday challenge, a constant source of frustration and insecurity.
Hyperhidrosis affects people differently. Sweat may:
- Pool under your arms or around your back.
- Soak your shirt to the point that you need to change clothes to feel comfortable.
- Bead on your cheeks or forehead.
- Dampen or drip down your hands or soak your socks.
Excessive sweating may also lead to:
- Itching and inflammation when sweat irritates the affected area.
- Body odor, when bacteria on the skin mix with sweat particles.
- Residue from combinations of sweat, bacteria and chemicals , leaving noticeable marks on clothing.
- Skin changes, such as paleness or other discoloration, cracks or wrinkles.
- Maceration on the soles of your feet.
Your symptoms may offer clues to the type of hyperhidrosis you have. Excessive sweating due to focal hyperhidrosis usually affects both sides of the body . Focal hyperhidrosis doesnt cause night sweats and doesnt go away without treatment. People with generalized hyperhidrosis may sweat while sleeping.
What Causes Nervous Sweating
When it comes to being nervous, anxious, or stressed, everyone has their own triggers. You might become really nervous before an important meeting or before you have to give a big speech, while others may be really nervous when they meet someone for the first time or any time they go on a date. Of course, if youre in a situation that makes you nervous, the last thing you want to do is start sweating profusely.
Unfortunately, all of these feelings send red flags to your body telling it that youre on the brink of overheating. So your body starts producing extra sweat in an effort to stay cool. Its a completely natural process thats totally annoying and embarrassing.
When you know youll be faced with a circumstance thats a trigger for you, do everything you can to remain calm. The calmer you stay, the less likely you are to start sweating. We know this can be hard to do. To help, wipe your problem areas down with a SweatBlock towelette in advance if possible. This will reduce the amount of sweat your body produces, giving you one less thing to be stressed about.
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Removing Or Destroying Sweat Glands
Excessive sweating under the arms may occasionally be treated with a procedure to remove or destroy the sweat glands in the armpits.
This can be carried out in a number of ways:
- making an incision in the armpit and carefully scraping away or cutting out the sweat glands
- using a probe held above the skin , which emits electromagnetic radiation that destroys the sweat glands
- inserting a laser device under the skin through a small incision and using it to destroy the sweat glands
These procedures are generally carried out under local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake but your armpit will be numbed.
These procedures can sometimes be a permanent solution to excessive underarm sweating, although they are only carried out by a small number of practitioners. Availability on the NHS is likely to be very limited and you will probably need to pay for private treatment.
These procedures don’t work for everyone and some of them are relatively new, which means there isn’t always evidence about their long-term safety and effectiveness.
What Causes Of Excessive Face And Head Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is a common health condition that makes you sweat excessively. When hyperhidrosis affects your face and head, it is called Craniofacial Hyperhidrosis. The reason your body releases sweat is to cool down the body temperature.
But in the case of hyperhidrosis, you sweat too much without any reason, even when your body doesn’t need to cool down anyway. Almost 2 to 3 people in 100 are impacted by this condition.
Hyperhidrosis is of two types – primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis. When excessive sweating is not related to any underlying medical condition or ongoing medication, it is identified as primary focal hyperhidrosis. However, secondary hyperhidrosis is associated with underlying medical conditions or certain medications.
Besides these, there are other factors that lead to excessive sweating on your face and head. They are:
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